Hoover Dam is one of the world’s top engineering marvels. Standing as a 726-foot-tall testament to what happens when human ambition meets relentless engineering.

At a time when the world was reeling from the Great Depression, thousands of men descended upon the Black Canyon to do the impossible. To build something everybody said could not be done. To build the largest dam in the world, in the middle of nowhere, on the widest and most unpredictable rivers, the Colorado River

Everything about this project was off the charts. From its size and cost to the technology needed to make it happen.

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Think about it. In 1931, there was no computer-aided design and manufacturing. There wasn’t even anything resembling a computer. To do what they did, where they did it, and how they did it, just boggles the mind

Where am I Going with This?

The one thing I tell my guests when I do a Hoover Dam tour is to look at the dam from that perspective. The Great depression, the middle of nowhere, everyone saying it can’t be done. It’s too large, too complex. It was going to fail. There were no computers. It was brains, brawn, dynamite, and a lot of men desperate to do almost anything for a paycheck.

Yet, here we are. 91 years later, people come from all over the world just to look at it. It’s still working as it was designed to do.

When you start to look at and think about everything it took to make it a reality, you become absolutely amazed by what they did and how they figured it out. Or at least I do.

I have seen just about every documentary ever made about building the Hoover Dam. Most just go over what the storybooks tell them. I found one that is unlike any other, and it’s not really a documentary.

It’s made by a guy named Jacob O’Neal, who likes to find out how things work, then uses computer graphics to show us how it was made and how it works.

With the Hoover Dam, he includes the one thing no other documentary or video could ever do. Show us everything at a human scale. Currently sitting at over 3 million views with thousands of comments from people in awe of what they just watched. After watching it, I think you will agree that this is the best one ever made.

After watching that and wanting more (and who doesn’t?), watch the video on how he made this video.

Grab some popcorn, put on some comfortable headphones, and settle back and get ready to be amazed.

• Book a Hoover Dam Tour

So, MGM sent out the PR blast this past week, stating that the world-famous magician David Copperfield, after 25 years of performing at the MGM, is now rapidly heading for the exit, and the trolls of the internet go wild. His last show is in April. That's fast!

Vegas Show Tickets

Yes, I know it's the internet and 80% of what you read is either bots or loony unemployed dorks still living in their mother’s basement. But still, it can be entertaining.

Meanwhile, here in the real world, there is more to the story than just “It's because of the Epstein files.”

The Show Sucked!

The Epstein dump didn't start the fire; it just poured gasoline on a bridge that was already scheduled for demolition

I remember seeing it pre-COVID lockdown, and it sucked back then. But I let my tour guests share their opinions about the shows they paid to see on the Strip. That’s what counts. The real voices of the world.

For the last couple of years, any guest who had seen the show gave it no warm, fuzzy feelings or even recommendations. None, zip, zilch.

The reviews went from “it looks like he is walking through the steps,” to “He’s just punching a time clock,” to the more neutral review “Yeah, he’s not like he used to be.” However, as I said, Nobody said they would recommend the show. Ouch!

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Moving On

Want more proof? In 2023, MGM sold the 8,228-square-foot four-level custom estate they had built for David Copperfield as part of his contract to perform. They sold it for $5.2 million.

Who needs an 8,000 square foot home away-from-home when you are planning to retire?

Moving Out

For the last dozen years or so, Copperfield has had a studio/warehouse just off the Las Vegas Strip, behind the Allegiant Stadium. His name is still over the front door. But according to sources, nobody is home.

About a year ago, a company I am familiar with was looking for warehouse space and learned that the building would be available for rent, but not until early 2026. Apparently, he was told that the building was essentially sitting empty, but the “lease holder” had paid up until the end of the lease, April of 2026. It’s now March of 2026.

It's not earth-shattering news. But it kind of fills in the blanks or the backstory to what is really happening in Las Vegas.

That’s it for now.

Mark Anthony
The Vegas Tourist

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Beginning at the historic Cool Springs, Arizona, it snakes through the Black Mountains with 191 bone-rattling curves. Eight grueling miles later, it finally drops you into the wild streets of Oatman.

During the Great Depression, this wasn't just a scenic drive; it was a white-knuckle test of survival for families heading west in overloaded Model As and Model Ts, praying their brakes wouldn't fail on the desert's most dangerous grade.

This was part of the route people leavign the Dust Bowl, used to get to the promised land fo Las Vegas, where the employment office was for that mega project know as Hoover Dam/Boulder Dam

Once the crown jewel of the Sahara Hotel. It opened in 2000 and closed in 2011. These track pieces have been sitting in this vacant lot across from Mandalay Bay for years. It’s even on Google Maps!

It’s a bittersweet look at Vegas history gathering dust in the desert.

Would you have ridden this back in the day?

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That’s it for now.

Mark Anthony
The Vegas Tourist

Have you shopped The Vegas Tourist on Amazon?

News broke last week that our “hometown” airline, Allegiant Air, has decided it wanted to acquire (merge) with Minneapolis-based Sun Country Airlines in a $1.5 billion deal.

For us here in Las Vegas, it’s a mixed bag of “Great for Growth” and “Wait and See.” Let’s break down the good, the bad, and the reality for your next trip.

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The Good: More Ways to Get to the Neon

The best news? This merger creates a leisure-powerhouse headquartered right here in Las Vegas. It’s also probably the first time in a long time that we’ve seen two profitable airlines merge.

Market Access: Allegiant Air has been a domestic player. They built a profitable domestic airline serving smaller Midwest towns and cities that the big boys ignore. They also only fly when it makes sense. Like taking people from snowbound in the Midwest to sunny Las Vegas. Shutting off some of their smaller routes during the summer months. And they do it non-stop.

Sun Country is based in my home state of Minnesota. It has been a mixed bag of an airline. Started out as a charter airline. They were one of the airlines that travel agencies would charter, then sell the discount junkets to places like Las Vegas. Then, as that market started to collapse, they switched over to regular airline schedules.

Like other airlines, cargo is their gold mine. Sun Country was one of the first, during the pandemic, to find profits in shipping for Amazon. Passengers are just filler material on the balance sheets.

By grabbing Sun Country, Allegiant suddenly has access to established routes to sunny vacation-friendly destinations in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.

The Midwest Connection: Sun Country is huge in Minneapolis (MSP). This merger opens up a massive “snowbird” pipeline, making it easier and cheaper for our friends in the Upper Midwest to get to Vegas for a weekend.

Combined Rewards: They’ve announced they will eventually merge their loyalty programs. If you’ve been sitting on Sun Country points, you’ll soon be able to use them for those ultra-low-cost Allegiant hops.

The Bad: Less Competition, More Fees?

It’s not all “jackpots and free buffets.” Whenever two airlines become one, there are financial risks for us, the budget-minded traveler.

• The “ULCC” Struggle: Ultra-Low-Cost Carriers (ULCCs) are struggling right now. This merger is about survival. While it keeps the airlines alive, it means one less choice for consumers.

