Las Vegas

Found in the state of Nevada the city of Las Vegas is famous throughout the world mostly due to its enormous casinos and has a reputation as a good time city.

The city also has fantastic attractions throughout the city including the enormous shopping malls which will keep even the most ardent shopper busy for the day. There are a number of museums in the city which are a good way of learning about the history of the city and the state of Nevada. If you get tired of the bright lights of Vegas you can always go for a trip outside the city as not far from the city there are notable landmarks which are of interest to visit including the Hoover dam and in the next county of Arizona is the Grand Canyon which is always worth a visit.

There are plenty of attractions for the children as well as with many adventure theme parks with roller coasters and other attractions. There are also calmer attractions to visit like the aquariums, zoos and the must visit Ethel M Chocolate Factory Tour and Cactus Garden.

The nightlife in Vegas is second to none in the country and there are many restaurants and bars on offer throughout the city or obviously you can visit one of the many casinos for a fun night out. There are a huge number of restaurants in the city which have on offer any type of cuisines from around the world. The nightclubs go throughout the night and challenge even the most ardent party goer.

Destination Information:

Getting There

Select Vacations offers business and economy flights with Qantas Airways, United Airlines, Delta Airways and Hawaiian Airlines.

Visa

All Australian passport holders visiting or transiting the United States under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for an ESTA, preferably at least three days (or 72 hours) prior to travel to the United States, at a cost of USD14. ESTA is a web-based system administered by the United States Government that determines the preliminary eligibility of visitors to travel under the Visa Waiver Program prior to boarding a carrier to the United States. Travellers who do not have a valid ESTA may be denied boarding in Australia by the airline. To obtain a travel authorisation, each family member travelling is required to complete the ESTA application using the online system.

Go to http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/

Passport

Valid passport required by all Australian nationals. The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport.

Currency & Credit Cards

The local currency is the United States Dollar (USD) The  banknotes are in denominations of $1, $2, $5, $20, $50 & $100. Coins are in denominations of US Dollar $1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

Weather

The weather in Las Vegas is part of what makes the town a top holiday destination. With more than 300 days of sun every year, weather in Las Vegas is perfect for your holiday plans. Las Vegas basically has two seasons: Warm and hot. For the most part, regardless of when you travel to Las Vegas, you can count on clear skies and relatively decent weather, though summers in this desert town can be brutally hot. Nonetheless, Las Vegas is a thriving city year round.

Getting Around

First-timers and visitors who are staying in any of the hotels on and off the strip and want to spend their time on the Vegas Strip, don't need a car. Take a taxi or Shuttle from McCarran International Airport to your hotel. To sight-see, take the Deuce, the Trolley, Monorail or simply walk. For plans that involve anything outside the strip area or downtown, having your own car is highly recommended.

General Hints

Tipping in America is expected and 15-20% is the expected amount to be paid. (Please note that the tip is major and vital part of the waiter/bar person’s weekly remuneration).

Take the plunge or renew your vows as an Elvis impersonator serenades you at this tiny white chapel, a Las Vegas staple for 50 years.

Visit the Bellagio Fountains where fountains put on their show -- wonderful timed to music choreography.

Jersey Boys is the Tony Award winning story about Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

Experience the thrill of skydiving without an airplane or parachute. This vertical wind tunnel produces up to 120 mph of wind, enough to lift your body so you can fly!

Mac King Comedy This is an inexpensive afternoon comedy magic show for the whole family - give or take one or two risqué gags.

Exciting musical production pays tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes,Four dynamic performers lend their world-class vocal abilities to over 30 of his biggest hits, from touching, heartfelt solos to rousing group numbers.