World TravellerGuide to travelling the world

When traveling to the United States, there are several things you’ll need to arrange before leaving to ensure your travels are free of hassles. Fortunately, the country is fairly safe for travelers and protects foreign travelers from corrupt business practices and scams. However, with such high bureaucratisation, it is necessary to come prepared.

Before leaving the country, be sure you have your updated passport, which cannot be expired and must have at lease six month left on it. Make sure you have your visa and all the necessary accompanying paperwork. Research the cities you’ll be traveling to in the United States before leaving. Write down all of the phone numbers and contact information for the consulate offices in those areas. Hopefully you won’t have any problems that require the use of these numbers, but it is better to have them on hand in case of an emergency.

You’ll need to purchase travel insurance before leaving for the United States. Use an international company that is trusted and well-known. Read the terms of the policy carefully and be sure you understand them. Purchase any additional services you wish to have. Most companies allow add-ons that are customisable. Keep two copies of your policy with you while traveling.

If you plan to rent a car in the United States, you need to be 25 years of age. In addition to being 25 years of age, you’ll need to have an international drivers license that is current. Have a major credit card to reserve and pay for it in advance is wise as you will get a cheap car rental price rather than turning up at the airport desk and arranging car hire once you get there. Most travel insurance companies offer an auto policy add-on. If this is the case, be sure to purchase it. Most of the rental car companies’ insurance rates are unreasonable and do not offer as good of coverage as trusted travel insurance providers. Insurance is mandatory. If you travel to a state that runs on tort law, you’ll find that you may be in trouble with the authorities if you don’t have insurance and you cause an accident.

The most important thing to bring is a major credit card. Travelers checks are accepted in many locations, but when you travel to rural areas, they’re not common, so there may be problems when trying to use them. Also, if they’re stolen, it takes a long time to receive compensation. If you need to exchange currency, go to a bank. Avoid stores and commercial locations, as they often assess fees for their services. Banks exchange currency free of charge in nearly every large city. Be sure to bring extra copies of your travel documents. If you lose an original item, such as a driver’s license or identification card, it is beneficial to have a copy. Be sure to keep copies in different pieces of luggage. Preferably, one copy should be kept with you at all times. Pack a coat, even for warm southern states, as they are cool in the evenings.

There’s more to Las Vegas than ‘Sin City’- here are some ideas for family-friendly activities in the city. Amongst the generally adult-orientated entertainment of The Strip are shows, theme parks and other entertainment suitable for kids, if you know where to look…

Before considering the city itself, there are numerous nearby sights within reach that are excellent for day trips.

The spectacular Hoover Dam must be the number one excursion from Las Vegas and is only 30 miles southeast of the city. If you don’t have a rental car, there are plenty of tours to take you to see this modern marvel. The dam tour is both interesting and light-hearted, so it’s fine for kids, and the famous landmark is great for family photos.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area around the 110-mile long Lake Mead is a popular place for families to enjoy spending time on the water, and is only 30 miles south of the city. The lake is ideal for swimming, boating, water skiing, fishing, or hiking around the shore.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is 20 miles from The Strip and has a beautiful 13-mile scenic drive, hiking trails, picnic areas, and bike paths. Guided walks are available, as are kids’ programs.
Valley of Fire State Park, 55 miles northwest of the city, is Nevada’s oldest state park and another stunning natural attraction. There are towering red sandstone rock formations and ancient Indian petroglyphs in the canyon at the park.

The Grand Canyon is possible to see in a full day out, being 4 hours drive from the city, but it is well worth the trip as you’re (relatively) nearby in Las Vegas.

Back in the city, you’ll find a variety of shows suitable for kids. Favourites include comedy and magic with Mac King – popular and good value, clean comedy from Rita Rudner, and Cirque du Soleil and Le Reve for circus entertainment. Good deals on tickets can be found from The Price Is Right and Ticket2Nite on Las Vegas Boulevard.

Aside from the casinos and hotels, The Strip is host to many theme parks with the five-acre Adventuredome at Circus Circus being America’s largest indoor amusement park. For the most adventurous kids, there’s New York-New York’s loopy rollercoaster and three rides atop the 1,149-foot Stratosphere Tower, which spin and cantilever dizzyingly over the edge.

The Strip also has a great selection of fantastic swimming pools. Be aware, that only hotel guests can enjoy the pools at each resort so choose wisely when planning your trip. Two of the top-rated by kids are the Flamingo, with its slides and powerful waterfalls, and Mandalay Bay, with its eleven acres including a wave pool and lazy river. Both these have several smaller and quieter pools for more sedate relaxation so all the family is catered for.

For animal attractions, one of Vegas’ most celebrated is the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay, which features displays of 1,200 marine species in a 1.3 million-gallon tank. The tank holds various sharks, and other creatures including a rare komodo dragon. Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat is the only place to glimpse their famed white tigers, plus other animals including elephants, lions and dolphins.