The Las Vegas Railway Express, Inc. (The Vegas X Train) will bring rail travel between Southern California and Las Vegas back again. Amtrak ended rail service between these two metropolitan areas in 1997. The Vegas X Train will be different from previous railways carrying passengers. Calling the Vegas X Train a “commuter” train is not accurate. Passengers traveling on the Vegas X Train will ride in luxury.

Penny Stegeman - Chief Operations Officer - Passenger Services talks about the Vegas X Train experience. The excitement of Las Vegas is all around you the moment you board the X Train. Luxuriously appointed passenger coaches, attentive service and fine dining will make this an experience you won't soon forget. Enjoy our Ultra Lounges, appointed with huge HD flat-screen televisions, wireless uplinks and high-speed internet. Make your hotel, show, dining and nightclub reservations through one of our Conductresses. Hold a special event in one of our exclusive private cars, with incredible food, beverages and attentive service. Soak in the beautiful scenery as we glide through high desert majesty. Enjoy one of the most unique experiences in passenger rail service- the Vegas X Train.

Tourists from Southern California come to Las Vegas and are confronted by limitless choices of nightlife. Gambling, fine dining, nightclubs and shows found at every resort make Las Vegas the Entertainment Capital of the world. The visitors that come to Las Vegas must see at least one show. One show to put on the “must see” list is the Blue Man Group at the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino.  

The Blue Man Group has been a popular Las Vegas Show since 2000 and recently landed at the Monte Carlo in their new theatre. The state of the art light and sound system is a show in itself. When the Blue Man Group hits their big drums you don’t just hear the drums you “feel” them. The tourists who bring their family to Las Vegas will be glad to know the show is family friendly. If the kids get hungry; no problem there is a concession stand in the theatre. For the adults there is a full bar.

Be sure to show up at least 45 minutes before the show. Those that do get to enjoy the Blue Man Group Parade. The parade is a music and light show featuring the Blue Man Group band. The parade rolls through the casino and performs at the entry to the theater. It’s high energy gets the crowd revved up for the show.

There is not a bad seat in the house, but don’t be late or be prepared for the Blue Men to playfully embarrass those who are. The seats are large and comfortable. People who sit right up front are given ponchos before the show starts. We will leave it to your imagination as to why.

The audience is just as much a part of the show as the Blue Man Group. The Blue Men and their lovely mechanical assistant roam freely among the audience. Part of the show is large jumbo screens where audience members see themselves as they are playfully taunted. Audience members are pulled up on stage and participate as part of the show. The audience will laugh dozens of times.

Anyone who follows Las Vegas shows expects the Blue Man Group to be an over the top audio and visual extravaganza. Once the Blue Men start, they do not disappoint. The music (especially drums) is loud, but not too loud. Bright colorful lights are everywhere and as much a part of the show as the music is. Cool robotics and oversized smart phones illustrate the technical interaction between man, machine and the internet.

The finally is spectacular and involve the whole audience. Huge light balls drop from the ceiling, confetti streamers shoot out from the walls, all the lights are flashing and the music is loud. Everybody stands, dances, wraps each other in confetti and knock the light balls around the theatre. The Blue Man Group always delivers.

The Las Vegas Railway Express, Inc. (The Vegas X Train) will bring rail travel between Southern California and Las Vegas back again. Amtrak ended rail service between these two metropolitan areas in 1997. The Vegas X Train will be different from previous railways carrying passengers. Calling the Vegas X Train a “commuter” train is not accurate. Passengers traveling on the Vegas X Train will ride in luxury, even enjoying private cars for their own parties. Not only will the Vegas X Train be a fun way to travel from Southern California to Las Vegas and back again it will also be safe. The I 15 Freeway between Southern California and Las Vegas is extremely busy and dangerous.

The I 15 Freeway is renowned as the “Most Dangerous Highway in America”, but why is the 125-mile stretch of highway between Las Vegas and Southern California so dangerous? After all, the landscape is basically flat and unobstructed. Unfortunately, most accident reports blame driver behavior- driving under the influence, speeding and falling asleep at the wheel as the main causes for the high number of deaths on the I 15. Soon driving between Los Angeles and Las Vegas will no longer be necessary; with luxury railway travel on board the Vegas X Train you can relax assured that safe passage is yours on this fabulous train.

And you will not miss that 11 hours stuck behind the wheel of a car when you are instead relaxing in luxury. That is why we are happy to say on the Vegas X Train you will enjoy an extra day of vacation.

As soon as you step foot on the Vegas X Train at the Fullerton Station the party begins. Relax in a luxurious seat, enjoy a cocktail and delicious meal and watch the beautiful Mojave Desert roll by as your destination is the Entertainment Capital of the World; Las Vegas. The Vegas X Train gives you the opportunity to put your trip even better by offering you to reserve your own private car.

It could be a bachelor/bachelorette party or a business meeting, or just an occasion that deserves a celebration. Our private cars are available to help you make your special event even more memorable. Stream across the desert in your own private coach, complete with all the trimmings. It is the best party on wheels.

Often vacations are meticulously planned. You want every detail to be fun and interesting. And when you plan to visit the Entertainment Capital of the World....Las Vegas, plans are made for hotels, hanging out at the pool, gambling, shows, shopping, golfing, where to eat, where to drink and much more. Every venue or destination you plan to visit has at least one thing in common. They are staffed with employees waiting to serve you on your vacation. The Vegas X Train staff is very special. They will not just serve you but they will entertain you as well. Travelers to Las Vegas from Southern California start their vacation as soon as they step foot on the Party Train to Vegas.

As soon as you board, the party begins. The staff of each car includes a Bartender, a Server and a Conductress. The Conductress will be guiding you through the multitude of choices for entertainment, shopping, and dining in Las Vegas and/or Southern California as your own expert concierge. The Vegas X Train Waiters and Bartenders amuse and entertain you as they sing, dance and compete for your attention. They will rotate to the next car hourly and you will be able to vote for you favorite on Facebook and twitter. Now that is really special!

By Mick Bailey

Our cars have been the preferred mode of transportation for well over a century. Cars provide convenient personal transportation and give the owner of the car great independence. Our love of cars has grown over the years, but unfortunately problems have grown too. Expensive repairs, congestion on our highways, loss of urban space, air pollution causing public health problems and carbon emission adding to the trend of global warming are all consequences of excessive use of the automobile. In addition, we face record high gasoline prices with no end in sight.

The following are 10 alternatives to driving your car. Some have been with us longer than the car itself and others are new technologies.

10: Walking

Walking has been around forever, but became looked down upon with the advent of the car. For all the reasons above walking is seeing resurgence. Not only does walking help the environment, but much of today’s society struggles with obesity and an alternate form of transportation that helps us drop pounds is a welcome one.

9: Biking

Biking is much quicker than walking and can reach further distances. Daily commutes to work of up to five miles are reasonable if the rider is up to it athletically. Bikes are much cheaper to buy and maintain than cars. The problem is sharing the roads with the cars we are trying to avoid using can be dangerous.

8: Buses

People living in metropolitan often areas find that walking, biking or taking the car is impractical. Compared to driving alone, public transportation like buses can use less fuel per passenger and reduce the amount of traffic congestion. Many areas have lanes dedicated to buses or high occupancy vehicles, which might make taking a bus faster than driving.

7: Mass Transit

If you live in or around an urban area, you may have access to a mass transit rail system, such as a subway or metro train system. Although bus routes usually have more stops and accessibility, mass transit rail systems do not have to deal with traffic congestion from the road, and can therefore be faster than the bus.

6: Carpooling

Carpooling is popular among the more social people in the office. Carpooling saves gas and emissions, but also gives extra time for co-workers to chat amongst themselves. Maybe even about work resulting in a more productive day.

5: Car Sharing

If you only need a car occasionally and are flexible, you can avoid the hefty costs of buying and maintaining a vehicle with a process known as car sharing. Zipcar and Flexcar are both popular car sharing companies that allow you to reserve a vehicle and borrow it. The system is perfect for short term sharing, because fees can be on an hourly or daily basis.

4: Alternative Fuel Cars

Alternative fuels give an opportunity to keep the convenience of using our personal car and run a fuel other than gasoline. Compressed natural gas is one alternative fuel that produces less pollution and greenhouse gases. Renewable fuels include ethanol, which is derived from plant materials, and biodiesel, which is made from vegetable oils and animal fats. Propane burns cleanly and is available widely in the United States, helping the U.S. become energy independent.

