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If anyone has any ideas or advice on visiting LA and/or Vegas then I would be greatful to hear as I'm off there for my 1st US visit in 3 days. Must say I'm sooo looking forward to it - worried about the heat though!

While you're at it when's the best time to visit Arizona? Ever since I saw my first Ford western I've wanted to visit.

I hear that the temperatures around that area can get REALLY hot around this time of year, that's why I guess it's better to go towards the start or end of the year, especially if you can't stand 35+ degree heat

I lived in Las Vegas for 3 years. If you can take it in August, you can take heat!

* It's very dry; bring lots of chapstick and skin cream.

* Rent a car. You can spend days on the strip without seeing everything, it's true, but make a special effort to see Mt. Charleston and Red Rock. They're beautiful.

* Stay away from the slots. If you want to play slots, spend the 10 bucks you would've lost in the slots anyway & buy a pocket video slot game. Same thing.

* Eat. Las Vegas has the greatest chefs in the world. Really.

* Learn to pronounce Nevada properly. the first a is pronounced as in Spam, not as in Father. The locals will appreciate the effort.

* Let us know how it went. Take notes & pics.



And for Chrissakes, have fun!:-6

Cheers for the help AC - I will definately let everyone know how it goes. I already have a trip to the Grand Canyon booked, and am really looking forward to it.

Don't be surprised mind u if I bring back tales of money being spent (and lost) on the poker tables :-6

gmc wrote: While you're at it when's the best time to visit Arizona? Ever since I saw my first Ford western I've wanted to visit.


Stay away from Arizona in the summer months - 110 F in the shade.

Texas Hold'em is the big rage here in the US, thanks to reality TV.

Haha must say I have been practicing my Texas hold em skills just for this trip. We have it shown all the time here on tv, I'm amazed how rapidly it's grown.

By the sounds of it I'm gonna need a whole suitcase full of sunscreen and liquids, good job that I drink huge amounts of water every day.

chrisb84uk wrote: By the sounds of it I'm gonna need a whole suitcase full of sunscreen and liquids, good job that I drink huge amounts of water every day.


LA is huge, and dirty and has some high crime areas, approach with caution. LV in August is killer hot, but like mentioned rent a car. And you just run between AC casinos and AC car. How long you staying in the areas? The strip of LV has hours of entertainment, and things to see, it really is grand....As a tourist I would go back in a heartbeat, but ACC can tell you more I am sure.

LA well gee Universal Studios, Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, 6 Flags Mgc Mountain all cool. Hollywood, Manns Chinese Theater, the walk of stars, stay away not worth it and all have gone down hill. And loads of homeless and high crime.

Cheers for the info Minks. I'm leaving for Vegas in 3 days, and staying there for a week, then staying in LA for 5 days and finally at the Grand Canyon for the last 2 days (very hectic I know.) I've already done loads of research on the whole trip, but was hoping for kind people like yourself to help with any ideas, which I greatly appreciate

chrisb84uk wrote: Cheers for the info Minks. I'm leaving for Vegas in 3 days, and staying there for a week, then staying in LA for 5 days and finally at the Grand Canyon for the last 2 days (very hectic I know.) I've already done loads of research on the whole trip, but was hoping for kind people like yourself to help with any ideas, which I greatly appreciate


Ahhh no troubles, I am strictly a tourist of the areas, so I hope anyone residing in those places won't be offended hehehehe

I suppose if you have never been it will all seem awesome to you. As for Cali hmmm I prefered San Francisco, San Diego, for the larger cities hehehehe If you are renting a car the entire time, I highly reccomend you drive on south to San Diego, gorgeous city. Sea World, Wild Animal Park, are both Fabo. Gosh I hope whatever you choose to do you have fun. I am jealous I would love to go back to either LV or Calif anywhere. If you like rollercoasters LV has 2 one in NYNY which is a hoot, and at the other end of the strip Stratosphere, not made it onto that one yet. If you love coasters more than that, 6 flags magic mountain or universal studios. Both worth the visit.

All of California is wonderful. when you get a chance, go north. San Francisco, Napa valley wine country, Gorgeous!

Accountable wrote: All of California is wonderful. when you get a chance, go north. San Francisco, Napa valley wine country, Gorgeous!


