Frommer's Las Vegas 2004

18
CHAPTER 2 . PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO LAS VEGAS
as at several other banks. The service
charge ranges between 1.5% and 2%;
checks come in denominations of
$20, $50, $100, $500, and $1,000.
Call & 800/732-1322 for information.
MasterCard also offers traveler’s
checks. Call & 800/223-9920 for a
location near you.
If you choose to carry traveler’s
checks, be sure to keep a record of
their serial numbers separate from
your checks in the event that they are
stolen or lost. You’ll get a refund faster
if you know the numbers.
CREDIT CARDS
Credit cards are safe way to carry
money, they provide a convenient
3 When to Go
Most of a Las Vegas vacation is usually
spent indoors, so you can have a good
time here year-round. The most pleasant
seasons in this area are spring and
fall, especially if you want to experience
the great outdoors.
Weekdays are slightly less crowded
than weekends. Holidays are always a
mob scene and come accompanied by
high hotel prices. Hotel prices also
skyrocket when big conventions and
special events are taking place. The
slowest times of year are June and July,
the week before Christmas, and the
week after New Year’s.
If a major convention is to be held
during your trip, you might want to
change your date. Check the box on
p. 36 for convention dates, and contact
the Las Vegas Convention and
Visitors Authority (& 877/VISIT-LV
or 702/892-7575; www.vegasfreedom.
record of all your expenses, and they
generally offer good exchange rates.
You can also withdraw cash advances
from your credit cards at banks or
ATMs, provided you know your PIN.
If you’ve forgotten yours, or didn’t
even know you had one, call the number
on the back of your credit card
and ask the bank to send it to you. It
usually takes 5 to 7 business days,
though some banks will provide the
number over the phone if you tell
them your mother’s maiden name or
some other personal information.
For tips and telephone numbers to
call if your wallet is stolen or lost, go
to “Lost & Found” in the Fast Facts
section of chapter 4.
com), as convention schedules often
change.
THE WEATHER
First of all, Vegas isn’t always hot, but
when it is hot, it’s really hot. One
thing you’ll hear again and again is
that even though Las Vegas gets very
hot, the dry desert heat is not unbearable.
This is true. The exception is
most of the hotel pool areas because
they are surrounded by massive hotels
covered in mirrored glass, which acts
as a giant magnifying glass, focusing
the sun’s rays on the antlike people
below. Generally the humidity averages
a low 22%, and even on very hot
days, there’s apt to be a breeze. Also,
barring the hottest summer days,
there’s relief at night when temperatures
often drop by at least 20°F
(–7°C).
Fun Fact Beating the Odds
In 1995, Don Harrington entered a satellite event at the World Series of
Poker for just $220, won his way into the $10,000 buy for the Championship
Event, and went on to win the $1 million prize.