We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Excursions HELP!

Stoke-on-Trent...
Level Contributor
8 posts
7 reviews
4 helpful votes
Excursions HELP!
Save

am visiting the strip for 7 days at the beginning of December with my fiancé. Whilst here we are wanting to take a trip to the GC which by helicopter is costing over £600. We are also wanting to do the Vegas to Hollywood tour which is $199 each.

I am on a tight budget so it’s either one or the other or limit what we do on the strip and the sights of Vegas.

Or what are your thoughts on potentially renting a car for a few days and driving to the GC and to LA - therefore spending as much time as we like. Downfall spending more time out of the Strip.

I’m so confused. Help!!

Maryland
Destination Expert
for Las Vegas, Washington DC, County Donegal, Western Ireland
Level Contributor
80,406 posts
49 reviews
112 helpful votes
1. Re: Excursions HELP!
Save

I wouldn't try to see Los Angeles and Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon in 7 days. Especially on a tight budget.

Stoke-on-Trent...
Level Contributor
8 posts
7 reviews
4 helpful votes
2. Re: Excursions HELP!
Save

What are the must sees when there? I’m feeling so unprepared for this and feel like I don’t have enough time to explore with just 7 days 😩

Edited: 6 years ago
London, United...
Level Contributor
3,102 posts
126 reviews
108 helpful votes
3. Re: Excursions HELP!
Save

We spent 3 full days and 2 x 1/2 days in Vegas and it wasn’t enough at all to see more than the main sights. One of those mornings we did the GC helicopter which I loved (didn’t pay that much though, look at doing Quidco cashback on a first Viator purchase and pick one of the Sundance trips). We also spent 1 1/2 days in Malibu and 2 full days in LA. There was also a 7 hour drive LV to Malibu - we rented a car for 3 days.

We were fully prepared for a jam packed trip as we were under time constraints and had planned it all out but it was expensive as we had to fit things in around our agenda. It’s not for everyone.

Toronto
Level Contributor
2,366 posts
4. Re: Excursions HELP!
Save

I know it probably happens very rarely, but the only time that we drove from LA to Las Vegas, we had the exceptionally bad luck to be far, far behind a bad accident. We left at 1:30 pm and arrived at the Red Rock Resort at 9 pm: not a nice way to spend a day of our holiday. I repeat that I know that it likely happens very rarely, but we will never risk it again.

Houston, Texas
Level Contributor
1,403 posts
4 reviews
2 helpful votes
5. Re: Excursions HELP!
Save

You will definitely get to do and see more if you rent a car as opposed to taking a tour, but you will have to do your research and plan out what you want to see. I don't think there is enough time to do both LA and GC in addition to Vegas. I'd probably pick one or the other.

Tours are pricy and you don't have to do any of the planning, driving, decision making, etc. But you end up not getting to do things on your time and spending a lot of time waiting on others. If you do it on your own, do lots of research so you'll be prepared.

Phoenix, Arizona
Level Contributor
87,101 posts
2,908 reviews
2,796 helpful votes
6. Re: Excursions HELP!
Save

Most of our trips to LV are 3-$ days, and that is about right for us. However, we are in LV several times per year, so it is different for many.

Let’s say 3 days in LV, then rent car, and drive to the “real” Grand Canyon, so one day of driving.

Spend 2 nights, so one full day at Canyon.

Leave a bit early in 3day, and poke around places like Oatman, and a bit of RT 66.

Skip LA this trip.

Good luck, and travel safely,

Hunt

Long Island, New...
Level Contributor
6,267 posts
7. Re: Excursions HELP!
Save

I would forget the idea of going to LA. One day tours are brutally long and driving in LA often means endless traffic jams. There is plenty to see and do in and near Vegas.

A helicopter tour will cost you top dollar. Although it will be taking you to a scenic place (the West Rim), you will not be seeing the beauty and grandeur of the National Park at the South Rim. If you want to visit the real GC then take a bus tour, it will cost a fraction of a helicopter tour. Or better yet, rent a car and drive yourself.

LA and the GC are in opposite directions. So unless you don't mind spending a lot of time in the car and minimizing your time in Vegas it is not a realistic itinerary.

Homestead, Iowa
Level Contributor
111 posts
14 reviews
29 helpful votes
8. Re: Excursions HELP!
Save

I personally almost always rent a car when I'm in Vegas. The rental prices generally seem more reasonable at McCarran than some other destinations and you have the freedom to do whatever you want, when you want. You can visit the West Rim of the Grand Canyon which is less than three hours from Vegas. Once you get there, it does cost $50.00 for the starting package to get in as it's on Native American land. The West Rim isn't owned by the National Park Service but it is still the Grand Canyon, just a different vantage point, and it's quicker and cheaper than taking a tour. If you Google it, you can get lots of information on it. In addition, you'd drive right by the Hoover Dam so you could make a quick stop and check that out. It's neat to see once as well.

If you do rent a car and are looking for other options to get off the Strip, Red Rock Canyon is just outside city limits and Valley of Fire (my favorite in the area) is less than two hours away. Won't cost you much and it's an easy day trip!

Vista, California
Level Contributor
7,325 posts
1 review
1 helpful vote
9. Re: Excursions HELP!
Save

Mich L for the win.

10. Re: Excursions HELP!

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

What are forum guidelines?
© 2024 Tripadvisor LLC All rights reserved.

This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in United Kingdom. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu.