Though Paris holds the title “City of Light,” you know Las Vegas is a worthy contender for that title as well if you’ve ever been there. As a city that is always moving, always performing, and always glowing, there is very literally an endless selection of activities to partake in, regardless of the season or time of day.
But how do you plan a trip to Las Vegas? With so many options, the prospect can be a bit overwhelming, not to mention expensive. That’s why we at Las Vegas Pest Control want to throw our hat in the ring and provide you with our locally sourced opinion of the steps you should take to prepare, the must-see attractions, what to do in Las Vegas with kids, and how to plot out accommodations during your stay without breaking the bank.
Perhaps most importantly, we’ll give you some tips on how to avoid bringing home some unwanted guests in the form of bedbugs.
Research: Know Before You Go
Las Vegas is known for its luxurious hotels, casinos, and entertainment. However, before you pack your bags and head to Sin City, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First of all, the weather can be scorching hot during the summer months, with average highs over 100 degrees Fahrenheit all season long, so be sure to bring breezy, comfortable clothing and plenty of sunblock. Be sure to bring a swimsuit as well, if you intend to spend any time poolside.
Secondly, it’s important to remember that Las Vegas is a city that never sleeps. From the bright lights of the strip to the constant sounds of slot machines, it can be overwhelming for some visitors. If you’re sensitive to noise or need a good night’s sleep, consider staying off the main strip or bringing earplugs. When planning what to do in Las Vegas, it never hurts to put your own comfort and care first.
Lastly, you’ll want to build a considerable amount of disposable income to drop before you pull the trigger on a Las Vegas trip. Even visiting with conservative intentions is going to cost you more than most cities. It’s part of the reputation and expectation. Make peace with this before you buy your plane tickets.
Itinerary: Create a Plan
Whether you want to create a plan yourself, or hire someone to organize your itinerary for you, you’re not going to want to wing it in Las Vegas. There are a couple of reasons for this. On the one hand, while you can find a decent number of options just by exploring the city on foot or by car, most of its greatest offerings will be out of sight, or you’ll do things in a less-than-ideal order and waste a lot of time going back and forth. More importantly, major events or attractions will often require you to make reservations in advance.
Here’s what we suggest: Figure out what you want to do first. Do some research about what casinos, restaurants, and other activities are most appealing to you, and then organize them by area and time. This way, you know where you’re going and at what time, and you shouldn’t need to travel too far between each.
Here’s a few of our favorite places and activities:
- Fountains of Bellagio. Very tourist-centric, and for good reason. The dancing Fountains of Bellagio are an iconic element of the city’s bravado.
- Fremont Street. A stretch of Las Vegas that boasts a steel canopy with 130,000 square feet of LED lights. While standing beneath this canopy (or visiting one of the street’s many bars or stores), you can watch as one of the world’s largest screens displays mind-melting effects, like traveling through space or swirls of colors.
- The Wynn. The Wynn Las Vegas Casino is, in our opinion, one of the city’s best casinos (and there are quite a few). What sets this one apart is its scope and sense of luxury, along with an ensemble of prestigious restaurants.
- The Strip. Of course, if you’re visiting Las Vegas, you must make at least one trip to the Strip. If you’re checking out the Fountains of Bellagio, congratulations! You’re already there! The Strip is the highest concentration of activity you’ll find in the city, with casinos, mega hotels, shopping malls, and concert halls galore.
Certain activities, like visiting the Grand Canyon, are likely to be all-day affairs (or close), so plan accordingly.
What To Do in Las Vegas With Kids
So maybe you know what to expect in Vegas as an adult, but the problem is most of the things you’re thinking of probably aren’t too child-friendly. What are parents to do?
If you have kids that need entertainment in Sin City that is light on the “sin,” here are a few cool options.
- Container Park. This downtown shopping and entertainment complex is full of unique restaurants and bars, features live entertainment for the family, and even has an enormous play structure that’s perfect for kids. Container Park is a great place to spend an entire day with kids in Las Vegas.
- Hershey’s Chocolate World. The only “sin” in Hershey’s Chocolate World is that there are a lot of sweets and plenty of room for you to indulge. Admire the 800-pound sculpture of the Statue of Liberty while chowing down on some of your favorite candy brands.
- Fun Dungeon at Excalibur. Don’t let the name fool you. This expansive arcade is crammed with games, lights, and excitement that will appeal to every kid’s high-energy side.
- Shark Reef Aquarium. We’re pretty sure sharks are one of those things that are universally awe-inspiring, regardless of age. If you need to fill a morning or afternoon with an adventure dyed in shades of deep blue, the Shark Reef Aquarium is the place to go!
Accommodations: Choose Wisely
Your chosen accommodations boil down to a matter of preference. There are more than enough hotels of different sizes for you to choose from (many of which also function as their own shopping centers), or you can go cozy with an Airbnb or similar option.
Our biggest recommendation is that you should focus on location and price. If you’ve noticed most of the stuff you’re interested in doing is in a certain part of the city, do your best to find lodging accommodations in that area, so you can quickly reach your destinations and have an easily accessible base of operations throughout the day.
You can use a website like vegas.com or another hotel finder to book your stay months in advance, often saving money in the process.
You’re Ready! Now Make Sure You Don’t Bring Home Any Bedbugs
Now that you’ve learned how to plan a trip to Las Vegas, there’s one more important thing to keep in mind: bedbugs. In a busy travel destination like Las Vegas, there’s always a chance of encountering these hitchhikers when staying in a hotel or Airbnb. If bedbugs get into your clothes or luggage, you may bring them back home with you, possibly resulting in an infestation.
To protect yourself from bedbugs in Las Vegas, here are some tips:
- Make sure to read reviews from previous guests before you book your hotel stay. Multiple reports of bedbug encounters or general uncleanliness could be a sign that you should stay somewhere else.
- Check the bed before you set anything down. Signs of bedbugs include brown stains on the mattress, discarded shells along the wall or bed frame, and the presence of eggs, droppings, or even bedbugs themselves. If you notice these signs, report them to the front desk immediately and request a refund.
- Put all your clothes into a plastic bag before you leave, and immediately put them in the washing machine when you get home. A run through the wash and a tumble in the dryer on high heat should be enough to kill any errant bedbugs and their eggs.
Protect Your Home and Business From Bedbugs With Las Vegas Pest Control
If you are from Las Vegas or you own a business in the greater Las Vegas area, be wary of the presence of bedbugs, termites, and other pests. Especially if you own or operate an Airbnb, you will want to stay on top of your pest treatment. Learning that your travelers are picking up bedbugs from your lodging is a quick road to business-crushing bad reviews.
Fortunately, this fate can be easily avoided by staying vigilant and performing consistent upkeep between renters. Las Vegas Pest Control has cultivated an effective anti-bedbug treatment for precisely this purpose.
When it comes to bedbugs, sooner is always better than later, and you deserve to be free of the headache they can cause. If you’re worried you might have an infestation in your own home or one in your charge, give us a call so we can get started on immediate eradication.
