Recovery of Las Vegas: The Current Scenario for Your November Vacation
Planning a trip to Las Vegas in November can be an exciting endeavor, provided you are aware of the current situation. The city is slowly making a comeback, but there has been a significant impact due to the pandemic. Let's dive into the details and see what the current state looks like.
Sanitization and Safety Measures
Hotels, casinos, and restaurants in Las Vegas are serious about sanitization. All areas are regularly cleaned, and hand sanitizers are available everywhere in dispensers. In restaurants, disposable menus are used to ensure that no one else touches them. Additionally, booths are enclosed with plexiglass to maintain social distancing.
Visitors are required to wear masks in public places unless they are eating or drinking. Bars reopened on Sunday and seem to be busy with happy patrons. Despite the busy appearance, the music in casinos continues to play, and players are still engaging in various games. However, it's important to note that many shows have been canceled, and entertainers are out of work due to the pandemic.
Conventions and Major Events
The loss of major conventions, events, and tourism brought about by the pandemic is significant. Labor Day weekend witnessed a surge in visitors, but the traffic on the strip was still quite congested. The shows remain dark, and many people have lost their jobs. Notable events such as the National Rodeo Finals and Cowboy Christmas have been canceled.
Allegiant Stadium hosted its first Raiders game without spectators to ensure sanitization and safety. The stadium's exterior is impressive, making it ideal for those who might want to tour the area.
Tourism Impact and Weather Conditions
Despite the challenges, various hotels such as MGM have free self-parking again. Caesars is similarly operational, though it's unclear about the parking situation. All hotels offer contact details (800 numbers and websites) for rates and specials to encourage visitors.
From a weather perspective, the skies in Las Vegas remain sunny, and there is no rain. However, the air quality can be affected as smoke often blows in from California, impacting visibility.
Traffic and Crowds
The current visitor count on the strip and downtown is lower compared to pre-pandemic levels. A drives-through the area last week provided a great feeling of people returning, but the tourist count is only about 1/20 of what it used to be. There are fewer planes in the sky, indicating a reduced number of visitors: before the pandemic, 8 to 9 planes were in the air at any given hour, but now it's just a handful of flights per hour.
Additionally, driving on the strip and freeways is less congested than before the pandemic. This can make for a more pleasant and efficient travel experience. A new North Strip entrance to the Stratosphere provides a new tourist icon and a refreshing facelift to the area.
Be sure to say your prayers and continue to support local establishments as they strive to recover. Las Vegas is gradually making a comeback, and with the appropriate precautions and understanding, it can be an enjoyable destination for your November vacation.