I have to agree with you AC, I really need to get back again and visit more of Cali. I loved the Ramona area, Carmel, San Rafael, Sacramento, gosh I feel a trip coming on ahahahahaha

I am trying to arrange New Years Eve in LV this year. I dunno if I can swing it but am trying.

Thanks for the advice guys all is greatly appreciated. Unfortunately this is a family holiday, which although I am planning, is up to my parents to decide on what is final. I was hoping to go to San Francisco, but was told that it was too far out of our reach, but I can't complain just visiting California is good enough for me.

chrisb84uk wrote: Thanks for the advice guys all is greatly appreciated. Unfortunately this is a family holiday, which although I am planning, is up to my parents to decide on what is final. I was hoping to go to San Francisco, but was told that it was too far out of our reach, but I can't complain just visiting California is good enough for me.


Good enough then, and yes sadly San Fran is a wee bit to far North if your heading to LA sooo regardless you will enjoy it I am sure. Take loads of pics to share with us all here ok ahahahahah

Will do

This is your first trip to the U.S.?? How very cool!!! You will be floored by the Grand Canyon. It's absolutely stunning. You only have 2 days, but make a special effort to see it at sunset. It's well worth it.

Welcome to the U.S.!!! :yh_flag

Thanks BR I shall tell everyone how it went when I get back (you still have another 2 days of me yet though )

chrisb84uk wrote: Thanks BR I shall tell everyone how it went when I get back (you still have another 2 days of me yet though )
I'm glad you're hanging around, Chris. Too often we get new members who introduce, then we never hear from them again. It's disappointing! I really hope you stick around, we need new blood 'round here!! :yh_bigsmi

Cheers BR, must say everyone here has made me feel very welcome so a BIG thanks to u all

Hi Chris, I saw you in the introductions thread, but I didn't say anything for the exact reason BR gives...too many just don't stick around.

I live in the four corners (where Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado meet) so I'm close to las Vegas and have been there lots of times.

1. Just because it looks like it's right across the street doesn't mean anything, it's over a mile away so think twice about walking although they do have very nice moving sidewalks over by the Venetian and the Bellagio.

2. See the fountains of Bellagio...they're absolutely amazing, but see them at night when they are lit up, it's even better.

3. Eat at the buffets for value...all you can eat for 12 bucks and the food is amazing.

4. Ride the rides at the top of the spire, you'll freak out.

5. Stay away from the slot machines, that's how they built Las Vegas, mathematically, you don't stand a chance. But take a chance on the $1,000,000 slot it's worth a buck just for the fun of it.

6. Play blackjack and craps, at least you have somewhat of a chance of winning. the videopoker machines aren't quite as bad as the slots either.

7. Circus, Circus is old and over-rated. Definitely see "Star Trek" the experience at the Hilton. for a small ticket price you get beamed up, get to run around on the Enterprise and fly in a shuttle. It's totally worth it.

8. Also see the dolphins.

9. Don't miss Fremont Street. The sight of a mile long television set the size of a football stadium over your head is incredible.

10. Watch out for the 70-mph rollercoaster at the sheraton. It almost broke my neck once.

11. Get some T-shirts, they're cheap and cool.

12. Rest during the day and swim in the hotel pool, it's after dark that the city really powers up.

13. Stay away from the hookers.

14. Don't go into a casino with more money than you are prepared to lose, after all a casino is mathematically designed to take your money. Don't get upset or compulsive when gambling. Consider it entertainment, like going to a movie. It's not a way to get rich, believe me.

15. If you are drunk, stay away from the shops at the Venetian, they deliberately put artwork that is very delicate out where people can bump into and damage it. Some of the pieces are worth upwards of $12,000. You break it, you pay for it.

Jives wrote: Hi Chris, I saw you in the introductions thread, but I didn't say anything for the exact reason BR gives...too many just don't stick around.

I live in the four corners (where Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado meet) so I'm close to las Vegas and have been there lots of times.

1. Just because it looks like it's right across the street doesn't mean anything, it's over a mile away so think twice about walking although they do have very nice moving sidewalks over by the Venetian and the Bellagio.

2. See the fountains of Bellagio...they're absolutely amazing, but see them at night when they are lit up, it's even better.