3: Electric Cars

No more trips to the gas station, just stick the plug into the outlet in your car while it is parked in your garage. Quiet while in motion, electric vehicles seem like the perfect alternative to the gas powered cars. Unfortunately, due to battery storage miles between charges are limited and the electricity used often comes from coal burning power plants so it is questionable if electric vehicles prevent damage to the environment.

2: Hybrid Cars

Until technology improves on electric cars a great alternative in the mean time is hybrid cars. A hybrid vehicle has a gasoline engine, an electric motor and batteries for storing power. Combining electric and gas, hybrids get the best of both worlds. Engines running on gas are inefficient at low speeds, so the electric motor can take over at those times. When more power is needed the gas engines take over. If you consider a hybrid versus an all gas car make sure you do the math on how many miles it takes to offset the more expensive price tag.

1: Trains

Train travel in Europe is very popular and is a great alternative to cars. Trains carry many more people than buses which make train travel a very efficient form of transportation. In the United States rail freight companies own the railways themselves. Freight trains get priority over passenger trains often resulting in long delays making train travel less popular in the United States.

Soon that will not be true for rail travel between Southern California and Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Railway Express, Inc. (Vegas X Train) will be providing luxury travel between the two destinations. The Vegas X Train will have priority over freight trains per an existing agreement with the Union Pacific Railroad. The Vegas X Train will stay on schedule and will be the best alternative to driving between Southern California and back again. The Vegas X Train will reduce carbon emissions and will make the journey between Southern California and Las Vegas safer for the travelers on their way to the Entertainment Capital of the World.

By Mick Bailey

Daytona Beach, Cancun, South Padre, Key West and South Beach are locations at the top of the list as destinations for Spring Break. College students who spent the last four months in frigid climates hit the road for warmer locations. Destinations are warm, but also where they can enjoy the company of the opposite sex and copious amounts of alcohol. The Entertainment Capital of the World; Las Vegas is at the top of the list. Las Vegas has always been known for reinventing itself. The new clubs at the mega resorts are the best in the world and have enjoyed tremendous success in the past decade. Why limit this success to the wee hours of the night? The most recent trend is to take the excitement of the night clubs and take it to the pool under the bright desert sun. Live DJ’s, bikini contests and free flowing alcohol make the ultimate Vegas excitement. The following pools are our four top Spring Break recommendations.

1: Liquid at Aria Resort & Casino Las Vegas

Aria is one of the newest resorts on the Vegas Strip. Things get hot (and cool) at their adult-only pool named Liquid. The atmosphere is more upscale than the more raucous pools in Vegas. Resident DJ’s play subdued music while partiers drink cocktails. There are two pools surrounded by daybeds and comfy lounges. Adjacent to the pools a restaurant serves delicious snack and sandwiches. If desired, guests can rent a secluded and spacious cabana with full service and high tech amenities.

Status: Open

2: Rehab Sundays at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino The Hard Rock Hotel was one of the first to start the Vegas pool party trend. The casino is all things music, it made sense it would spill out to their infamous pool by the name “Sunday Rehab.” This will be its ninth successful season. Based on the “hair of the dog” saying, Rehab features live DJ’s, scantily clad partiers and tons of alcohol. Everything needed to recover from Saturday night. The music is loud and fast so be prepared for lots of action. Daybeds and cabanas are available for those who need more time to recover.

Status: Open April 21st

3: Bare at The Mirage Bring it on ladies; Bare is adults only and topless is optional. The environment is smaller and subdued, but still has DJ’s playing trendy and romantic music and specialty drinks. Spring Breakers will enjoy lots of special events and can enjoy all you can drink specials. Their slogan; “Lose the Tan Lines”.

Status: Open

4: Wet Republic at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino If big is what you want, Wet Republic at the MGM Grand is the place. The adults-only space at the MGM features numerous pools, including two salt water pools, a massive sundeck, VIP bungalows, daily contests, and an impressive list of DJs and performers. The big parties take place over the weekend. Celebrities and hot entertainers headline weekly and monthly events...transforming the 4,100 square-foot sundeck into a stage, and making Wet Republic one of the hottest destinations for premier entertainment.

