How to Plan a Road Trip From California to Las Vegas

The World Famous Las Vegas Sign

Las Vegas is a city famously known for being a desolate and fast-paced paradise that has a little something for everyone. The city is frequented by an average of 30 million visitors each year, making all of the hype more than justified. Because of the extremely high number of tourism, Las Vegas' McCarran Airport is one of the busiest in the world. Luckily for Californians, the road trip to Vegas can be quite easy. Due to the abundance of last minute "quick trips" to Vegas, there is some acknowledged protocol for those planning to drive.

Things You'll Need

• Vehicle
• Map or gps
• Driving partner
• Bottles of water
• Money (at least $100)
• Snacks
• iPod
• iPod adapter
• Change of clothes
• Cell phone
• AAA card if member

Instructions

1. 

   Mojave Desert

   Plan the date and time. Consider weekends and holidays to have particularly slower traffic on the roads due to the high impact of visitors making their way to Las Vegas. Also mind the time of day you plan on departing for the long drive.

2. Find at least one other person to drive with. Having an extra person will not only take off some of the driving so you can rest, but will also make it easier to stay awake on the tedious road.

3. Stock the car with drinking water and plenty of snacks. There are slim choices in eateries along the highway and chances are that items you buy before leaving might end up being fresher than items you buy on the road.

4. Pack an iPod and iPod adapter for the car. The remote highways that lead to Las Vegas can be very scarce in clear radio reception. It is a long drive through the desert and music is almost a necessity.

5. Stop at an ATM before heading on the road. There might not be another ATM along the road for a long time and it is always good to have some cash.

6. Fill the gas tank. Service stations along these highways can be very far apart. It is better to fill up more frequently than needed, than to wait until the car is almost empty and worry about where the next station is.

7. 

   Bellagio Fountains

   Map your route and drive. All highways from California to Las Vegas are very direct and straight forward, but it is always a good idea to keep track of where you are.

Tips & Warnings

• 1- Drive at night if possible. Not only do the roads tend to be more clear during the night, but the weather is much more manageable.

• 2- Bring a change of clothes to match various temperatures. The weather in the desert has both high and low extremes that are often unexpected.

• 1. Due to extreme heat, it is common for vehicles to overheat on the roads to Las Vegas. Always keep a couple of extra gallon water bottles in the car in case this happens. If any other car troubles arise, an AAA membership and a cell phone are helpful.

• 2. Be cautious about the return trip. After a weekend/week of cocktail-filled fun in the sun, people are often beyond exhausted by the end of their stay. Make sure at least one person gets some rest before departing Las Vegas. If more time is needed to recuperate, take the extra time because it is better to be safe than sorry.

References

• Las Vegas Leisure Guide : City Facts