• The Fee Factor: Sun Country was always known as the “nicer” budget airline (they even still give out free soda!). Allegiant is the king of “pay for everything.” There’s a real worry that the “Allegiant way” will take over, and those small perks we liked on Sun Country might disappear.

• Regulatory Hurdles: This is the first big merger test for the 2026 administration. If the DOJ or FAA blocks it, we could see both airlines struggle to maintain their current schedules.

The Verdict for The Vegas Tourist

I’ve only flown Sun Country once, and it was a complete disaster I would rather forget. I have no personal experience flying Allegiant.

For now, I wouldn’t change your travel plans. Both airlines will continue to operate as separate brands until at least the second half of 2026.

The airline gurus tell us that if you see a good deal on a Sun Country flight from MSP or DFW to Las Vegas, grab it. Your points are safe for now, and the flights aren’t going anywhere yet. Las Vegas is still the ultimate destination, and having a bigger, stronger airline based in our backyard is generally a win for the local economy.

That’s it for now.

Mark Anthony
The Vegas Tourist

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Las Vegas is home to multiple National Parks within an easy one-day drive. So, are you traveling to the National Parks this year, just before things change for non-US residents who want to see some of the greatest things America has to offer.

As of January 1, 2026, the National Park Service (NPS) has officially implemented a new “America First” pricing structure. This policy distinguishes between U.S. residents and international visitors, introducing a significant surcharge at several of the nation’s most iconic destinations.

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Understanding the 2026 National Park Fee Changes

The primary goal of the new fee structure is to ensure that U.S. taxpayers—who already support the parks through federal taxes—receive the greatest benefit.

While U.S. residents and Green Card holders will see their annual “America the Beautiful” pass remain at $80 (worth every penny), international visitors now face different costs.

• Non-Resident Annual Pass: If they plan to visit multiple national parks, they may want to purchase an annual pass. Annual Pass for International is  $250.

• The Per-Person Surcharge: For those without an annual pass, a $100 surcharge per person (ages 16+) is now required at 11 high-traffic parks. This is paid in addition to the standard entrance fee (usually $30–$35).

• Verification: To qualify for the resident rate, you must present a valid U.S. driver’s license or Permanent Resident Card at the gate.

The “Surcharge 11”: Where the New Fees Apply

The $100 per-person nonresident fee is currently restricted to 11 of the most-visited parks in the system. If you are an international traveler visiting these locations without an annual pass, be prepared for the extra cost:

1. Acadia National Park (Maine)

2. Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)

3. Everglades National Park (Florida)

4. Glacier National Park (Montana)

5. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)

6. Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)

7. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)

8. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (California)

9. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming/Montana/Idaho)

10. Yosemite National Park (California)

11. Zion National Park (Utah)

Pro Tips

• Always check with the National Park Service before you visit to check for any updates or changes to policies and procedures

• Resident or non-resident, it's always better to buy the National Park pass.

• You can now buy a digital version and store your Digital America the Beautiful Pass on your Apple or Google Wallet.

• These new fees apply only to the 11 most visited national parks.

• If you’re a motorcycle rider, 2026 is your year. The new pass rules now cover two motorcycles per pass instead of just one. It’s a huge win for groups riding out from Vegas or LA.

• 106 National Parks Charge an Entrance Fee

• 342 National Parks Do Not charge an entrance fee

A Growing Global Trend: Dual Pricing

These new fees are NOT a political thing. It's just America catching up with other popular tourist spots around the world.

The concept of "dual pricing" for cultural and natural artifacts is common worldwide.

Many countries argue that since local citizens fund the upkeep of these sites through their taxes and labor, they should pay a lower rate than international tourists.

At the Taj Mahal in India, for example, foreign visitors pay roughly 20 times more than locals. Similarly, in Peru, residents of the Andean Community pay significantly less to enter Machu Picchu than travelers from other continents. Even in France, the Louvre recently introduced price hikes specifically aimed at non-European visitors to help fund a billion-euro renovation project.

These policies treat national treasures as both a public service for citizens and a premium experience for the global community.

Don't think this is just a political thing. (Yes, I said it twice for the people in the back!)

One final note

Red Rock National Conservation Area accepts the National Park Pass

Valley of Fire is a State park and does NOT accept the National Park Pass

Your Thoughts?

Mark Anthony
The Vegas Tourist

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(Not a verbatim translation of the podcast)

This is Mondays with Mark, The Vegas Tours.com podcast.
Episode number six. Consumer Electronics Show (CES) updates and other stuff.

Going to talk a lot about CES 2026 and some other updates as far as the Vegas Tourist goes. OK, stick around. It’s going to be interesting.

First of all, I have to apologize. CES 2026 was the most disappointing, boring-est CES that I had ever attended. And I’ve been attending CES since, for those of you of a certain age, remember when the camcorder came out, the big one you would hold up on your shoulder? Yeah, that was my first CES. Man, that was hot technology back then. That was awesome!

OK, this year. Which kind of explains why a lot of other content creators are putting stuff out from CES, either it’s not as much as they used to or it’s just quick, boring shit, OK?

A lot of the larger exhibitors that would normally be there weren’t there or they had a smaller footprint.

Mostly what you saw were AI products, AI services, more services than products. And let me tell you, you’ve seen one robotic arm, you’ve seen them all, OK? And a lot of these services were just like everyone else’s, but they’re, you know, with a different name slapped on it. Not anything to really write home about.

So I had overhyped it and under-delivered because of that. All right. It’s just I wasn’t ready to expect that.

All right. So apology. OK, all right.

So what I did see there was interesting. On the main floor, on the main exhibit floors, there were a lot of new products, new services that were really trying to find funding, trying to find kickstarts.

OK? Now, CES has what’s called Eureka Park, and that is an area at the far back of the Venetian Conference Center. And it’s where universities, many international schools, tech labs, and entrepreneurs get to present. But it’s tucked away in the back and very, very crowded.

Some of them came up to the main floor, paid a lot of money to be there, but the product was not ready for prime time. So, you know, but they were like showing us, oh, you know, look at how wonderful this is going to be. Hey, we just need another ten million dollars.

OK. All right. Some of them, you could tell, were really desperate.

They, you know, they want to get this out onto the show floor. They want to get it in front of companies and people that will get it out to the consumer market so that the value of this startup skyrockets and they can sell it off to Google or somebody else for a billion dollars and go off and retire.

The AI Rabbit Hole

OK. The big question is, just how far down this rabbit hole do you want to go? On the second day, I was over at the Wynn for Samsung.

Now, Samsung is normally a major exhibitor on the main floor of the convention center. This time it was their 20th anniversary at CES, and they had this huge layout at the Wynn, which I’m going to pause here and go off track. This is the first time that I’ve been able to really look at the Wynn conference center.

This was Steve Wynn’s last project. And this conference center was gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous.

It had a lot of potential because Steve Wynn had a huge plan for that area. He wanted to include a mini convention conference center that would be fully enclosed, kind of like at Disney World. There are areas of Disney World that are strictly conference centers.

You got a small conference center. You have a small hotel that surrounds it. You know, so if, say, Microsoft wanted to have a sales manager’s meeting, they could all go to this one spot.

