Traveling to Las Vegas During COVID

What You Need to Know When Traveling To Las Vegas During the Pandemic

Whether visiting for world-class shows and live music, casinos, or stunning natural landscapes, Las Vegas remains one of travelers' top bucket list destinations. However, like anywhere else, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on this city, with many of Vegas' attractions closing their doors for prolonged periods or modifying their hours, so they are not open late at night or during the week.

Las Vegas is following suit and moving back into the swing of welcoming tourists to its city for travel as the world begins to return to some degree of normality. As long as you're careful, take precautions, and prepare for your visit, you can still have a great time in Las Vegas. Here are a few things you should know before making your trip to Sin City and The Strip.

Can You Still Get a Discounted Hotel Rate in Las Vegas?

Hotel prices in Vegas have decreased on average by $10 from last year due to a fall in bookings amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. So what does this mean for travelers? Although hotel prices are up in other parts of the country, you can still get some fantastic deals on hotels in Las Vegas because there are currently many empty hotel rooms. Therefore, hoteliers are fighting for reservations.
All the hotels I've stayed at during the pandemic have extra precautions, including deep cleaning and sanitization. Some hotels have requested that staff be fully vaccinated or undertake regular testing before shifts.

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Las Vegas Restaurants Reopening​

Vegas is famed for its dining scene, and it is likely nowhere else on earth that can boast as many celebrity chefs. Plates here are diverse, and there are plenty of options for diners who want to avoid gluten. Mexican eatery El Segundo Sol, continental Mon Ami Gabi and Veranda are just a few of the many options available among the many restaurants open again for business.
 
Regarding safety precautions, some restaurants are asking patrons to wear masks as they move around their venues, and many are maintaining the use of digital menus and ordering systems to keep people safe while dining.
 
Casinos Are Open in Las Vegas
 
While casinos have been open for some time now, the decision for the World Series Of Poker (WSOP) to be held live was perhaps the most prominent signal yet that things are back to normal on the gaming front. This event welcomes droves of hopeful poker players vying for top prizes each year. Still, it hadn't been held live since before the pandemic. The WSOP occurred as normal in 2021 indicates that some normality is returning to the city.
 
In casinos, you can expect similar hygiene precautions among staff and visitors, including mask requirements, cleaning points, and regular testing for employees.
 
Take COVID Safety Precautions in Las Vegas
 
If you're concerned about your health or simply don't like crowds, make sure to wear a mask, even when walking around outside on The Strip. While visitors are returning to the area, the amount of tourism is below what would be considered normal for Las Vegas. Therefore, there aren't the average number of tourists, and Vegas has fewer people walking around now than ever before, so you may find it easier to avoid big gatherings of people.
 
Outdoor Adventures a Short Drive from Las Vegas
 
It's also worth noting that there is far more to Vegas than just the Strip. Right outside of Las Vegas, there is a myriad of state and national landmarks and parks to enjoy. The natural landscapes right outside Las Vegas and their proximity to landmarks like the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon present a great chance to soak up some natural beauty and participate in outdoor activities. There are also good hiking options at nearby national parks and forests for those who want a safe and vitalizing activity away from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas.
 
Calico Tank Trail offers spectacular views of the Red Rock Canyon with its sandstone features; Echo Overlook is suitable for bird watching. You can even take a dip in the Hot Springs if you're willing to tackle the 6-mile-long Gold Strike Canyon trail.
 
For more advice on traveling with COVID-19 in mind, read my article, 'Travel Options and Health Precautions You Can Use During Covid Pandemic.'