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Las Vegas & the Grand Canyon: A First-Timer’s Guide

True. Authentic. From Personal Experience. 

Vegas….no matter what you say about this city, you will never be able to fully describe it. I can promise you this – you will either hate it for what it symbolises or you will simply fall in love with the feeling that everything is possible in famous Sin City. If you are a future first-time visitor, keep reading to find out the best things to do in Las Vegas and what sights to avoid…

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Endless entertainment, bright lights, colourful skyline, countless casinos, impressive architectural creations, unique street performers and sleepless nights…this doesn’t even begin to describe it. As I had the unique chance to visit this magical city, I am sharing with you some insightful tips and recommendations from my own personal experience:

Must-See: The Strip. No trip to Las Vegas would be complete without the legendary Strip. You can go inside the famous hotels and casinos and I truly advise you to do so…Witness with your own eyes the exquisite interior, decorations, secret gardens, artistic paintings and other stunning masterpieces. My favourites are Bellagio, Caesar’s Palace, Luxor and the Venetian. Don’t miss the magical show of the fountains of Bellagio, running every hour!

Pass: The Vegas Sign. A complete disappointment as it is always crowded and the view from there is simply not worth it. Instead, try the rooftop bar offering stunning panoramic vistas of the Stratosphere Hotel.

For the adrenaline junkies:  Try the Big Shot, one of the world’s highest amusement rides as you are shot 160 feet in the air at 45 miles per hour and you have Las Vegas and the Valley at your feet. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment for me and my fellow travellers.

Hidden Gem: Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas. It is an incredible entertainment and gaming destination right in the heart of Old Vegas, full of performers, colourful light shows and authentic American bars.

Tip: Try to avoid spending too much time outside during the day as it gets really hot.  It can get up to 50°C..it is a desert after all!  A possible solution would be to spend the day by the pool of your hotel (it’s Vegas, you definitely need one!) and go out in the evening when the city comes to life.

The Grand Canyon – a day-trip from Vegas

Which Rim to visit?

You have probably heard about the four different Rims of the Grand Canyon – the North, the South, the West and the East Rim. The South Rim is often believed to be the true authentic experience and is undoubtedly the most popular one. It features family-friendly facilities and more than a dozen spectacular viewpoints. The one I chose to visit, however, was the West Rim as it is the closest one to Las Vegas. It is also home to the world-famous Glass Skywalk. The Little Colorado River Tribal Park is among the best-kept secrets of the East Rim, whereas the North Rim has the shortest tourist season and least volume of tourists due to its relatively low temperatures.

Must-See: The West Rim

One of my all-time favourite spots in the world is definitely the breathtaking Grand Canyon. I could honestly spend hours marvelling at the vast wilderness of this natural wonder and observe the Colorado River winding its way through giant red rocks. The authentic Indian gift shop and guides from the local indigent community were just another bonus which made this one of the most memorable trips I have ever experienced.

Must-See: The View from the famous Eagle Point.

Hidden Gem: Hualapai Tribe Ranch. Visit the authentic Indian settlement village of the West Rim, where you can try bull-riding, master archery and indulge in the Wild West’s true colours.

Tip: Bring plenty of suntan lotion, water bottles and wear a hat as the temperatures can be unbearable at times. Don’t venture far from your group leader or the main facilities as you may have an unpleasant encounter with a snake or a scorpion and spend the rest of your trip at the local hospital!

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Dreaming about a fabulous trip to Las Vegas? Call the USA experts free on 0800 707 6229 and our friendly travel experts will organize everything for you.

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