They had all of the hotel rooms. They had all of the conference rooms. They had all of, you know, everything was self-contained.

And, as you, they had chased him out of town. It is so sad because of what could have been there. If you still believe Steve Wynn was chased out of town by a washed-up hairdresser, you’re reading the wrong websites.

That’s not why Steve Wynn got booted out of town. But oh, by the way, there is an Instagram account where it’s Steve Wynn reminiscing about his era in Las Vegas. What it was, how it worked, what happened, you know.

It’s a great channel. It’s interesting to watch and hear from him.

But anyway, Samsung kind of puts everything in perspective of CES 2026. And what it is was this. Just how much do I need or want to expose myself to?

It’s bad enough that every time my 80-inch flat screen doesn’t update, I have to go through and spend about an hour turning off all the spyware, ad stuff, and all that. Don’t be fooled. Your television is spying on you and sending all that information back to whoever.

That’s why Walmart spent $2 billion buying the TV maker Vizio so it could build a pipeline into who you are. What are you watching? When are you watching it? Who is watching it with you? All of that stuff goes right back into Walmart, so they know how to advertise.

So I will simplify it here. Walking through the Samsung exhibit. Do I really want my television talking to my toaster? Do I really want my refrigerator telling me that the milk is about to expire? The celery has turned brown.

You’re running low on Dr. Pepper. And oh, by the way, your sister back in Minnesota is having lasagna for tonight. Would you like to do the same thing? That’s what we’re having, people.

If you think AI is coming, you’re wrong. If you think you are in a job that is AI safe, you’re wrong. The one piece of advice that I would give to anyone out there right now, I don’t care if you’re 25 or 55. Spend an hour a day learning AI. That, you know, you need to learn this now,!

AI will infiltrate your job if it hasn’t already. It will take a lot of jobs, but it will infiltrate many more. As Jeff Bezos said many years ago, “You’re either going to be working for a robot, or you’re going to be working with a robot.” Flat out, I don’t care what job it is.

CES 2026 proved that.

There was one cool one. Yarbo lawn mower robot.

Automatic robot mowing the grass, shoveling the snow, hauling things, cutting the trees down. All robotic automation.

The bright spot in all this, to me, and my favorite product in the medical field, is the TomBot.

This is a robotic lapdog. Feels like one, acts like one. It was it was created with the help of Jim Henson Studios, the guys who made the Muppets.

They were involved in this. For people who are lonely, who are isolated, it was aimed at dementia patients. I mean, you pet it, it feels like a lapdog.

It it reacts like a lapdog. Right. That’s the good side of AI, where.

You know, if you’re back in Minnesota and you can get a message from your automated message from your grandma down in Florida saying, “Hey, she mixed up her medications. This is what you need to do.” stuff like that.

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While I was there. I saw Zoox.

OK, Zoox is that little green box with wheels you see running around Vegas. Right now it’s still fun. Free, with designated spots to catch it.

You know, go from, like, Resorts World to Area 15, or Area 15 to Topgolf, or New York, New York. Things like that. They just added the Wynn.

I was curious. Once this gets the go-ahead to start charging, they’re making other deals with places like Allegiant Stadium, T-Mobile Arena, and other tourist attractions on and around the Strip.

My question was this. If it were to go live right now. Right now, if I pick this up at Resorts World, can I go to the Bellagio? The answer is no.

Because they need a designated pickup and drop-off spot. They need to be able to get in and get out. Took me a long time to finally get someone to answer that question honestly and openly.

Which is fine because, you know, they’re still rolling out new pickup spots.

All right. So, you know, for now, it’s still free, and it’s really fun. It’s really fun to drive.

Waymo was there. Waymo is entering the Las Vegas market, and they’re just a couple of steps behind Zook. But Waymo showed off a van, a nine-passenger van, where Zook is currently just having a four-passenger. So Waymo will have a slight advantage over Zoox overall, but both will give Uber a run for its money.

So if you’re an Uber driver, good luck.

All right. That’s my CES roundup.

I was just I was disappointed. OK, I, you know, I’m compared to other ones. That and part of it might be that I’m at that age where I just don’t want to deal with fricking crowds, 140,000 people.

Oh, my God. You know, I’m tired of that. Then I did a 45,000 steps in three days. 45 or 46, I don’t remember. So, yeah, we’re really good shoes. All right.

Vegas updates.

F1 anger is getting louder. Thank you, people.

Social media is lighting up with people who are just fed up with F1 mess. Unfortunately, it’s falling on deaf ears. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) CEO Steve Hill has an unhealthy love affair with F1.

If Las Vegas just collapsed all around it and F1 was the only thing here, Steve Hill would be OK.

He’d be so fricking happy, you know, he is so tone deaf to anything not F1. All right. And a lot of people are saying this because the numbers are showing that the drop-off in tourists is historic.

It’s that we aren’t used to this month after month after month. And a lot of it is F1.

Overall, it’s the greed. OK, F1, if your business was not in that zone, that F1 zone, you were screwed. You were out of work, you were out of business.

The only people who made money were MGM, Caesars, and LVCVA, Steve Hill. Everyone else lost business.

Now, the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) comes to town, and NFR has been coming to Vegas for, I think, the 40th year. No roads closed. People from all over the world come here. The economic impact of NFR is $200–300 million a year, the same amount F1 brings in.

With NFR in town for 10 days, everyone’s involved. Everyone’s involved. OK, South Point makes money. Excalibur makes money. I make money. The shows make money. Trump Tower makes money.

It’s spread throughout the tourist community, where F1 doesn’t. And a lot of people, as they’re exiting Vegas, are saying “Goodbye, Vegas. This was it.”

The mess, the chaos, everything—it was the last straw. Which brings me to last year, when MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle made this “amazing” announcement that he finally “gets it.”

Yeah, okay. He basically admitted that maybe a $26 bottle of water or an $18 coffee is a little overboard. His big move to show they “hear us” was giving locals free parking... but only for 90 days. Why not just make parking free? Why not get rid of the resort fee?

You guys started this. And by the way, his promise to make “adjustments” really only happened at Excalibur and Luxor, not everywhere else. Then, in the same announcement, he actually tried to claim that their greed isn’t the only thing driving their numbers down.

Yes, it is.

He tries ot push the blame onto other things. He tried to blame politics. He tried to blame the Canadian dollar and blah, blah, blah. Again, NFR proved that completely wrong. NFR proved all of those excuses wrong, completely blew his excuses right out of the water.

Sorry, Bill, your greed is what is driving this tourist stampede to the exit.

Canadians showed up in huge droves, even with an equestrian crisis and a quarantine in place. They still showed up in massive droves. They still spent a ton of money here.

The Tourist number dropping is 99% due to MGM and Caesars’ greed. Pure and simple. And the tourists are going online and going, “hey, Vegas, no more. I’m done. We’re out of here.”

Blame whatever you want. But it sits on the feet of MGM and Caesars and their desire to just gouge the tourists as much as possible. So, yeah, free parking for 90 days if you’re a local here.

