If you’re planning a trip to see the Vegas lights, driving only adds to the vacation fun. Not only will you get to enjoy the destination, but you will also get to make memories along the way. Driving gives you more control over your experience and is cheaper than taking a round-trip flight, even over short distances.
But maybe the thought of driving the 270 miles from Los Angeles to Las Vegas sounds a little overwhelming to you.
Don’t give up on the idea altogether! Put your mind at ease with these 5 tips to make your drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas as fun and easy as possible. That way you can enjoy your trip more and worry less.
1. Plan Ahead
The most important thing to do before you take off on your trip is to plan ahead as much as possible. Putting a plan in place is a great way to avoid confusion and the need for hasty, last-minute decisions when you’re out on the road.
Obviously, you’re going to make small decisions along the way. Which restaurants you should stop and eat at, whether or not you should stop to see an attraction, and when you need to get gas are all easy decisions to make on the fly.
Planning ahead is more about the big picture.
While you’re planning your drive from LA to Las Vegas, figure out which route you want to take. You can take the I-15 North most of the way, but if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you might want to take an off-beat path from Point A to Point B. This is also a great time to check out pit stops like gas stations to ensure you don’t get caught on a long stretch of road with very little gas.
With a plan of attack in place, there’s a lot less for you to worry about once the driving has begun, leaving room for more fun!
2. Bring the Essentials
In the same vein as tip number one, this is about being prepared. The last thing you want on a fun road trip to Vegas is to be caught with your pants down in the middle of the desert somewhere.
Water is the most essential thing you can bring with you on this trip. The drive from LA to Las Vegas is a hot one and you’re going to need to stay hydrated. A good rule of thumb is to pack a gallon of water for every person in the car as well as a gallon of water for your car should it start overheating.
Comfortable clothes are another must for the drive. Wear something unassuming that won’t distract you while you’re making your way through miles and miles of desert. Plus, in the event of a breakdown, you want to be wearing something you can comfortably walk in rather than your Sunday best.
As far as essentials go, you also can’t go wrong with the perfect Vegas-inspired playlist to get you in the mood for fun on the strip.
3. Pick Out Fun Stops Along the Way
When you’re road-tripping, roadside attractions are almost impossible to pass up. Unless you’re on a strict schedule with virtually no wiggle room, chances are you have time to see at least a few of the amazing sights on the road from LA to Vegas.
Attractions can be more on the impromptu side. If you see a billboard by the highway telling you to see the World’s Tallest Thermometer, how can you possibly pass that up? Just because these things can happen by chance, it doesn’t mean they always have to.
If you haven’t picked out any stops beforehand, there’s a chance you might not stop at all. And where’s the fun in that?
Some of the most recommended sights to see on the road from Los Angeles to Las Vegas are:
- Bottle Tree Ranch
- Route 66 Museum
- EddieWorld
- Calico Ghost Town
- Mormon Rocks
And, of course, you can stop in Baker, CA to see the World’s Largest Thermometer if you really want that photo op. Or just marvel at it from the road as you pass by.
4. Get Your Car Ready for the Trip
You’re not the only one that needs to be prepared for the drive ahead. Your car also needs some attention to ensure it can make the 250+ miles without any major issues or breakdowns.
It’s a good idea to get your car completely checked out and serviced before you make the drive.
Get your oil changed and make sure your fluid levels are good to go. Check the air pressure in your tires and correct any that are too low. Make sure that you have everything with you to take care of your car should something go wrong. That includes jumper cables, a flat tire repair kit and spare tire, a flashlight, and flares or some other sort of warning device.
And always have your car’s manual in the glove compartment, just in case. You never know when you’re going to need it!
Read also: Discovering the Best-Kept Secrets of Las Vegas: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
5. Find a New Way to Travel
If taking the roadways from LA to Las Vegas appeals to you more than flying but you’re not enthusiastic about driving that distance, there are other ways you can take the same trip without using your own car.
Taking a bus is one of the most common ways to get to your destination when a plane is out of the question and you’ve got a long way to go.
Or you can think outside of the box and hire a long distance car service Los Angeles to take you to Las Vegas. You get all the same comfort, convenience, and cost-effectiveness as driving yourself without actually having to drive yourself.
Remove the pressures of driving long distances by having someone else sit behind the wheel. It doesn’t get more fun or easier than that!
