*edited to clarify*
We are going to Las Vegas for New Year's Day and a wedding. We don't plan to rent a car. Could we get by using the bus/shuttle/monorail? Do we need a car seat? We have a 22 month old girl.
Any other comments on weather or tips will also be welcome.
We're mostly there for the wedding, not planning on gambling but may catch a show or two.
I got the Sit'nStroll carseat/stroller. I used it in Vegas for the cab rides, didn't need it otherwise. Also brought it to Disney World. The only problem is if it is rainy because the cushiony seat will get soaked. It's nice having only one big thing to lug around though. Thanks for all the advice.
I don't think you need a car seat for a taxi if that's what you're asking (in Vegas, though some places you do), but it's much safer if you use it.
I took a hotel shuttle one time and they almost did not take me back to the airport because I did not have a car seat. After that we decided to purchase a sit'n'stroll it is a carseat and stroller in one. We bought it five years ago and love it. It is perfect for traveling you can use it in airport, plane, restaurant, car, walking around ect. Well worth the money. I would also call the hotel you are staying at see about their shuttle if they have one.
Good luck and have a great time.
E.
if she will be in a car she will need a car seat if not just push her in a stroller. get a backback that can be pushed like a stroller or those car seats that can be strollers too or just get nice umbrella type stroller. i would think if you are walking alot she will get tired of walking and even want to nap in the stroller so one that reclines a bit might be nice too.
http://www.babyuniverse.com/hiresPop.html/productType/toy...
http://www.activeforever.com/p-2056-triple-play-sit-n-str...
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/187-###-###-####-###...
these are expensive but i sent them just to give you an idea of what i meant.
if you are in any type of car/vehicle you need a carseat no matter what. I have been to Vegas and it is not my thing, I didn't really like Vegas but the HOover Damn tour is worht it
Gillian,
I would take one anyways. You're going to have to take a cab or something from the airport to your hotel and if you want to go anywhere in Vegas other than your hotel (and I've been to Vegas, you may not even feel the need to leave your hotel, they're like little autonomous cities) you are going to have to take a cab ride to get there. You can check your car seat at the gate if you don't have a seat for your daughter. And they'll have it off the plane and waiting for you to grab as you step off the plane. It's always better to be safe than sorry. I wouldn't hang the safety of my child entirely on the driving skills of someone I've never met before and your daughter will be more comfortable with any cab/limo riding you have to do if she has her familiar car seat to ride in.
As for other tips, I have a few:
1: Take out cash for what you are willing to gamble and then resolve to stop when the cash is gone. It's sooooo easy to justify taking out "just another $100" etc. Seeing it as cash in your hand will let you know how quickly you're going through it.
2: It's winter here, but it's desert there. It will likely be warm in the day, so pack lighter clothes. However, it can get very cool at night, so make sure you take one jacket apiece with you.
3: Take in a show if you can. The entertainment opportunities in Vegas are deservedly legendary.
4: Take your stroller if you can, those hotels are HUGE HUGE HUGE and getting around in them requires quite a bit of walking.
That's all I can think of for now. I'm sure if you called your hotel and asked the concierge about the weather forecast and anything you should be prepared for in the way of accomodations for your daughter they will be happy to help you. Vegas' customer service traditions are second to none, so don't be afraid to ask.
Good luck at the slots! Have a great trip and enjoy yourself...after all, if you can't enjoy yourself in Vegas, you must be dead! :)
Yes! You need a carseat. Most airlines will let you check a carseat for no additional cost as it is a "necessary item". Check with your airline though. Also know that the casinos will not let you have a child with you at the slot machines, tables or anything. I have seen a father get kicked out of the casino for having and infant in a carrier on his back. Just make your plans accordingly.
Why don't you contact the hotel where you're staying. Hotels now a days seem to have everything to accomidate people. They may have one for use - I'm not sure about liability issues though. It can't hurt to call and ask. You probably aren't the first parent to have this issue. Have a good time.
A 22 month needs to be in a carseat no matter where you are visiting while riding in a car. If you are flying and not using a car at all then you wouldn't need one but better say than sorry.
S.H
Definitely bring a car seat for all the reasons the other ladies have mentioned!
You'll need the carseat to get to the airport and from the airport to the hotel, at the very least. You can always gate check the carseat, if you haven't purchased a seat for your daughter on board the plane. I would also suggest the GoGo Kidz universal car seat carrier. We have one and LOVE IT!! You attach it to the car seat and then you can stroll the child around the airport in the car seat. So you can check your stroller with your regular luggage before heading through security (or you can rent a stroller at your destination and bring one less bulky item - see next paragraph).
We traveled to Hawaii with our son when he was 11 months old and the best thing we ever did was ordered a lot of his gear from www.BabiesTravelLite.com! We had all the diapers, food, wipes, etc waiting for us at the hotel when we got there. All that stuff takes up so much room in your luggage . . . and now you have to pay $$$ for extra pieces of luggage!!
We also called the hotel and asked the concierge for baby equipment rental places nearby and rented things like a stroller, monitor and a Pack N Play.
Good luck with your travels and have a GREAT time!
D.
If you will be traveling in a car at all I would bring a car seat. You will need some form of transportation to get from the airport to the strip or downtown. I grew up in Las Vegas. Vegas is a lot bigger than people realize. The two main tourist spots are the strip and downtown if you are staying at one you may want to take a ride over to the other and it is a long walk all of the way down the strip. If you only use it going to and from the airport I think it would be well worth it and possibly necessary in order to get transportation.
I have never been to Vegas with a child, but we spend a lot of times in other urban areas... San Fran, NYC, D.C., Tokyo, etc... we do not tote a carseat around us for those city driving experiences. The only issue might be transportation from the airport to the main strip... since you might be on a highway/interstate... higher speeds. In your shoes, I would hire a car to come with a carseat from the airport to the hotel... then, in the city, I would not worry about not having a carseat.