3. Eat at the buffets for value...all you can eat for 12 bucks and the food is amazing.

4. Ride the rides at the top of the spire, you'll freak out.

5. Stay away from the slot machines, that's how they built Las Vegas, mathematically, you don't stand a chance. But take a chance on the $1,000,000 slot it's worth a buck just for the fun of it.

6. Play blackjack and craps, at least you have somewhat of a chance of winning. the videopoker machines aren't quite as bad as the slots either.

7. Circus, Circus is old and over-rated. Definitely see "Star Trek" the experience at the Hilton. for a small ticket price you get beamed up, get to run around on the Enterprise and fly in a shuttle. It's totally worth it.

8. Also see the dolphins.

9. Don't miss Fremont Street. The sight of a mile long television set the size of a football stadium over your head is incredible.

10. Watch out for the 70-mph rollercoaster at the sheraton. It almost broke my neck once.

11. Get some T-shirts, they're cheap and cool.

12. Rest during the day and swim in the hotel pool, it's after dark that the city really powers up.

13. Stay away from the hookers.

14. Don't go into a casino with more money than you are prepared to lose, after all a casino is mathematically designed to take your money. Don't get upset or compulsive when gambling. Consider it entertainment, like going to a movie. It's not a way to get rich, believe me.

15. If you are drunk, stay away from the shops at the Venetian, they deliberately put artwork that is very delicate out where people can bump into and damage it. Some of the pieces are worth upwards of $12,000. You break it, you pay for it.


Jives is Wise

L.A. rocks! The heat, ah come on, its summer and the beautiful beaches are there. Laguna, Corona del Mar, Newport, Huntington, etc. If you're going to the amusement centers, start out in the morning when it is cooler, but hey, it's dry heat. Eat lots of good Mexican food for me!

:-6 Your first trip to the US excellent.

Just have fun. LA is big if you go toward the coast Highway 101 and drive either north or south you will see some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. If you come far enough south you will be in my home town SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA :-6 Beaufitul city and beautiful weather.

LAS VEGAS There is so much going on there now you will have no problem finding things to do.. JIVES gave you a good plan of action.

Yes the weather is a bit hot now all over the US but don't let that stop you.

The GRAND CANYON Is awesome, I have hiked down, rode the donkey's down, taken a helicopter down the south face. You will be left breathless at its beauty.. it is a sight worth seeing.

WELCOME TO THE UNITED STATED OF AMERICA I HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY IN OUR COUNTRY.. PLEASE LET US KNOW HOW IT WENT UPON YOUR RETURN..OF COURSE UNLESS YOUR TAKING A LAPTOP AND WILL BE WIRED.. THEN WE CAN FOLLOW YOUR JOURNEY..

I lived in L.A. when I was a kid. I went to Disneyland once a year. Knotts Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Wax Museum, and especially the La Brea Tar Pits are worth visiting. (La Brea has ice age relics like the sabre toothed tiger) It's muggy this time of year with fog rolling out by mid morning.

Las Vegas is good if you just want glamour and glitz. Visit the big hotels and then go see Lake Mead and Hoover Dam.

BIG thanks for all the information everyone, it really is much appreciated. I will make sure that I give a full (maybe quite long at this rate) report when I get back on the 30th of August.

Take me along to see my family!



*squeezing into his luggage*

Have loads of fun.

Ok well it is time for the big day tommorow, I thank everyone for their help over the last few days and wish u all a happy next few weeks :-6

chrisb84uk wrote: Ok well it is time for the big day tommorow, I thank everyone for their help over the last few days and wish u all a happy next few weeks :-6Hope you're not travelling with BA.......

Hope you have a happy lovely hol Chris,:-6 take care xx

Thanks Abbey I will have lots to tell when I get back take care everyone bye for now

ArnoldLayne wrote: Its been a bit of an ambition of mine to do the western states in a huge American car. I want to see Monument Valley like in the films and Yellowstone.



Ive heard that if I do , its a good idea to stay at the motels along the way. What do you reckon ?
If you're going cross-country, a car's really the only way to go. We don't have the comprehensive rail system other country's have. We fell in love with the freedom granted by automobiles, instead.



The departure schedule's better, too.