Las Vegas Travel

Road Trip! I love screaming that right up until the moment it's time to drive back home. Might I suggest a road trip from Las Vegas instead? So you head to Las Vegas, you have a little fun and then you blast off on a road trip to the Grand Canyon. Sounds like fun right? Well, I personally am not a fan of the Grand Canyon, really it's a giant hole in the ground that has a limited possibilities since anything you want to see means hiking down to the bottom of the Canyon. However, the southwest of the United States has so much more to see. Yes, you can drive to the Grand Canyon but what if you decided on a few of the other far better National Parks within driving distance?

If I'm you and I really want to see some natural beauty in the Southwest I start in Las Vegas and start driving.

What You'll See Driving From Las Vegas

• Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park
• Las Vegas to Zion National Park
• Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park
• Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon National Park
• Las Vegas to Arches National Park
• Las Vegas to Mesa Verde National Park
• Las Vegas to Four Corners National Monument
• Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park

Roll the windows down, get a book on tape and pick up a decent map and explore the southwest from Las Vegas. When you are done you head back to the Las Vegas strip and the party gets going all over again.

Photograph © 2011 Zeke Quezada, licensed to About.com, Inc

Gordon Ramsay is in Las Vegas and he wants you to have steak in his new casually elegant yet comfortable restaurant, Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Las Vegas. I almost expect someone at the door to start cutting off neck ties when you walk in after listening to Ramsay discuss his new Steak house at Paris Las Vegas. His straightforward, no-nonsense demeanor would suggest that it really is about the food and that the appeal of fine dining has been left out of his newest project.

This past week I had a chance to watch him prepare a few items as well as discuss his project and I can tell you that the guy is likeable even in the way his personality would seem somewhat abrasive. His genuine respect for the food and the people who create it is enough for me to become a fan. Gordon Ramsay Steak is open at Paris Las Vegas and you can take a look at a few pictures of what you can expect in order to get yourself motivated.

Photograph © 2012 Zeke Quezada, licensed to About.com, Inc

Drinking, Dining and Diving? Yes, you can dive in Las Vegas and not just into the shallow end of the pool. Even though it is not new in 2012 I still love the the idea of being able to swim with the sharks at Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay Hotel. Take a look at some of my favorite things to do in Las Vegas and then send us a note with your favorites.

You can do virtually everything in Las Vegas so when you start planning your trip do the research and figure out just how much excitement you want before you get to the Las Vegas strip.

Where You Should Go In Las Vegas?
The Best Las Vegas Restaurants
The Best Las Vegas Shows
The Best Things To Do in Las Vegas?
The Best Nightclubs in Las Vegas?

Photograph © 2012 Zeke Quezada, licensed to About.com, Inc

Weather in Las Vegas is not always like you might think it is like. You might expect oppressive heat and then realize that the entire time you were at the pool it was fine. The truth is it is almost always perfect weather when you are in the casino. Walk around the hotel and you'll be so comfortable you won't want to leave. That's the idea so you can expect some pretty decent climate controlled hotels. However, I understand that you might want to walk along the Las Vegas strip or consider a day at the pool working on your tan while sipping a cocktail or two so that is why I have the Las Vegas weather covered for you.

Pack you swimsuit and load up on the SPF 50 because the temperatures are right at that spot where you'll have to be at the pool for at least a couple of hours. Summer is on the way so you should know what the weather in Las Vegas is like in June, July, August and September.

Check Out The 2012 Summer in Las Vegas Planning Tips

Need more ideas? 100 things to do in Las Vegas this summer

Planning your summer vacation in Las Vegas? This is what you need to make sure you get a great deal. Take your time and compare prices:

• Research prices with Best of Vegas
• Find a last minute deal with Expedia.com
• Check hotel prices with Kayak.com

You are set, now start planning!