The baseball stadium is a money pit.

That’s why the movie was made. Baseball is just a huge money pit. They are still having some financial issues.

When they’re questioned on it, they kind of back off and maybe, you know, everything’s fine, everything’s fine, blah, blah, blah. All right. Right now, they’re having a trademark issue.

And then if you look on the corner of Tropicana and the Strip, there’s a sign there from Bally’s who is leasing the land going, “hey, we’re looking for companies to come in to the entertainment zone that we’re going to build there because we really don’t think we’re going to be able to afford to build a hotel there. But we want this entertainment zone.” Basically, what they’re looking for is investors to pay them to build the entertainment zone.

They don’t have the money. And it’s been proven in other cities that Bally’s is broke and they’re looking for handouts. They’re looking for other companies to fund their projects.

Kind of like “let us put our name on it, but we’re going to use your money.” All right. Yeah, yeah.

This baseball stadium is going to be just bad, just bad. All right. And of course, once in a while, the NBA basketball pops up, and apparently, everyone forgot what the 2007 All-Star game did to the Vegas economy.

Yeah, you know, for those of us who live through that, we are the ones going, oh, hell no. The NBA shouldn’t cannot come to Vegas. We do not need the trash that it brings.

And the 2007 All-Star game that was held here proved it. All right. I can get into that in a really long video. But OK, just no.

And then we have Brightline West, the high-speed rail going from close to L.A. to Las Vegas.

They are starting to build the track infrastructure. They are building a parking lot station here in Las Vegas. I’m not sure what they’re doing in Cucamonga out there, but unfortunately, they’re still saying the opening day is probably late 2028, early 2029.

So, and finally, my favorite little project, The Vegas loop, the tunnel system that the Elon Musk Boring Company is building. They should have a couple more stations opening in the next couple of weeks, probably the next 60 days. The connection to the airport will be complete.

They’re actually building two stations that will provide you with a connection to the airport. The first one should open at the same time as the Virgin station, which will open later this month, probably early next month. Unless there’s a delay for some reason, but still.

And then from there, they are tunneling to Allegiant Stadium. They’re going to start a tunnel to downtown. So that’s going to look good.

So, yep, there it is. I think I got caught up on everything. Our next big, big event in town here, of course, will be the Super Bowl.

More people usually come here for Super Bowl weekend and actually go to the host city.

If you think I missed anything, drop me a line at thevegastourist@gmail.com or leave me a comment.

Sign up for the newsletter at thevegastourist.net. Support this channel by shopping on Amazon at shopthevegastourist.com

Like, subscribe, and leave me your comments.

I am Mark Anthony. I am The Vegas Tourist, and I will see you on the next Podcast.

The very first time I ever came to Las Vegas was back in the 1980s for what is known as The Consumer Electronics Show, or CES. And I have been going almost every year since.

Back then, it was known as their “winter show” with a summer version in Chicago. Can you guess which one was more popular?

So in 1998, they dropped the Chicago show and went with the Vegas show the first week in January. On average, 140,000 people from the consumer electronics industry show up here. And consumer “technology” is in just about anything we touch nowadays!

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They will take over the Las Vegas Convention Center (2.5 million sq ft) and the Venetian Convention Center (2.5 million sq ft), as well as all the suites in most major Strip hotels, for demonstrations and networking events.

It's Las Vegas ' second-largest convention, behind SEMA. Closed to the public.

CES 2026 is the massive annual Consumer Electronics Show, held in Las Vegas from January 6-9, 2026, where global tech companies, innovators, and media gather to showcase next-generation technology, unveil new products (like AI PCs, advanced TVs, and robotics), set industry trends for the year, and discuss solutions to global challenges. It's a major event for business, partnerships, and seeing breakthroughs in AI, digital health, automotive tech, and more!

So, where is this going?

Very simply, I will be there. For people like me, classified as “media”. Everything starts on Sunday with a look at what has changed since last year and the main topic this year (AI!).

Then we get a first look at the top gadgets and products across most categories, plus the newest, hottest trends.

Monday is media day for various brands: private meetings, demos, and such.

Tuesday. The doors open and the madness begins. Ending on Thursday.

Heads Up!

Over the next four days, I plan to create a LOT of content. A lot of reels and video shorts showing individual products; I find fascination with longer content focusing on industries and product lines. As well as my own thoughts and curiosities.

It will be released throughout the days as I have time to edit and post with more follow-ups and commentary.

Well, that’s the idea anyway.

I should walk about 5-10 miles each day!

So either get ready to hit the “delete” button often, or get ready to hunker down and see some amazing and sometimes scary tech gadgets that will impact almost every moment of your life. Seriously.

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Just letting you know now!

Mark Anthony
The Vegas Tourist

»> Shop and support The Vegas Tourist on Amazon

P.S. Don’t forget, our Vegas Survival Kit, featuring chargers, cooling gear, and more, is a must-have before your trip. Click here to pack smarter

P.S.S. Have you booked a tour yet? The future you will thank you for saving the hassle! Visit MrMarkTours.com

Starting January 1, 2026, non-U.S. citizens will face a new $100 per-person surcharge to enter 11 of the most popular U.S. National Parks. This fee is added to existing entrance costs as part of a Trump administration “America-First” policy designed to ensure international visitors contribute more toward park maintenance and infrastructure.

Key Details of the New Policy

• The Surcharge: A $100 fee per person (ages 16+) for non-residents.

• The Alternative: Foreign visitors can instead purchase a non-resident “America the Beautiful” annual pass for $250.

• Resident Status: U.S. citizens and permanent residents are exempt from the surcharge and can still purchase the standard annual pass for $80.

• Affected Parks: The surcharge applies to 11 high-traffic locations, including:

  • Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite

  • Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Acadia

  • Glacier, Grand Teton, and Rocky Mountain

  • Everglades and Sequoia & Kings Canyon

A Global Trend in Tourism

While the move is controversial due to its potential impact on tourism, it reflects a growing global trend of dual-pricing systems. Many nations already charge non-residents higher fees to fund preservation and generate national revenue:

• Egypt: Higher rates for the Pyramids of Giza.

• India: Significantly higher entry fees for the Taj Mahal.

• Japan & France: Recent shifts toward increased tourist taxes and entry fees for iconic sites like the Louvre.

Proponents argue this shift balances economic needs with cultural access, ensuring that U.S. taxpayers—who already fund the parks through taxes—retain affordable access while visitors help bridge the multi-billion-dollar maintenance backlog.

Need to verify a specific park or purchase a pass? You can find the full list of participating locations and updated fee structures on the National Park Service website.

Your Thoughts?

Mark Anthony
The Vegas Tourist

»> Shop and support The Vegas Tourist on Amazon

P.S. Don’t forget, our Vegas Survival Kit, featuring chargers, cooling gear, and more, is a must-have before your trip. Click here to pack smarter

P.S.S. Have you booked a tour yet? The future you will thank you for saving the hassle! Visit MrMarkTours.com

If you want to come to America for a vacation, most people just file a form, fill out some basic data, and submit it.

