Getting around Las Vegas Cheaply

photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/http2007/2203943640/

Las Vegas is a city that is created for tourists.  Most casinos go to extraordinary lengths to make sure that visitors have more than enough to do without having to exit out the front door.  The result is a collection of complexes that are more like resorts than merely places to gamble, eat and sleep. 

Of course, to get a true taste of Sin City, it is best to explore beyond the front doors of the MGM Grand or Caesar’s Palace.  This means finding transportation.  That can be anything from purchasing a decent pair of walking shoes to renting a limo to drive you from front door to front door.   

Of course, it is relatively straightforward to get from place to place on the Las Vegas Strip on foot.  That said, the miles can quickly add up when you are not only walking from casino to casino but also exploring the extensive interiors each entertainment complex.

Luckily for thrifty Sin City visitors, it is easy to use public transit to get around Las Vegas. 

The Monorail

The Las Vegas Monorail is a good way to get around the Strip without having to rely completely on foot power.  Tickets are a bit on the pricy side, however.   Tickets cost $5 for a one-way trip, though multiple ride passes and long term passes are available.   The monorail is expensive compared to other forms of public transit in Las Vegas.  Some people also criticize it for being less convenient than one might expect.  This is because it runs behind many hotels and casinos, forcing passengers to walk rather long distances from the stop to the main area of the casino.

photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/philip-rosie/155541180/

Citizens Area Transit Bus

The CAT #301 bus is the best value in town.  It runs up and down the Strip 24 hours per day.  Fares are $1.75, with all-day passes available for only $4.  The double-decker Deuce buses are a more expensive option aimed specifically at tourists (OK, that’s pretty much everyone who is on the Strip at a given time).  Fares are $3.  Keep in mind that buses are not totally immune from the traffic jams that are a common occurrence on the Strip.  However, an all-day pass on the CAT bus is still cheaper than a single ride on the monorail or a short taxi ride. 

Taxi

Taxis are the most convenient way to get around Vegas.  The meters on cabs start at $3.30.  Rides along the Strip and from the Strip to Downtown Las Vegas cost between $10 and $20.  Of course, if you are traveling with more than one person or with a larger group of people (3-5 can ride in one taxi), the cost per person goes down, making it cheaper to hop into a cab than to hop on the bus.   

Car Rental

Renting a car in Las Vegas has both pros and cons.  As the city grows, traffic on highways and main roads gets worse and worse.  Traffic on the Strip is almost always heavy, so you can expect slow going.  On the other hand, driving is the most convenient way to get from one part of the city to another.  If you plan to do a lot of casino hopping or if you plan to see sites in the desert outside the city or in areas away from the Strip, a car is your best option as far as price and convenience are concerned.  Parking is easy because all casinos offer free valet parking (free, but the valet will expect a tip of several dollars).  So you will have to weigh the traffic against the convenience and easy parking (a rarity in any other American city).  If you only plan an occasional trip up or down the Strip, taxis and buses should suffice.   

photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/joanna8555/4490673905/

On Foot

The Strip can be negotiated on foot.  Many people only rely on foot-power while in Vegas (except for a cab to and from the airport).  However, keep in mind that distances between casinos, even those right next to each other, can be quite long.  And hotels and casinos are huge, meaning that once you arrive on the grounds of your destination, you still may have to find your way through various hallways and plazas before finally reaching the place where you want to go.   That said, if you feel comfortable with walking it is the ultimate cheap way to get around Las Vegas. 

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Lindsey has been a travel blogger for over 4 years. Most recently she is the lead blogger for Airline Tickets & Airport Parking which provides unique travel advice for air travel and airports.

Top 5 Berlin Hotels with a view

Berlin is one of the 21st century’s most exciting places to visit. Full of contrast, the architecture reflects the changing times and turbulent history the city has experienced. The panoramic views from these romantic hotels guarantee a charming bird’s eye view of Germany’s cultural capital, perfect for a loved-up getaway.

Park Inn Berlin - Alexanderplatz – If this towering 4 star hotel is an iconic eyesore, it offers some of the best views of Berlin. It soars high over Berlin's famous Alexanderplatz and is within striking distance of the Fernsehturm (TV tower). The mirrored facade houses 37 floors of fashionably furnished accommodation and the top floor houses one of the world’s most stunning views from a casino – especially if you’re into the Soviet architecture typical of East Berlin.

Soho House Berlin – Berlin’s newest private members club and hotel has just 40 bedrooms and was originally opened as a department store in 1928. The building was then seized by the Nazis in 1942 and used as a base for the Hitler Youth. It remained derelict after appending much of the cold war as Communist party headquarters, and was bought by the Soho House group who have converted it into one of the trendiest addresses in Berlin’s Mitte. The rooftop terrace boasts stunning views across central Berlin which guests and club members can enjoy from the sleek swimming pool and rather garden style furniture.

The Westin Grand Berlin - This elegant hotel dominates one corner of the crossroads at the Unter den Linden / Friedrichstrasse crossroads. Views over the prestigious shopping streets and the wide boulevard are unbeatable. In walking distance of Museum island, theatres and opera houses, it’s no wonder this was the favoured hotel of Russian diplomats and their families during the Cold War. Lovers of luxury will not be disappointed with the makeover which brings muted greys, silver and mirrors to this historic building; whilst the garden to the back of the hotel is a true oasis in the centre of the city, perfect for Sunday brunches.

Grand Hyatt Berlin – Just like its location on Potsdamer Platz, this superbly designed hotel exemplifies the innovation which modern architects thrive on in this buzzing area of Berlin. The excellent spa area offers unbeatable, luxury views over the nearby Sony Center, Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag and the Philharmonic Hall. 

Sofitel Berlin Gendarmenmarkt – Located overlooking the breathtaking Gendarmenmarkt with its two almost identical domes, this luxury abode is the perfect choice for a winter visit to Berlin. The smell of mulled wine and roasted almonds almost wafts inside from Berlin’s most prestigious Christmas market just below. The Konzerthaus is flanked by two domes constructed separately in the early 18th century but destroyed in WWII and rebuilt recently. The Christmas market has daily ballet and concert performances where you’re bound to’ rub shoulders with German high society. 

These are our pick of the best Berlin hotels with a view – why not spoil yourselves?

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The above guest post was written by Holly Maguire (escapio.com). From stunning castles, to rustic vineyards, to chic modern hotels, check out Escapio's collection of over 4,000 hand selected boutique and luxury hotels, or follow on Twitter.

All photo credit:  Holly Maguire | escapio.com

Spring Break for Grown Ups: Where do you want to go?

So, last week on Facebook, I asked: "If you could go on a Spring Break for grown-ups where would you go?"  We got over 100 comments and now I want YOU (the awesome community) to pick the ultimate Spring Break destination for grown-ups. When the voting is complete, we'll create a vacation package around the winning destination so you guys can take an awesome trip there and start partying! 

Cabo San Lucas | Where I've Been

Costa Rica | Where I've Been 

 Rio de Janeiro | Where I've Been 

Poll closes Monday, August 9th, 2010. Get voting! 

Talk Travel & Win a Trip to Cabo!

Ahoy ahoy!  

Exciting things are happening at Where I've Been! We're in the midst of some major upgrades at our product to make it more user-friendly, visually engaging and fun for our members, but we need your help!

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