Las Vegas 2–3 Days — Perfect Roadtrip Start

Why Las Vegas as Roadtrip Base?

Las Vegas is the ideal starting point for any Southwest USA roadtrip:

✅ Best rental car availability and prices
✅ Cheap flight connections (LAS Airport)
✅ Great supermarkets for road trip supplies
✅ Relaxed acclimatization before desert heat
✅ Optional: 1–2 days entertainment before/after loop

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Day 1: Strip & Preparation

Morning:

• Hotel check-in (many cheap hotels midweek)
• Quick Strip walk for orientation

Afternoon:

• Walmart/Target for roadtrip shopping (water bottles, snacks)
• Buy America the Beautiful Pass (REI store or online)

Evening:

• Experience Strip at night (Bellagio Fountains free!)
• Cheap buffets (around 20–30 USD)

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Day 2: Downtown & Rental Car

Morning:

• Fremont Street Experience (classic Vegas, less touristy)
• Container Park (free, interesting architecture)

Afternoon:

• Pick up rental car (airport or downtown)
• Final errands (cooler, sunscreen)

Evening:

• Catch a show (optional, from 50 USD)
• Early to bed for tomorrow's start

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Day 3: Departure to Zion

Start early (7–8 AM):

• Check out
• Fuel up (cheaper in Vegas than on the road!)
• Route: I-15 North → UT-9 (2.5h to Springdale)

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Vegas Budget Tips

Lodging:

• Midweek much cheaper than weekends (Mon–Thu)
• Off-Strip hotels save 30–50%
• Watch for resort fees (+30–50 USD/night)

Food:

• Breakfast buffets (10–15 USD)
• Food courts instead of restaurants
• Use happy hour (2-for-1 drinks)

Shows:

• Last-minute tickets at Tix4Tonight (50% off)
• Free shows: Bellagio Fountains, Mirage Volcano

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Vegas with Kids

Yes, it works!

• Shark Reef Aquarium (Mandalay Bay)
• M&M's World (4 floors!)
• High Roller observation wheel (30 min ride)
• Adventuredome (indoor theme park, Circus Circus)

Note: Must walk through casinos, don't let kids linger

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Roadtrip Prep Checklist

☐ Rental car picked up & checked
☐ Water supplies (2–3 cases)
☐ Snacks & provisions
☐ America the Beautiful Pass
☐ Offline maps downloaded
☐ Fuel up before departure
☐ Hotel in Springdale/Hurricane booked

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When to Skip Vegas

Skip Vegas if:

• No time for 2–3 days
• Direct flight to Phoenix/Flagstaff available
• Zero interest in entertainment/casinos

Then: Fly directly to Phoenix, start from there