That may all be changing if new rules go into effect next year. The new proposed rules go a little deeper into who is coming to America.

The U.S. just proposed massive changes that would force EVERY tourist to hand over:

• Telephone numbers you used in the last five years

• Email addresses used in the last ten years

• IP addresses and metadata from electronically submitted photos

• Family member names (parents, spouse, siblings, children)

• Family number telephone numbers used in the last five years;

• Family member dates of birth

• Family members’ places of birth

• Biometrics—face, fingerprint, DNA, and iris

• Business telephone numbers used in the last five years

• Business email addresses used in the last ten years

Think: if you were traveling to a foreign country for a vacation, and they asked for all this information. Would you give it to them? I’m betting you would reconsider and look for a more tourist-friendly country if there is such a thing anymore.

Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) invites the public to comment on both the previously approved emergency changes and the newly proposed changes.

You have until February 9, 2026, to comment.

Here is all the information on their website https://geni.us/newtouristrules

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Tourism Fallout??

My question in all of this is whether other nations will boycott America for the invasion of privacy. Or do other countries see this as support for their efforts to adopt a digital ID system to advance their goal of getting their country onto one?

Your Thoughts??

Death Valley, one of my favorite National Parks, is also my favorite day drive out of Las Vegas (except in the summer).

It is also one of the most extreme geographic anomalies we have in the United States, if not the world. It is a land of record-breaking heat and punishing drought, where the lowest point in North America sits hundreds of feet below sea level.

Badwater Basin, one of the most popular stopping points in the park, is also the lowest point in the western hemisphere. The basin is dry, covered and crusted with silt and sediment from its millions of years as a series of basins, lakes, and oceanic inlets.

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The entire basin is named Lake Manly. The lake was named in honor of William Lewis Manly, who rescued his traveling party stranded in Death Valley in 1849. They later called a potential northern lake for his Daeth Valley companion, John Rogers. The name “Lake Manly” was coined in 1932

After decades of being just a flat slate of slat and silt, the last three out of four years, it, like the rest of Death Valley, has had to deal with record rainfalls and flash flooding. Closing this popular stop for weeks, sometimes months.

For about a month, major sections of the valley were closed for cleanup. Thankfully, access is rapidly improving: Badwater Basin, which is once again a shallow lake, has been open for about a week. Its otherworldly neighbor, the Devil’s Golf Course, reopened just yesterday.

However, scenic routes like Artist’s Palette Drive remain closed for the foreseeable future while the National Park Service makes necessary repairs. Always check the NPS website for the latest road status immediately before your visit.

Ok, it doesn't always happen, actually, except for the last five years, it usually doesn’t occur for decades. So this may be the last time to see it as a lake in our lifetime. (or not)

Desert Safety Still Applies: Despite the water on the valley floor, Death Valley remains an extreme environment. Bring a gallon of water per person per day, pack plenty of high-energy snacks, and fill your gas tank outside the park, as in-park fuel is limited and expensive.

READ THIS: Cell service is unreliable, so download offline maps (like on Google Maps) before you enter the park. And good luck finding an EV charging station. Death Valley is notorious for eating up EV batteries or melting the car entirely!

Your Thoughts?

Mark Anthony
The Vegas Tourist

»> Shop and support The Vegas Tourist on Amazon

P.S. Don’t forget, our Vegas Survival Kit, featuring chargers, cooling gear, and more, is a must-have before your trip. Click here to pack smarter

P.S.S. Have you booked a tour yet? The future you will thank you for saving the hassle! Visit MrMarkTours.com

The National Park Service has often been called “America’s Best Idea.

The first national park in America was Yellowstone National Park, established by an act of Congress on March 1, 1872, making it the first of its kind in the U.S. and the world, set aside to preserve its unique geothermal wonders and wildlife for public enjoyment.

There are 448 National Parks. Most of the sites managed by the National Park Service are free to visit, but some require an entrance pass.

You may also need a reservation at a few high-traffic sites.

Everyone needs to experience the national Parks! So, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone (other fees, including timed entry or reservation fees, may apply).

Purchase Ken Burns: The National Parks: America’s Best Idea

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• 106 National Parks Charge an Entrance Fee

• 342 National Parks Do Not charge an entrance fee

2026 Fee-Free Days

Mark your calendar for these entrance 2026 fee-free dates:

February 16: Presidents’ Day (Washington’s Birthday)

May 25: Memorial Day

June 14: Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday

July 3–5: Independence Day weekend

August 25: 110th Birthday of the National Park Service

September 17: Constitution Day

October 27: Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday

November 11: Veterans Day

.

NOTE: Beginning in 2026, free entrance on these days will be available only to US citizens and residents. Nonresidents will pay the regular entrance fee and any applicable nonresident fees.

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Now that the Las Vegas Grand Prix ilk have left our city, leaving us to clean up their mess, the real supporter of Las Vegas Tourism moves in.

That would be the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. A.k.a. WNF or NFR for short. Often called the “Super Bowl of Rodeo,” December 4 to 13.

For ten days, Vegas turns country. Almost every casino resort gets into it. Parties, fan contests, live feeds on the gaming floor, and in the sports books.

For ten days, tourists are happy. No streets closed, no shows postponed. Sidewalks and walkovers are open. Most of the top names in country music show up. And “shop till you drop” takes on a whole new meaning! (seriously)

What is WNFR?

The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is a 40-year tradition, generating over $200 million a year, and serving as a major economic driver for Las Vegas.

F1 has nothing on NFR, except that NFR is legit and welcomed by all.

The NFR showcases the world’s elite rodeo athletes from around the world. Only the top 15 money-earners in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) from seven primary events qualify to compete at the Thomas & Mack Center on the UNLV campus.

These athletes compete in a high-stakes battle for a multi-million dollar prize purse and the coveted gold World Champion buckles.

History

It all started in Dallas, Texas, in 1959, and then moved to cowboy country in Kansas and Missouri. Then “stolen” by Las Vegas in 1985.

They like to say we stole it from its true home and moved it to Sin City because we offered to pay the riders a decent bounty just for showing up. It worked!

Other than 2020, when it had to move to Texas because of our “two-week shutdown”. It has been filling Las Vegas hotels, casinos, and the Thomas & Mack Center with fun-loving, hard-working true gamblers and entrepreneurs, the American cowboy (and cowgirl), since 1985.

In 2023, the Board of Directors for the NFR got a bug up their ass and threatened to move out, with possible locations including Orlando, Florida.

Most of the riders, stock contractors, and shoppers said it can move; they will still come back here in the fall for whatever Vegas does to replace them. So they changed their minds and decided to stay. They signed a ten-year, multi-million dollar extension! Then, it was extended to 2035.

What’s Here for the Tourist?

Well, if you don't like cowboys, cowgirls, country music, or shopping, I would avoid Vegas during this week. Otherwise, there is something here for just about everyone.

