Las Vegas guide and MSE thread 2015

traveller

ACG wrote: »

We agreed that we would do LV and LA. My mrs loved LV and we had already done LA so to drag her away because I did not like it was not fair on her. I didnt dislike it as such, its just not lived up to my expectations

I drove to LA and back but was not completely happy driving over there. An automatic in a busy area full of tourists in a place I do not know, I was happy to give the car back. I would probably have found some interest in some of the national parks but my mrs would have been bored. We could have done it as a tour I suppose one day but I would not have fancied driving.

There was a british pub off the strip, it was nice to go there and get a full english (or the closest thing to one over there).

I loved Santa Monica What did you think of universal? I didn't really like it in 2007 preferring the Orlando one. Seeing it on youtube though it does look good, although I'm not sure to trust your judgement after comparing LV to Blackpool Thanks

John259

Driving varies from one extreme to the other. Out in the country on the open road traffic levels are very low and it's easy and relaxing. The Los Angeles freeways though are extremely stressful - well, they are to me. Normal streets in cities I don't find a problem so long as you're patient and are prepared to wait for the traffic lights.

If the national parks or scenic roads such as the Pacific Coast Highway interest anyone, there are plenty of good videos on YouTube (in amongst a lot of bad ones) which give you an excellent idea of what those places offer.

ACG

I dont want to say the cost was an issue as it wasnt as such, but the holiday for everything cost best part of £4k, im yet to see my credit card so it could have topped that.

It wasnt a problem, its probably the last big holiday we have for some time as I think it will be time for kids next year and becoming a real adult so money was more of a minor issue. But when your spending £50 on something that last 30 minutes on a daily basis plus eating out every day you do start thinking that there needs to be a line drawn at some point.

I would have liked to see the grand canyon but I was told you need to pay for the tour, pay to go on the road to the canyon and then again to take photos - which in all honesty got my back up a little. I realise people need to make money but that is taking the proverbial.

ACG

LA freeways were horrendous going. Seeing blown out tyres on roads with no markings was scary. Comign back they were a lot quieter and so not too bad.

I preferred universal at orlando (although I went there about 20 years ago as a kid). In saying that, I did enjoy it and we both agree it was the best day of the holiday.

John259

ACG wrote: »

I would have liked to see the grand canyon but I was told you need to pay for the tour, pay to go on the road to the canyon and then again to take photos - which in all honesty got my back up a little. I realise people need to make money but that is taking the proverbial.

That's the West Rim (Grand Canyon West) where the Skywalk is.

However, the entrance fee for the South Rim (the national park, and the far more scenic option) is $30 per car-load for seven days with nothing more to pay (except accommodation, food, drink, gifts, etc). That entrance fee also includes unlimited use of the free shuttle buses. Accommodation in the park is expensive but there are plenty of decent motels with much lower prices in Williams and Flagstaff if you prefer. But the South Rim is about 275 miles from Las Vegas by road - but very easy driving.

ACG

Ah, oops! Maybe I should have looked in to it a little more.

John259

ACG wrote: »

Ah, oops! Maybe I should have looked in to it a little more.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and if you're working etc then there just isn't time to research everything.

ACG

Oh well, Blackpool next year :P

John259

I'll risk a few links to videos. I know some people here don't like them, so just ignore this post if you prefer. I didn't make any of the videos and I don't know any of the people who did.

Trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon (south rim):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZ96869QOMI

Zion National Park (primarily about the shuttle buses, but look at the scenery in the background):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy02Db2R7wI

Pacific Coast Highway:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypfy7XHjRl4

Yosemite - Mariposa Grove to Yosemite Valley:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXiB4wre6xk

Yosemite - Glacier Point:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APxCtZ76JY4

ACG

Will take a look.