Planning a trip to the United States?  There's a significant change you need to know about that could impact your travel budget.  The price of an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is set to increase, from $21 to $40 per person.

For many, the thought of getting from the sprawling city of Los Angeles to the dazzling neon lights of Las Vegas immediately brings to mind a quick, budget flight.  While flying might seem like the most efficient option, trust us, a road trip between these two iconic American destinations offers an unparalleled experience, especially for those venturing from the UK.  Ditch the cramped cabins and embrace the open road – here's why driving is the clear winner, along with essential tips for our British friends.

Las Vegas is a city built on extravagance, flashing lights, and the promise of a good time.  It’s easy to get caught up in the glitz and glamour and watch your budget disappear in a flash, but a trip to "Sin City" doesn't have to break the bank.  With a little planning and some insider knowledge, you can save money on everything from hotels and flights to food, drinks, and entertainment so that you can enjoy all the excitement without blowing your entire budget.

Dreaming of an unforgettable American road trip?  Look no further!  Our recent adventure, spanning the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, the dazzling lights of Las Vegas, and the breathtaking landscapes of Arizona, was truly epic. F rom iconic Hollywood sights to the majestic Grand Canyon, we packed it all in.

If you’re searching for a family-friendly restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip that delivers on flavour, fun, and flair—Sugar Factory Las Vegas might catch your eye with its vibrant branding and over-the-top desserts. But our recent visit during a St. Patrick’s Day influencer event left us with more disappointment than delight

During our recent trip to Las Vegas we were invited to step away from the Strip and delve into a different kind of culinary experience: Wild Fig BBQ in Summerlin.  We eagerly accepted the invitation to sample their renowned BBQ combo platters.  Little did we know, this unassuming spot would deliver a smoky, flavorful punch that far exceeded our expectations.

Universal Studios Hollywood has truly out done itself with Super Nintendo World, creating a vibrant, interactive land that pulls you directly into Mario's world.  After all that racing, collecting coins and battling Bowser, it's time for a refuel!  Toadstool Cafe is a signature quick-service restaurant, where Chef Toad himself (virtually!) oversees the culinary delights. Curious about the food?  Read on for an honest review of our visit.

The Sea Sprite Beach Club is a charming beachfront property located in the heart of Hermosa Beach, a vibrant beach town between Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach in Los Angeles' South Bay, California.  We were recently invited to stay in their Premier Partial Ocean View Balcony Suite for three nights, and we were thoroughly impressed with our experience.

We recently embarked on an action-packed 3-night trip to LA, blending iconic landmarks, thrilling theme park adventures, and classic California vibes.  If you're looking for inspiration for a whirlwind West Coast getaway, here's exactly how we squeezed every drop of fun out of our LA experience!

Our final day of this incredible US road trip had arrived!  After a chaotic Day 12, which unexpectedly changed our plans and landed us in Peach Springs due to a snowstorm, Day 13 was dedicated to finally ticking this natural wonder off our bucket list.  The night before, determined not to leave Las Vegas without showing the boys, we'd booked our tickets for the Grand Canyon West Rim, including entrance and the famous Skywalk. 

Day twelve of our epic US road trip, we said goodbye to the dazzling lights and excitement of Las Vegas, checking out of the Rio Hotel with hearts full of memories.  Today was extra special – our wedding anniversary!  Our plan was to make our way to Arizona and spend our final night in a lodge nestled within the Grand Canyon National Park at the South Rim.  Little did we know, Mother Nature had a different kind of adventure in store for us!

Our final full day in Las Vegas was another whirlwind of fun and adventure! After a leisurely morning at the hotel, recharging our batteries for the day ahead, we had one crucial item to tick off Charlie's ever-growing list of American fast-food experiences: Raising Cane's.

Day 10 of our incredible USA road trip saw us dive headfirst into the dazzling chaos and vibrant energy of the Las Vegas Strip!  With exciting restaurant reservations on the agenda, we made the decision to leave our car at the Rio hotel knowing that a few drinks may be on the cards.  Our morning Uber dropped us off right in the heart of the action at the iconic Bellagio Hotel, the perfect starting point for our day of exploration.