Cowboy Christmas takes over the Convention Center. You can buy anything from cowboy boots, ranch vacation rentals, to mega RVs and luxury toy haulers. Here is the Cowboy Christmas link

If you ever wanted an excuse to visit the cowboy-friendly South Point casino and resort, now is a good time. They have Cowboy Central. Shopping, horse and rider competitions, great food, and fun gambling. (and bingo)

Entertainment galore. From Rodney Carrington to Tim McGraw to almost every country act in between!. Here is a listing of NFR Entertainment

And of course, the competition inside the Thomas & Mack Center on the UNLV campus.

Wrap Up

So, Las Vegas welcomes back its true, time-honored tradition. The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. It's more than a one-night sporting event that excludes more than it includes.

It's a 10-day celebration that brings family entertainment, money for all involved, and a party atmosphere like no other event in Las Vegas.

It delivers on the promise of world-class entertainment without sacrificing the city’s accessibility or charm. The open doors of every resort prove that when the cowboys come to town, Vegas truly feels like home.

So saddle up and join the party—this is the real Vegas deal.

Your Thoughts?

Mark Anthony
The Vegas Tourist

P.S. Don’t forget, our Vegas Survival Kit, featuring chargers, cooling gear, and more, is a must-have before your trip. Click here to pack smarter

P.S.S. Have you booked a tour yet? The future you will thank you for saving the hassle! Visit MrMarkTours.com

Did you know that nestled just an hour and twenty minutes outside the bustling energy of Las Vegas lies a true desert gem?

Of course, I'm talking about Valley of Fire State Park. And for those planning a visit out there, there’s exciting news! The park has officially unveiled its magnificent, $30 million visitor center, promising to enhance your experience in Nevada’s first state park.

I went out there recently to get a quick peek at this impressive new facility, and while it’s still getting its final touches, it’s already an absolute must-stop for anyone venturing into this landscape of vibrant red sandstone, ancient petroglyphs, and breathtaking trails.

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Why the New Visitor Center is Your First Stop

Think of the visitor center as your gateway to adventure in the Valley of Fire. Here’s why you’ll want to make it your very first stop:

• Crucial Amenities: This is the only spot in the entire park with running water, making it the perfect place for a much-needed bathroom break before you hit the trails.

• Information Hub: Even if the full exhibits aren’t quite ready, the outdoor kiosk and the friendly staff at the information desk are invaluable resources. They can answer your questions, provide directions, and offer tailored suggestions to make the most of your day.

• Grab Your Essentials: Head to the gift shop to pick up a detailed map of the park – an absolute necessity! You can also snag a souvenir, like a refrigerator magnet, to commemorate your visit.

• Accessible Trails: The visitor center isn’t just a building; it’s a starting point for exploration. Two trails, including one accessible from the iconic Beehives area (just a quarter-mile walk), start or lead to the visitor center and are ADA accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice of the park’s beauty.

  Book Valley of Fire Tour

Prepare for the Desert Adventure!

Valley of Fire State Park is a marvel, but it’s also located in the heart of the Mojave Desert. As you plan your visit, remember these vital tips to stay safe and comfortable:

• Hydration is Key: Always bring plenty of water. The desert heat can be intense, and staying hydrated is non-negotiable.

• Sun Protection: Shield yourself from the sun! A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a generous application of sunscreen are essential.

• Camera Ready: You’ll be surrounded by incredible photo opportunities, from sweeping vistas to intricate rock formations. Make sure your camera batteries are fully charged – you won’t want to miss a single shot!

The Valley of Fire is a place where you can easily spend several hours, immersing yourself in its unique geology and rich history. The new visitor center is a fantastic addition, making your exploration even more enjoyable and informed.

So, next time you’re near Las Vegas, make the short drive to Valley of Fire State Park. And make sure your first stop is the brand-new visitor center – your essential guide to an unforgettable desert adventure!

Have you visited the new Valley of Fire Visitor Center yet? What were your favorite parts of the park? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Mark Anthony
The Vegas Tourist

P.S. Don’t forget, our Vegas Survival Kit, featuring chargers, cooling gear, and more, is a must-have before your trip. Click here to pack smarter

P.S.S. Have you booked a tour yet? The future you will thank you for saving the hassle! Visit MrMarkTours.com

The 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix- F1 race is less than a week away.

This isn’t just a race; it’s a three-month logistical nightmare for a single night of racing.

I drove down the Strip for a last look before they shut it off to the common tourists. (The video is linked at the bottom.)

I did this just to show you the ridiculous scale of the setup—the temporary bridges, the concrete walls, and the massive grandstands that are now blocking every iconic view in town.

Tourists are upset they can’t see the famous fountains, and locals are navigating impossible traffic just to get to work. If you live or work here, you know the true cost of bringing F1 to the heart of Vegas.

Not to mention, the takedown will start just as the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) starts its move. The ten-day event where everyone gets a piece of the action! The one we love to see almost every year since 1985.

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Who Benefits From F1?

The first year's economic benefit was $1.3 billion. Last year, the “economic benefit” was $250 million until later in the year, when the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) needed good press about signing a contract extension. Then, suddenly, they found another $700 million they didn’t know about.

With all the people this event throws out of work for a week, and the businesses and shows that needed to shut down for the track and its guests, the only ones to really make bank on it were MGM and Caesars.

And so if MGM made money from this, their lapdog, LVCVA’s CEO, Steve Hill, must have been given a treat for being their “good boy”.

Is this race really worth the three months of frustration and chaos?

Your Thoughts??

Link to Youtube Video

Mark Anthony
The Vegas Tourist

P.S. Don’t forget, our Vegas Survival Kit, featuring chargers, cooling gear, and more, is a must-have before your trip. Click here to pack smarter

P.S.S. Have you booked a tour yet? The future you will thank you for saving the hassle! Visit MrMarkTours.com

Welcome, everyone, to the 2025 Vegas Anti-Tourism Display Award show!

(Don’t worry, this is not a real awards show, but the sentiments are very real for many visitors.)

The Las Vegas Visitor and Convention Authority CEO, Steve Hill, has worked diligently with major players like MGM and Caesars to make this year the best ever in making the middle-class, average tourist feel truly unwelcome in Las Vegas.

For years, Las Vegas has branded itself as an accessible destination for all, built on the steady stream of millions of everyday vacationers. However, recent decisions prioritizing high-roller events have changed the city’s landscape, and not for the better in the eyes of many.

So, we thought we should show a little “love” for Steve Hill’s effort to make average tourists feel unwanted in the city—all in support of his passion for a one-night race.

So, as they like to say, “never let a bad deed go unnoticed,” that's why we created this award in honor of all of Steve Hill’s work to ruin Las Vegas tourism.

Here we go!

Third Place: The Venetian Resort 🥉

Third place goes to The Venetian. This is truly one of the most beautiful and architecturally distinct resorts in Las Vegas, if not America. Its canals and towering facades are landmarks in themselves.

The Display: The Venetian blocked the tourist view of its beauty, as well as one of its world-famous gondola rides, all to support a one-night race. While, fortunately, this display didn’t completely block the sidewalk or force tourists to move around massive blockades, it still creates a tacky, unsightly distraction. It obscures the classic, expected Vegas experience.

