Las Vegas (USA) Newsletter

ICICI Bank introduces VACATIONS - travel magazine by ICICI Bank – March 2025

Month’s theme Introduction: Reinvention-Vegas Style

We can learn much from the destinations we visit. For example, Las Vegas is a living testimonial to resilience and reinvention. It is a city built on transformation. Once a barren desert with little more than tumbleweeds and rugged terrain, it has evolved into one of the most electrifying destinations in the world.

In the early 1900s, it was a humble railroad town. By the 1940s, mobsters and visionaries turned it into a gambler’s paradise, with neon lights flashing promises of fortune. The Rat Pack era of the 1960s brought glamour, attracting Hollywood’s elite. By the late 20th century, Vegas morphed again, welcoming mega-resorts, themed hotels and family-friendly attractions. Today, it is more than just a casino hub—it’s a playground for travellers of all kinds, offering world-class dining, art, outdoor adventure and entertainment beyond imagination.

Reinvention isn’t just for cities—it’s for people too. Travel gives us the opportunity to break routines and embrace change. Whether it's trying something daring, discovering a hidden passion or simply seeing life from a fresh perspective, Las Vegas is a reminder that transformation is always possible. Just like the city, we too can evolve, rewrite our stories and emerge renewed.

Soul Trip: A desert awakening

Personal transformation often happens in unexpected places. Sometimes, it’s not about where you go but what you allow yourself to experience. Las Vegas, known for its neon-fuelled excitement may seem an unlikely setting for introspection but hidden beyond the spectacle is an opportunity for stillness and self-discovery.

The desert holds a quiet wisdom. Step beyond the Strip and you’ll find a world where time slows, where the landscape reminds you of life’s vastness. The silence of the desert is humbling. Here, under an endless sky, the mind quiets. You begin to hear your own thoughts again.

Deserts allow moments of solitude like no other. Seas and forests are teeming with life and action, deserts on the other hand are still. This can provide an incredible experience.

Travel should be more than a checklist of things to see. It should be a moment of connection—both with a place and with yourself. Let the desert teach you patience. Let the stillness remind you to be present. Even in a city that never sleeps, there is room for reflection. You just have to seek it.

Destination Las Vegas, USA-playground for every traveller

Las Vegas is a city of contrasts. A place where extravagance meets simplicity, where indulgence coexists with adventure. It’s a city that welcomes everyone, offering a unique experience tailored to each traveller’s desires.

The best time to visit Las Vegas is from March to May and September to November. These months offer pleasant temperatures, making it easier to explore both the Strip and the surrounding natural wonders. Summers can be scorching with temperatures exceeding 38°C while winters are cooler but still mild compared to many other destinations.

By day, Vegas is a glamorous escape—luxury resorts, Michelin-starred dining and over-the-top pool parties. By night, it transforms into a neon wonderland of dazzling performances, high-stakes gaming and electrifying nightlife. But beyond the obvious, there’s another Vegas waiting to be explored.

For the Luxury Traveller

Stay at the opulent Wynn or the Bellagio, where every detail exudes elegance. Dine at Joël Robuchon’s Michelin-starred restaurant or enjoy a private cabana at a rooftop pool. End your night with a performance by Cirque du Soleil.

For the Adventure Seeker

Swap the poker table for a different kind of adrenaline rush. Skydive over the Mojave Desert, zipline across Fremont Street or take a supercar for a spin at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Hike the stunning trails of Red Rock Canyon or take a day trip to the Valley of Fire.

For the Culture & Art Lover

The Neon Museum is a must-visit, showcasing Vegas’s glittering history through restored vintage signs. Explore the Arts District, filled with street murals, indie galleries and unique local boutiques. For a mind-bending experience, immerse yourself in the interactive art world of Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart.

For the Foodie

From extravagant buffets to hidden gems, Vegas is a paradise for food lovers. Sample the legendary tacos at Tacos El Gordo, indulge in wagyu at CUT by Wolfgang Puck or explore the Chinatown district for authentic Asian cuisine. Don’t forget to visit the hidden speakeasies for expertly crafted cocktails.

For the Laid-Back Explorer

Vegas doesn’t have to be fast paced. Enjoy a gondola ride at The Venetian, sip coffee at a cozy café in Container Park or take a slow walk through the Bellagio Conservatory, where the floral displays change with the seasons.

Don’t typecast Las Vegas in your mind and don’t spend your entire time in the magnificent hotels and casinos. Vegas is more than just a party town. Whether you seek thrills, relaxation or a new adventure, there's always a different side of Vegas waiting to be explored. Vegas isn’t just one experience—it’s many. Find the one that speaks to you.

Travel Smart Plan Smarter, Play Harder

Cities like Las Vegas can be overwhelming but with a few smart moves, you can make the most of your time and budget even in destinations which are designed to maximise the spends from tourists:

• Book hotels midweek – Rates drop significantly from Sunday to Thursday

• Order food deliveries – Find good restaurants and deals on food delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Postmates, Grubhub etc.

• Use apps for deals – Apps like myVEGAS and Groupon offer discounts on shows, dining and attractions

• Take advantage of happy hours – Many top restaurants offer half-price drinks and appetisers in the late afternoon

• Walk when you can – The Strip is longer than it looks but Uber prices surge at night. Walking or using the monorail can save you money

• Avoid peak hours – Hit popular spots early in the morning or late at night to beat the crowds

• Explore beyond the Strip – Some of the best food, entertainment and sights are in Downtown Vegas and beyond.

A little planning goes a long way – specially in expensive destinations. If you can spend a little time researching online, you will be able to save a lot of money without compromising on your holiday experience.

 Sustainable Travel Tip of the Month

Responsible Travel in Resource-Challenged Destinations

Travelling responsibly means leaving a lighter footprint. In a desert city like Vegas or any resource-limited destination, mindful choices make a big impact. While the glitz and over-the-top consumption in a city like Las Vegas might make you feel that there is no scarcity, as a responsible traveller, we should not forget the basics:

• Conserve water – Shorter showers, skipping daily linen changes and choosing water-efficient hotels help save this precious resource.

• Choose eco-friendly hotels – Many resorts now focus on sustainability. Look for LEED-certified hotels or those with green initiatives.

• Reduce plastic use – Carry a refillable water bottle. Many hotels and casinos now have water stations to reduce plastic waste.

• Support local businesses – Eat at locally-owned restaurants, shop at small boutiques and tip service workers well.

• Use public transport or walk – The Las Vegas Monorail and RTC buses are great alternatives to rideshares. Walking also reduces your carbon footprint.

• Respect natural spaces – If you venture into the desert, stick to marked trails, pack out trash and avoid disturbing wildlife.

Small actions add up. Travelling responsibly ensures that our beloved destinations thrive for future generations to enjoy.

Vacations travel question of the month

In which museum can you find the vintage lit-up signs of Las Vegas?

‘Vacations’ is powered by OneShoe Trust for Responsible & Mindful Travels – a social enterprise that promotes travelling as a means to raise awareness about climate change and environmental issues. Incubated at IIM Bangalore, OneShoe is the source of most authentic travel experiences around the world.

Link: oneshoetravels.com

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