Photograph © 2012 Zeke Quezada, licensed to About.com, Inc

If you need to find out what is happening this week or next week in Las Vegas check the Las Vegas Show Calendar to see what is happening in Las Vegas. Find a show or a headliner in time to buy tickets. If you need info on other shows make sure to check the guide to Las Vegas shows. If it's happening in Las Vegas you should find it here.

If you are not sure what show to see you might want to use our descriptions of the best shows in Las Vegas. From the fun family friendly shows to the adult shows that make you blush there is something for every type of show lover who visits Las Vegas. Don't make a quick decision on how you will spend your entertainment dollar and understand that not all shows are outrageously expensive.

If you need more ideas on shows in Las Vegas we have them:

• The Complete Guide to Las Vegas shows - Show listings for everything to see in Las Vegas entertainment
• The Best Shows in Las Vegas - These are the shows that are set apart from the rest.
• Las Vegas Shows by Type - This list should help you narrow down your show choices.
• The Best Kid Friendly Shows in Las Vegas - If you are taking the kids to Las Vegas these shows will work.
• Cirque Du Soleil Shows in Las Vegas - Acrobats, music and a form of entertainment that will captivate you.
• Magic Shows in Las Vegas - Need someone to make you feel like a fool?
• Adult Shows in Las Vegas - It's you and that special someone and you want a show that is on the edge and very "Vegas." These are the adult shows for you.

Photograph © 2012 Zeke Quezada, licensed to About.com, Inc

Cocktail, beer or wine? Tequila, bourbon, vodka? What ever you need most bars can get it for you. In Las Vegas it is about the drinks but it is also about the little things that make a few drinks special. If I'm in a noisy place I like the idea of whispering into the ear of my special someone. If I'm looking for a little romance I need the dark spot in the corner. If I want to be loud and rowdy I want a view and a few televisions to help me throttle back a few beers. The beauty of the Las Vegas strip is that the options are in abundance and you can hop from one bar to another without ever losing that slightly numb feeling.

Get some food in your stomach and then tour a few Las Vegas bars and have a few drinks. When you are done send me an E-mail or leave a comment and let me know what your favorites are.

Photograph © 2012 Zeke Quezada, licensed to About.com, Inc

Vacation time is coming up! It's around the corner and you are about to stress out about your ability to pay for a getaway. Traveling can be expensive and the hidden costs of going away are almost always just enough to keep you at home when you know you want to pack an overnight bag and get a little rest and relaxation. When you consider how little of your paycheck is left after taking care of all the responsibilities you are faced with the difficult question.

Can I Plan An Affordable Vacation?

Let me put things into perspective. If you want a beach the Mandalay Bay Hotel has one. If you want go to the top of the Eiffel Tower, Paris Las Vegas has an elevator for that. You need a picture with the Statue of Liberty, The Sphinx, A Castle or Julius Caesar? Las Vegas has all that for a fraction of the cost it would take you to travel to those locations. It's not the same, right?

Let me give you an example of affordability. The Tropicana Hotel recently renovated their hotel, the pool, the casino, the restaurants and you can stay there mid week during the summer for less than $60 per night. The pool is worth it alone but examine the idea that you get a great Las Vegas strip location along with a pool that will easily allow you some time for relaxation. On the corner of Las Vegas Blvd. and Tropicana you get access to 7 resorts with low cost food options, cheap entertainment and plenty of Las Vegas action.

Traveling with the family? The Flamingo Las Vegas has new rooms, a family pool and affordable food options. With a center strip location you can get to everything conveniently and you do not have to spend your rent money just to getaway.

You can plan acheap vacation in Las Vegas with a little help. Sure, you might be going a little cheap but I'm thinking a budget vacation is better than no vacation at all.

Planning a trip to Vegas? This is what you need:

• Research shows and hotels before you get to Las Vegas
• Find a last minute deal with Expedia.com
• Compare package deals with Southwest Airline Vacations
• Check hotel prices with Kayak.com

You are set, now start planning!

