[Las Vegas New York](http://kendallgiles.4orion.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/vegas_new_york_day_roller_coaster.jpg)
(PHOTO: Las Vegas: New York New York)

In general, it’s best to pack light. The weather in Las Vegas is very warm in the summer months, and the winter months aren’t very cold, so you likely won’t need bulky clothes. For best mobility, ease of travel, and no extra airline fees, try to avoid checking in any bags.

Red Oxx Sky Train

The best carryon bag I’ve found so far is the Red Oxx Sky Train, which can be carried like a suitcase, over the shoulder like a messenger bag, and even as a backpack. Soft-sided, high quality, and very roomy, this bag easily held clothes for two people for six days.

Red Oxx Market Tote

We also carried along an empty Red Oxx Market Tote for overflow as a result of accumulating too much Las Vegas swag while there. Just pack it empty in your main bag and bring it back full as your “personal item” on the plane if you need to. If you want more tips on traveling light, you may want to check out this interview on NPR with Doug Dyment of onebag.com.

We also each carried along a laptop briefcase. For my laptop and other electronics, I use the Timbuk2 Commute Messenger Bag and here’s my review of it.

We saw a variety of apparel while in Vegas, including long maxi dresses, short evening gowns, dress suits, jeans, shorts, and swimwear used as tops. Really, anything goes, and no one will blink twice at whatever you select. For most geeks, the default wardrobe consists of black t-shirts and jeans. If you want to dress better for shows or evening dinners, feel free, but I saw lots of shorts and t-shirts even in the evening shows because there does not seem to be any dress codes. Just keep in mind that black t-shirts, the geek’s favorite, are very effective heat absorbers in the Nevada sun.

Speaking of the Nevada sun, it’s important to stay hydrated in Las Vegas, especially since the air is very dry. I like the Klean Kanteen Wide Mouth Insulated Water Bottle, but you can even just keep with you an empty plastic water bottle. Just empty the water container before going through airport security and then fill it afterwards at any water fountain.

A minimal list of things to bring with you on your trip to Las Vegas might be:

  • Laptop
    • Camera/smartphone
      • Kindle or other electronic book reader
        • Comfortable shoes
          • Warm weather clothing
            • Bathing suit, sunscreen (if you plan on swimming)
              • Snacks for plane flight
                • Cash for taxis, tips, etc.
                  • Earplugs
                    • Hat

                      • Water container

                      Finally, for the well-connected geek, you may also want to bring a wireless network hub.

                      Las Vegas Statue of Liberty

                      (PHOTO: Las Vegas: Statue of Liberty in New York New York)
                      In general, be prepared to walk. Even if you never leave the hotel, the hotels are very large. For example, the Excalibur is about a 4,000 room hotel, in addition to housing multiple restaurants, a gym, pools, a full casino, and showplaces (including knights jousting and fighting with swords!). This means that even to get from your hotel room down to the restaurant and back will require a lot of walking. And if you want to walk to any other venues or hotels, be prepared to walk outside in the heat. A walk from the Excalibur to The Venetian, for example, is more than 2 miles, one way! So comfortable, durable footwear is a must.

                      Las Vegas Strip

                      (PHOTO: Las Vegas, looking north along the Strip from the Eiffel Tower)
                      Unless you want to visit places outside the Strip, you likely won’t need a rental car–there are plenty of transportation options in addition to walking.

                      You may find it most convenient to use a taxi or shuttle. There are plenty of taxis available—you will have no trouble finding one. Most taxi rides around the Strip will cost about $8-$12. However, there are free hotel shuttles available, if you know where to look, so be sure to ask at your hotel. For example, there is a free shuttle between Ballys and the Rio, and between Harrah’s and the Rio.

                      There is also a monorail, though this is more convenient for hotels on the east side of the Strip. And there are buses that run directly up/down the Strip. These require exact change, which is an inconvenience.

                      Shuttles are also available to/from some hotels and the airport, so be sure to check because they may be cheaper than taking a taxi. Shuttle prices are about $7/person.

                      Finally, a friend who travels frequently to Las Vegas gave the following advice:

                      It’s too hard to find parking, you can walk most places, there are cabs galore for other places, and if you want to take a tour, say, of the Hoover Dam or something like that, a bus tour booked by your hotel concierge is the best and least expensive way to do that. If you are exhausted from walking, you can rent a bicycle or take the public bus across town, etc. We never rent a car, and we go all over the place to clubs, etc. Love Vegas.

                      With that great segue, next up in this travel guide: conventions and entertainment!

                      Here are the four parts of this Geek’s Guide to Vegas series: