Nevada is one of the most visited states in the US. This, of course, shouldn’t come as a surprise considering that it is the location of Las Vegas, the famed gambling and entertainment city. It also features a host of other attractions including Lake Tahoe, the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Valley of Fire State Park, Reno, and the Great Basin National Park. If you are thinking of visiting Nevada, aim for a perfect experience with the help of the following tips.
Set specific goals
Be particular about what you intend to do in Nevada. This is important because Nevada isn’t just some small place. It’s over a hundred square miles wide with extensive tourist destinations on offer. You can’t just randomly choose your spots if you want to achieve the perfect experience. You have to learn about the place or places you want to visit and find out how to make the most of your time and money.
Being specific allows you to have enough time to consult good resources or guides about your destinations. For instance, if you want to go to Reno, you can’t just use random blogs or reviews to guide your adventure. You need to use reliable sources like an objective guide to gambling in Reno. If you are in a hurry, what usually happens is that you no longer discern your spending, direction, and the information you use to help you find your way around.
Come up with a budget
Another important thing to bear in mind is the budget. A perfect vacation or trip always entails a good budget unless you have a lot of funds to splurge on your escapade. Be realistic and come up with a budget. It does not have to have exact numbers and you don’t have to follow your budget to a T. What’s important is that you have a plan for your spending, that you have an estimate of how much money you need for the different things you want to do.
You have to pay attention to your expenses for transportation, accommodation, activities, dining, and of course shopping. Inquire about the costs online or from people you know who have already visited the different sites you plan to visit. Moreover, provide an allowance for contingencies. Prepare for possible problems like instances when you lose your wallet or when your card is refused.
Consider travel time in your plans and be ready for contingencies
Depending on your point of origin, your travel time should be part of your timeline. The amount of time it takes to reach a specific part of Nevada has to be estimated, including the possible traffic jams. This is especially important if you are going to hop from one spot to another. Travel time and traffic problems can easily destroy your plans.
On the other hand, you have to prepare for or anticipate unforeseen circumstances. Think of what you should do in case you miss your flight. Plan your next steps in case the car you rented breaks down. Prepare alternative activities or destinations in case the spots you want to visit suddenly become unavailable. Don’t let the unexpected ruin your vacationing mood by being ready for any unexpected circumstances.
The weather is also something you have to take into account. If you are heading to Nevada for mostly outdoor activities, make sure you don’t schedule the trip when the weather forecasts are gloomy. If you have already planned your trip months ahead and you learn that the weather is not being cooperative, just prepare the appropriate clothes and accessories. Don’t let the weather prevent you from having that perfect Nevada trip.
Research your accommodation options and book in advance
Avoid the hassles of not finding a room especially during peak seasons. It is advisable to book your accommodation days, weeks, or even months before your travel date. Advanced booking can get you lower rates, although not always.
Accommodation, by the way, should not be limited to hotel rooms or inns. If you can’t find vacancies using these traditional options, you can look for B&Bs, guest houses, Airbnb rentals, and even campsites. Consider going out of the ordinary but make sure it’s going to be safe, comfortable, and complete with the conveniences you need. You will need verified information and insights from other travelers as you decide on these.
Also, make sure that you are going to stay somewhere close to the city proper or urban areas. It should be near areas where you can hail a taxi or other public transportation options. Read reviews or feedback about the hotel or rental facility you are considering. You can be adventurous but not at the expense of your safety and convenience. If your goal is a perfect trip to Nevada, you need to make sure that there will be no issues with your accommodation.
Pack light
Lastly, only bring the things you need. You are going to Nevada to have fun, not to relocate. Limit your packing to a few clothes. Nobody will notice if you wear the same shoes or pants repeatedly. Choose clothes and footwear that can be easily packed in your bag, not the baggy ones that take up a lot of space. If you want to use cargo pants, just wear them as you can use the pockets to carry small items. Don’t overdo the toiletries and stick to the basics. The hotel you reserved will likely provide enough shampoo, toilet paper or wipes, soap, and other hygiene supplies.
Packing light will make travel easier for you and lower your air transportation cost. You don’t have to be that fashionable as you travel. You don’t need a bulky DSLR camera to store your memories. Most smartphones nowadays have more than decent cameras to capture clear and vibrant photos and videos.
It’s not that difficult to have a perfect Nevada trip. You just have to have a good plan and be aware of the things to expect. At the same time, you have to prepare for contingencies and maintain a mindset of not letting the unexpected get in the way of having a perfectly enjoyable trip.