Status: Open

Historically, Spring Breakers flocked to locations that bloom only during that time of year. Now they flock to a location that is wild 365 days a year; Las Vegas. Sun and Sexy; that’s Vegas baby!

By Mick Bailey

Travelers from So Cal to Las Vegas will have many destinations when they arrive; shows, clubs, golf, shopping, getting married and more. If a tourist is asked what they will do once they are in Vegas rarely do they say “gamble”. Reality is most succumb to the lure of the casino and end up doing what Las Vegas was built for…..gambling. People new to gambling are intimidated by the sights, sounds and all the rules of the games. Here are 8 helpful hints to make new gamblers comfortable as they place their first bets at a Las Vegas casino.

1: Know your game:
Before starting a trip to Las Vegas do a little research on the various games. Roulette, craps, and blackjack are the most popular table games. Spend some time learning the rules of the games you want to play. Once you know the rules you will have less fear. Take a few minutes to understand the options on the slot machines. Watch the screen for helpful clues to using it before you start playing.

2: Watch alcohol beware of the free drinks:
Be prepared for free cocktails. Having the right amount of drinks adds to the excitement of gambling, but do not have too much to drink and get out of control. Drunk players lose money and playing partners and dealers do not appreciate sloppy drunks.

3: Consider signing up for Player’s cards:
The Player’s Club desk at all casinos can provide players cards. If you gamble and loose, a player’s card can help recuperate a portion of your losses. This comes in the form of many specials including discounts or even free rooms on your next visit. 

4: Know How and When to Tip:
Traditionally the dealers should get $5 per hour for each hour played and the waitresses get $1 for each drink. When winning a big hand at blackjack or a role of the dice at craps it is appropriate to tip the dealer at that time or when leaving the table; win or lose!

5: Set a budget:
Set a budget before your Vegas trip for rooms, restaurants, shows, tours, etc. Gambling should be no different. Set an amount you can live with; maybe a bit on the high side to insure a good time. Make reasonable bets to last a while. Hopefully, you will win. If not look at the money lost as entertainment the same as going to a Vegas show. Follow  these guidelines and avoid doing something regrettable.

6: Ask for comps:
Comps may not be as common is Las Vegas as they used to, but they are to be found. When gamblers play either tables or slots the casino may reward them with show tickets, room discounts or buffets. Gamblers make sure to ask at the player’s club booth for slot players and at the tables for table players.

7: Bank your winnings:
On those occasions when you win big (it will happen) bank a portion; about half. You will be surprised on how this side stash grows.

8: Be courteous:
While gambling, emotions can run high; especially when you violate hint 2. It is easy to be on your best behavior when you are winning, but it is difficult when you lose. Do not throw cards and do not verbally abuse the hard working people providing the service. The reality is they do not make the choices resulting if a player wins or loses. Gamblers play at the discretion of the casinos. At anytime if employees are abused or other gamblers are offended the casino boss has the right to ask you to leave.

These 8 hints are the basics for people who are new to gambling in Las Vegas. We hope they help you become more comfortable doing so. Any experienced gambler will have his own unique style of gambling and eventually you will have yours. Follow these 8 hints and even if you lose you will come away with an enjoyable gambling experience making you a winner every time. 

 By Mick Bailey
The Super Bowl, the World Series, NBA Finals, Wimbledon, the Masters are among the top sporting events people enjoy each year. Every sports enthusiast has a favorite event. For many it is the NCAA Tournament also known as “March Madness”. March Madness is popular because the players involved are not professionals playing for millions of dollars. They are college students playing for the love of the game of basketball and to make their school number one in the nation. The level of enthusiasm from the players is unmatched in any other sport. The March Madness fans get caught up in the excitement as if they were on the floor themselves. If a fan’s Alma mater reaches the “Sweet Sixteen” the excitement becomes almost unbearable.   

March 17 is Selection Sunday. The first round is March 19 & 20 at the UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio.  Then nonstop action continues until the big game on April 8 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Georgia. Fans can follow the brackets in the comfort of their home or a neighborhood bar. Bets can be made with other fans or they can participate in pools. Fans who want to enjoy the ultimate March Madness go to Las Vegas to watch the games and make their belts (legally). This is the second busiest event for Las Vegas sport books right behind the Super Bowl. For those fans here are 4 unique places to experience March Madness in Las Vegas.