Our ninth day in the USA was a fantastic blend of natural wonder and urban excitement!  We were starting the day with an early drive away from Las Vegas.  We packed the car with our essentials – water, snacks, and of course, the all-important camera and set our sights on the fiery landscapes of the Valley of Fire State Park.  

Day 8 of our epic adventure took us away from the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas strip and towards the breathtaking natural beauty of Red Rock Canyon.  Our initial plan was to drive the scenic loop but we had forgotten to book advance tickets for this and they were sold out when we tried to book this a few days before.  Despite this, we were determined to see the iconic red rocks so we headed out to the overlook.

After a whirlwind day 6 filled with rugby action and a late night, we decided Day 7 was all about taking it easy.  A slow morning and a lie in was definitely on the cards, allowing us to recharge our batteries before diving into the day's activities.

Saturday 1st March arrived and it was the day that we had been waiting for, the reason for our trip – a full-blown Rugby League marathon at the Allegiant Stadium!  Four matches, including our beloved Warrington Wolves, two NRL clashes, and a women's international.  It was set to be epic.

Our first full day in Las Vegas kicked off with a classic family trip to Walmart!  We stocked up on breakfast bits, snacks, and all the essentials to keep the little ones (and ourselves!) happy and fuelled for the day.  It’s always fun to see the differences in supermarkets when traveling, and Walmart definitely delivered on the "everything you could possibly need" front.  

Thursday had quickly arrived and although we were sad to be leaving LA behind we were excited for more adventures in Las Vegas.  We packed the car, checked out of our family suite at the Sea Sprite Hotel (check out our review!), and hit the open road.  Our destination? The dazzling lights of Vegas, and the main event: the rugby!

Day three was our final full day in Los Angeles, and time for us to explore the iconic sights that LA has to offer.  We were determined to soak up as much of the city's magic as possible before our long drive to Las Vegas.

Our first morning in LA, we woke up well rested and excited for the day ahead after a night in the comfortable beds at the Sea Sprite Beach Club.  However, our first morning in beautiful Hermosa Beach didn't quite go to plan.  A rude awakening awaited us as we discovered a parking ticket tucked under the windshield of our rental car.

Day one of our American road trip was a whirlwind of excitement, travel, and a healthy dose of "firsts"!  After a surprisingly good night's sleep at the Hilton London Heathrow T5, we were up and at 'em by 6 am, ready to catch the shuttle to Terminal 5.  Our 10 am flight to Los Angeles awaited!

Our long-awaited trip to the USA was finally on the horizon, and to make things even smoother, we decided to travel down to Heathrow the day before our flights.  This gave us a chance to relax, avoid the dreaded early-morning rush, and even squeeze in a little fun along the way, it also saved us around £700 versus flying direct from Manchester. 

The countdown to our Las Vegas getaway in February 2025 to witness the Rugby League spectacle has begun.  We'd secured what we believed was a fantastic deal – a direct British Airways package for our family of four (two adults, two kids), whisking us from Heathrow to the neon lights of Las Vegas for 8 nights at the Rio Hotel, all for a tidy £2,700.  Compared to other holiday providers, i was patting myself on the back for bagging such a great deal.

Booking a trip for a family of four to Las Vegas, on a budget, especially during a major sporting event, wasn't a walk in the park. But with a lot of planning, we managed to secure our flights and accommodation at a great price.   This guide will help to give you the tools and knowledge to snag that elusive bargain.

When I watched this year's NRL season opener held in March that was held in Las Vegas, my mind went into overdrive as I thought, Mark turns 40 next February, what a surprise it would be to take him to Las Vegas to watch the NRL. Little did I know that a couple of months later our own Super League team, Warrington Wolves, would express an interest in being part of the event during 2025.

Look no further! A helicopter tour with Papillon from Las Vegas is the ultimate way to experience this natural wonder.