The Message: That’s the purpose of it. Make it so the average tourist doesn’t enjoy the landmarks of Las Vegas as they expect to see them. It’s a clear sign that the scenic view is now reserved for those paying a premium, not the casual passerby.

Second Place: The Bellagio Resort & Fountains 🥈

Second Place goes to The Bellagio.

The Display: The Bellagio/MGM worked extra hard at this anti-tourism display, and it truly shows the commitment.

• The sidewalk is blocked, forcing foot traffic to squeeze or divert.

• Two lanes of vehicle traffic on the Strip are blocked or severely restricted.

• The VIP suites and seating stands—massive temporary structures—completely block any view the average tourist would have of the world-famous fountains. This iconic, free spectacle—a cornerstone of the Vegas experience—is now rendered invisible to the public for months.

The Impact: This disruption lasts for approximately three months of construction, setup, and teardown, all to support a single, one-night race. This long-term blockage and visual denial directly impacts the millions of visitors who come to Vegas expecting to see the Fountains and walk the Strip with ease. It’s a monumental inconvenience for what many argue is a fleeting, high-cost event.

Grand Prize Winner: The Venetian/Palazzo to Wynn/Encore Walkover 🥇

The Grand Prize goes to the walkover from the Venetian/Palazzo to the Wynn/Encore. This display is the most egregious for blocking a view that only just became a major landmark.

The Display: This pedestrian bridge was one of the best spots to see the Sphere from the Strip. Now, it is strategically blocked to protect your view of this major, multi-billion-dollar landmark. The irony is staggering—a city builds a new icon, then immediately blocks the best public vantage point for months.

The Rationale: Of course, the structure is up to cordon off the view. But more critically, if the walkover were open, tourists would have a clear, elevated view of one of the many severe traffic bottlenecks created by the temporary track preparations. The blockades hide the resulting gridlock, a clear testament to the operational chaos caused by this single event.

The Conclusion: The average Vegas visitor deserves better. The city’s success was built on them. These anti-tourism displays are a slap in the face to the demographic that fills the slots, buys the show tickets, and supports the countless jobs in the city year-round.

Steve, your deranged love for the F1 and not for the people who keep this city alive - is killing Vegas tourism!

Please, GET HELP!

Do you agree with our picks?

Mark Anthony
The Vegas Tourist

P.S. Don’t forget, our Vegas Survival Kit, featuring chargers, cooling gear, and more, is a must-have before your trip. Click here to pack smarter

P.S.S. Have you booked a tour yet? The future you will thank you for saving the hassle! Visit MrMarkTours.com

Being a busy West Coast airline hub, Las Vegas’s International Airport (LAS) is always at the losing end of the ripple effect of anything happening on the East Coast.

And now that the government shutdown has hit the friendly skies and the FAA is forced to mandate capacity reductions (like the rumored 10% cut at 40 major hubs), airlines are scrambling. Every air traffic controller's absence, every flight slowdown in New York or Atlanta, translates into an amplified delay by the time a plane arrives here in the desert.

This air traffic crisis forces airlines to get incredibly creative—not just in cutting flights, but in managing their most vital, expensive assets: their aircraft and their crews.

Part 1: How Airlines Master the Juggling Act

The goal for every airline is to maintain a semblance of a schedule while complying with FAA capacity limits. This requires constant strategic maneuvering behind the scenes:

1. Strategic Fleet Repositioning and “Up-Gauging”

When the FAA limits the number of takeoffs an airport can handle per hour, airlines can’t afford to let their largest planes sit idle.

• Proactive Capacity Cuts: Airlines often file for an FAA “slot waiver,” which allows them to reduce their flight frequency on certain routes without forfeiting their highly valuable landing and takeoff slots for future seasons.

• The Big Swap: Instead of canceling a popular route, they might use a larger aircraft (e.g., swapping a 737 for a wide-body 787). This reduces the total number of flights needing controller clearance while maximizing the number of passengers they can move.
  
  You may find yourself on the same flight, but with a different plane and a seating arrangement that differs from what you booked. This can cause confusion and frustration.
  

• “Ferry Flights” (Flying Empty): If a vital, high-value plane is stuck on the East Coast due to delays, the airline might choose to fly it to its next destination empty. While costly, this “ferry flight” protects the rest of the network schedule, especially if that plane is needed for an international route or a major bank of LAS departures the following morning.

  
  

2. Crew Management Under Pressure

The government shutdown has caused controllers to work without pay, leading to higher sick-call rates—a crisis that also affects crew availability due to maximum duty limits.

• Reserve Deployment: Airlines strategically place reserve crews in key hubs, including LAS, ready to step in instantly. When a crew is delayed and “times out” (reaches the legal limit of their shift), having a reserve team ready to take over a late-arriving flight is the only thing that prevents an outright cancellation.

• Re-Routing & Flow Management: Airline operational centers work directly with the FAA’s Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC). They file new flight plans that avoid short-staffed control centers or congested airspace, even if it means a longer, more fuel-intensive route. For a flight heading to LAS, this might mean a significant detour to avoid a regional control center experiencing a 50% staffing cut.

In other words, get ready to bite your tongue as people get grouchy, demanding, and irritable at the overworked, understaffed gates and ticket counter. Please remember: Some things are best left unsaid!

Part 2: Travelers: Your Survival Guide to Vegas Delays

Since you can’t control airline logistics, your best bet is preparation. Here is how East Coast and international travelers can take control of their journey to the Entertainment Capital of the World:

Proactive Strategy

If you can, book the First Flight Out
Why? Morning flights are less likely to be impacted by cumulative delays from previous flights and staffing issues throughout the day. If a delay occurs, you have all day to recover.

1. Track Your Plane
   Why? Use apps like FlightAware to follow the exact aircraft (and its crew) that is scheduled to operate your flight. If it’s delayed getting to your departure city, you can expect your flight to be delayed as well.

2. Pack a “Delay Kit”
   Why?": Carry an emergency carry-on kit: a high-capacity portable power bank, downloaded movies/podcasts (don’t rely on Wi-Fi), noise-canceling headphones, and essential medications.

Ideas for the “Delay Kit”
Maintain Connection - High-Capacity Power Bank & Long Cables
Tune Out Chaos -Noise-Canceling Headphones & Eye Mask
Ensure Comfort - Neck Pillow & Cozy Scarf/Jacket
Fight Boredom - Downloaded Movies/E-reader
Stay Refreshed - Reusable Water Bottle & Toothbrush Kit
Your Medication!

3. Allow a Massive Buffer
   Why? If you have a connecting flight, especially coming from an international destination, allow at least 3-4 hours between flights. This buffer is critical for clearing customs and surviving a flight that arrives late.

4. Know Your Re-Route Options
   Why? If your flight is canceled, immediately check the airline’s app for rebooking options while you call their customer service number. Do not just wait in the customer service line (where everyone else is heading to), you need to work multiple channels to secure the next available seat.

Remember: You’ve prepared well. Your bags are packed, your apps are ready, and now all that’s left is the mental victory of turning the delay into a peaceful moment just for you. Relax, breathe.