Fremont Street Experience: Starting March 13, the world’s largest NCAA bracket will be on the Viva Vision screen at the Fremont Street Experience; 1,500 feet. Free entertainment will include singing and dancing by the Hardwood Hotties and the Dream Team Divas. Fans can participate in basketball by taking shots at the High Hoops Zone, where the baskets are set at 20, 25 and 30-foot distances. Fremont Street Experience is centrally located in Downtown Las Vegas so fans will have dozens of bars to choose from to watch the games.

Las Vegas Hotel and Casino (LVH): March 21 through 24 LVH become “Hoops Central”. All NCAA Men’s Basketball games will be watched on huge high definition screens in the LVH theatre.  “’Hoops Central’ provides a great atmosphere and draws fans from all parts of the country,” said Jay Kornegay, the vice president of race & sports book operations at LVH.  “It’s a long-standing tradition at the LVH and, year over year; it becomes more and more popular. We’re not expecting anything less this year.”

Aquae Sulis Spa: Here is a place where the female basketball fans can enjoy March Madness. The spa at the JW Marriott Las Vegas will have Final Four Spa Packages including Fancy Footwork pedicures, Marvelous Maneuver manicures, Halftime Hydration facials and Sweet Spot massages.

Caesars Palace: The second annual Hoops and Hold’em will be taking place until April 2. Poker players need not leave their card games to watch the NCAA Championship. 20 large screens are brought in so neither plays or hands will be missed. “This is the ultimate place for sports fans and poker fans to come together to compete and show their skills,” according to Andy Rich, director of poker operations for Caesars Palace.

The Las Vegas sport books will be packed for all the games and will provide each fan a great time as they watch March Madness.

Go “mad” at one of these four events listed here to experience March Madness Vegas style!  

By Mick Bailey

For people traveling from Southern California to Las Vegas, gambling, drinking, Las Vegas Shows, the world’s best nightclubs or general debauchery are popular activities when the sun goes down, but what about daytime? Las Vegas has great shopping, relaxing by the pool or maybe nursing a hangover in the hotel room from the night before. Spring is right around the corner and before the summer heat hits Southern Nevada, visitors to Las Vegas should consider a different daytime activity. A trip to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a destination for anyone interested in experiencing the nature of the Desert Southwest.

Located 15 minutes off the Las Vegas Strip, the Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area is found at the base of the red rock bluffs, visible from the valley floor. Their stark contrast from the usual Mojave landscape makes the bluffs hard to miss. In the center of the Conservation Area is a 13 mile one way paved loop. This is a great opportunity to see many scenic overlooks which dot the road offering tremendous picture opportunities. This loop is a favorite for bike enthusiasts.

Those that want to experience the desert from more than their cars find hiking opportunities galore. Short, easy trails for people of all ages to extreme hikes for the advanced are available. Destinations like Lost Creek, Keystone Thrust, Turtles Head Peak, Calico Springs and Ice Box Canyon make an exciting day trip. Extreme outdoorsmen enjoy advanced rock climbing on the red rock bluffs. Those that have limited mobility, but still want to enjoy the trails can ride on Pink Jeep Tours to see the beauty of the canyon.

Be sure to stop at the Red Rock Canyon Interpretative Association located in the Visitor Center. Here you can learn about the geological events that created the canyon and be able to identify the different rock formations. Find detailed information on the hiking trails describing length, difficulty and sights to be seen. Meet Mojave Max the symbol for the Desert Southwest, a desert tortoise that lives at the Visitor Center. Proceeds from purchases at the Elements gift store go to helping preserve the canyon. Numerous events are held at the Interpretative Association so check their website for scheduled events. For example, March’s schedule includes “Night Photography at Red Rock Canyon”, “Medical Plants of the Moenkopi”, Colors of Red Rock Jewelry Making” and “Wildflower Training”.

Many think the beauty of Las Vegas resides on the strip, but those that make the short trip to Red Rock Canyon realize beauty existed in Las Vegas long before any casinos were built.