caribbean

This book is thinner and shorter than the original Eyewitness series. While I liked all the pictures and the top 10 shows, I felt like everything was covered in only 5 sentences. Plus I had to wonder if the book was paid by certain companies to feature them. For instance, why is there a 2 page spread on the Aladdin hotel when I can think of better theme hotels to be featured. They list 10 tour companies but only the ones that offer the most expensive trips like helicopter rides. I feel like this a good starter book to get a quick idea of everything that's available, but you really need an additional in-depth guide.

Planning a little trip to the Glitter Gulch? Budget impaired like myself? Let Eyewitness help you plan your trip. Essentially it will be all you need to purchase for 'the what to do in and how to survive Vegas' for the first time Vegas goers. It's what I used for my recent trip and I found it to be invaluable.

I'd like to, of course, add my two cents in.

*Take some comfortable, comfortable shoes as well as a lot of shorts and shortsleeve shirts/blouses, like Eyewitness suggests. Fergoshsakes, Vegas is still the desert. And plus all the things that you are going to want to see and do may take some walking and standing. The MGM Grand Lion Habitat had a lot of on lookers when we went--it's a free exhibition--but it was also near midnight and even then we had to manuever to see something.

*There's a strip trolley that costs like a buck and some change that hits all the places as far north as the Stratosphere.(You can take the city bus which rides til 1-2 in the AM to go downtown to the Fremont Experience and Glitter Gulch.) The only problem with this is that these trolleys go the service routes and in these routes are those speed bumps that end up jostling the passengers. Not too cool. But its one of the best bargains going. By the by, if you are needing a lift from the airport to any of the strip hotels, there are plenty of limos--some are specific for the hotel--and shuttles (the one I got was $4.50 one way). Save yourself a buck or two and take the time to find out.

*If you really like your slot buck to go a long way, play penny slots. I know that there are some at the Stardust and Circus Circus and I'm sure there are plenty elsewhere, so if you are convinced that your luck is going south but still wanna play something, try 'em out. Other than that, like Eyewitness suggests, ask the cabbie or the croupier where they usually go to play. Most of the time it's a casino where all the locals go to get more milage out of their $.

*Cabbies and folks wanting you to do a quick two minute questionnare--usually about a time share--well, they give out free shows and dinners! Some shows are free with the purchase of a beverage of some sort. They are a god send. Like Eyewitness says, though, be careful of the xxx shows.

*Eyewitness tells you which exhibition, which museum, which show is going to cost a lil dough and which is free. Expect to pay something for one of thse roller coaster rides that f'rinstance shoot in and out of New York New York. In fact, the entire Eyewitness section of 'Streetsmart' should be required along side the Gideon's for every hotel room in Vegas and I don't lie...gaming risks, tips, ways to stay safe and healthy during your stay. These things are priceless tidbits of information.

*The cheapest thrill is to see any or all of the Strip at night.
It will make you want to come again, but with more $$ to spend.
And the Eyewitness Top 10 will again be a valued resource....

We used this guide in March and found it most helpful in determining which places we'd like to see and what to do in the three days there. The Around the Region section is perfect for those of you who plan to be in Vegas 4-5 days or longer. From festivals, spas, outdoor activities, buffets to the grandest resorts...everything is covered with great photos for visually-based decisions. I would recommend this for all first time Vegas visitors.