Need Las Vegas updates? Follow me on Twitter @ZekeQuezada

Photograph © 2011 Zeke Quezada, licensed to About.com, Inc

Entertaining your kids while on your vacation is a tough task regardless of where you decide to spend your break away from your daily life, in Las Vegas it would seem like that task is nearly impossible. While plenty of misconceptions will make you question whether or not you should head to the Las Vegas strip with your family during the spring or summer months you do have plenty of options and you r kids will have fun.

When deciding on Las Vegas for a family vacation the major factor is usually the price. It's no secret that you can get to Las Vegas and enjoy family friendly pools and entertainment for a fraction of the cost of the major destinations. However, are those diversions for the kids worth it? Check out my list of "Edutainment" activities for kids in Las Vegas and you might find a few things that will excite the adults as well.

Select a non-gaming hotel if you would rather your kids not race through a casino or find a family friendly hotel for your Las Vegas stay. You'll get great food options, a large pool and some fun family show options on the Las Vegas strip.

More Las Vegas family vacation resources

Photograph © 2012 Zeke Quezada, licensed to About.com, Inc

Summer vacation planning made easy. You need ideas and I cannot stop giving people advice even when it is clear they don't want to hear it. Over the next few days I'll be randomly posting tips on what to do, what to see and what to experience in Las Vegas. Use the ideas, share them with friends or send me your own suggestions.

Burger Bar Las Vegas
I mention burgers but I show you a picture of beer? What is wrong with me? Well, it is impossible to mention Burger Bar at Mandalay Place without mentioning their extensive beer selection. I love that their burger is under $10 but I love that their beer list is varied enough to make me excited and tempt me to stay for three or four more. They have some interesting alcoholic shakes as well but really, why would you do that when you can do a little sampling in the middle of the day?

Check Out The 2012 Summer in Las Vegas Planning Tips

Need more ideas? 100 things to do in Las Vegas this summer

Planning your summer vacation in Las Vegas? This is what you need to make sure you get a great deal. Take your time and compare prices:

• Research prices with Best of Vegas
• Find a last minute deal with Expedia.com
• Check hotel prices with Kayak.com

You are set, now start planning!

Photograph © 2012 Zeke Quezada, licensed to About.com, Inc

Line-up for some good food. Vegas Uncork'd by bon appetit is this weekend and for your sake I really hope you worked out a little before you begin this marathon of full blown foodie fanaticism. The highlight for me is the Grand tasting that is held at the Garden of the Gods at Caesars Palace. The entire pool area is surrounded by booths from restaurants from Bellagio Hotel, Caesars Palace, Mandalay Bay,The Cosmopolitan Hotel and more. You get 50 chefs and more than 100 wines and spirits. There is no messing around you will be at your limit by the end of the night. People will literally put food and drinks in your hand as you walk around. It is the food lovers Utopia!

While the Grand tasting at Vegas Uncork'd is usually my highlight this year there are a few very interesting events that are intriguing.

• The Spago 20th anniversary lunch with Wolfgang Puck looks fabulous, unfortunately I'm not going. If I hear that they had the meatloaf I might just lose it.
• And Then There Were Two With Michel Richard - If they don't have the fried chicken I'll lose it. The staff at Central is really good and one of my favorites Maile Bennet is there, I hope she sneaks me out some fried chicken.
• Follow That Food Truck - I'll stuff my face right to the point of exploding. The Snowono shave ice truck will be there and I'm sure it will be ono!
• Paella Lunch with Jose Andres at the Cosmopolitan - I am going to need to find an invitation for this one because I can't lie, his food is so good I might be developing a mancrush.
• Celebrity Chef Poker Tournament - FYI, I'll be crashing a table and trying to get on some of the action. My card skills are insane and these guys can swirl a skillet but I'm sure I can take down a few chefs at the tables.
• Surfside Beach Clambake - A warm night, food by the water and some cocktails. You know it will be good, right?

Check out the full schedule for Vegas Uncork'd going on this weekend in Las Vegas

Photograph © 2012 Zeke Quezada, licensed to About.com, Inc