No Matter What, Vegas will be here waiting for you!

Your Thoughts?

Mark Anthony
The Vegas Tourist

P.S. Don’t forget, our Vegas Survival Kit, featuring chargers, cooling gear, and more, is a must-have before your trip. Click here to pack smarter

P.S.S. Have you booked a tour yet? The future you will thank you for saving the hassle! Click to Book

On October 31, 1864. Nevada became the 36th state in the United States. This was after President Lincoln proclaimed statehood following the approval of an enabling act in March 1864 and voters’ overwhelming approval of the state constitution in September 1864.

As always, there is much more to the story, but it's essential to understand that Nevada was created under a cloud of corruption, and this remains true to this day. It’s in our DNA.

Halloween? A State Holiday?

When I first moved here, Halloween was an actual State holiday. Schools, banks, and government offices were closed. Given that it's Las Vegas and, well, Halloween, the state holiday made perfect sense.

Then I learned that wasn't the real reason we got the day off. Now, it's called “Statehood Day,” and it’s celebrated on the last Friday in October. Bummer.

Take a look at The Vegas Tourist YouTube channel

Enter, Lonnie Hammargren

When I started the original podcast, one of the first shows featured an interview with a man from my home state, Minnesota. Lonnie Hammargren.

Lonnie was many things, mostly the butt of many jokes due to his eccentric nature. But a lot of people are walking around today because of what he did as a neurosurgeon, or just being the really nice guy that he was.

On Halloween, Lonnie would open up his three houses, yes, three houses, to the public for a donation that benefited Living Grace Homes, a charity organization for homeless, pregnant, and parenting young women.

What did he have that took up three houses? Well, let’s put it this way. If you wanted to find a piece of Nevada history, especially Las Vegas History, your first stop would always be Lonnies house(s). If he didn't have it, then you would go look in the museums.

The rule was - always check Lonnies’ house first.

Lonnie left us on June 13, 2023. His passing was due to complications related to his struggle with Alzheimer’s. He was 85

Fetish and Fantasy Ball

Then Vegas updated the Halloween game with the “Only in Las Vegas” style of a party. The Fetish and Fantasy Ball. Yeap! It was just what the name implies.

You had several indoor stages featuring various musical acts, along with some great creative artists reenacting parts of favorite childhood storybooks that needed a more adult interpretation. Often involving helpless female victims, lots of chains, some flame throwers, and of course, chainsaws… Gotta have chainsaws.

It doesn't take much to imagine that in Vegas on Halloween, the costumes are pretty off the charts as well. In a normal town, many of them would violate several indecent exposure laws… Here, it’s expected.

FYI: By Nevada law, as long as the naughty parts are covered, you’re good to go.

On a typical night on the Strip and at the Fremont Street Experience, people-watching is a sport. On Halloween, it became people watching on steroids! You see it all (almost). In here, it was pure sexual perversion, Vegas style!

Of course, once Vegas became a pure corporate entity, things like this became too much for the powers that be; after almost a decade, the event was no more.

Halloween Turns Corporate

Recently, AREA 15 “zone” added Universal Horror Unleashed. A haunted house attraction is open all year. Frieght Fest all year long!

That's on top of whatever the wacky muses inside Area 15 created for this special night. You leave your expectations at the door with this place…

What’s AREA 15? Good question. Let’s try this..

Area 15 is an experiential entertainment district in Las Vegas, featuring immersive art, unique retail, dining, and live events. It is described as an “immersive playground” that combines a unique art exhibit with a variety of entertainment experiences, attractions, and a food and beverage scene.
Just Google it!

Leave the kiddies at home

Through the years, the modesty police, along with some very loud and obnoxious Karens, have crimped the Vegas free-for-all style of parties.

That’s not to say we turned puritan or anything. There is still a lot that happens on a night like this that would even make Hugh Hefner blush.

Halloween on the Vegas tourist corridor, you will find something there for just about any party-loving adult to indulge in. Perhaps with a bit more creative flair.

So, if you plan to be here for Halloween, my best advice would be to come, party, indulge, and enjoy. But this is one time that it's best to leave Jr. at home. Especially when, like this year, Halloween is on a weekend. I'm pretty sure the party and debacherie will last all weekend long!

Your Thoughts?

Mark Anthony
The Vegas Tourist

P.S. Don’t forget, our Vegas Survival Kit, featuring chargers, cooling gear, and more, is a must-have before your trip. Click here to pack smarter

P.S.S. Have you booked a tour yet? The future you will thank you for saving the hassle! Click to Book

Zoox, the autonomous robotaxi vehicle running around the Las Vegas Strip, has just added the Sphere to its network of supporters and “official” stops starting in 2026.

Zoox has been named the official autonomous ride-hail partner of Sphere, the companies announced Tuesday. As if there was any other such company in town!

As part of the partnership, a planned Zoox-branded pick-up and drop-off zone will be added to Sphere. Rides will become available in early 2026.

Zoox launched its robotaxi service in September and is currently offering free rides from Resorts World, TopGolf, New York-New York, Luxor, and Area 15.

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Free Rides (for now)

The service was allowed to begin offering free rides under interim authority by the Nevada Transportation Authority. Before Zoox can expand its service and begin charging a fee, the company will need to submit several compliance items to the Nevada Transportation Authority as part of its permit application.

Once that permit is approved, Zoox will be allowed to charge for its ride-hailing service and operate up to 100 vehicles, according to NTA spokeswoman Teri Williams.

Currently, the permit allows up to 100 vehicles to be in operation at any given time. The little olive-green boxes on wheels lack steering wheels or pedals and feature four seats, with pairs facing each other. Not to mention climate-controlled and has its own audio system.

Being owned by Amazon, I can see many cross-marketing and branding opportunities here.

The vehicles can reach speeds of up to 75 mph, going both forward and backward. They feature crab steering, sliding doors, onboard computer systems, and, like almost any electric-powered vehicle, a lot of cameras and sensors.

Like other rideshare companies, you can book a ride on their App..

Your Thoughts?

Mark Anthony
The Vegas Tourist

P.S. Don’t let a dead phone ruin that perfect Strip photo. Our Vegas Survival Kit, featuring chargers, cooling gear, and more, is a must-have before your trip. Click here to pack smarter

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The sky is falling, the sky is falling! So say a lot of people. There is no denying that Las Vegas tourism is way down and doesn't look like it will be coming back anytime soon. The sad thing is that it's not by accident.

So who do we blame and how do we fix it?
In my mind, I mostly blame the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and its CEO, Steve Hill, who has no love for the average tourist.

Here is the video I referenced in the podcast:
Las Vegas is Empty on Purpose: CEO Reveals the Shocking Truth

I also talk about the Vegas Loop and its airport connection, as well as the baseball stadium debacle.

Let me know what you think.

Mark Anthony
The Vegas Tourist

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P.S. Check out our Vegas Survival Kit, featuring chargers, cooling gear, and more, which is a must-have before your flight. Click here to pack smarter

P.S.S. Have you booked a tour yet? Future you will thank you for saving the hassle! Click to Book