We live in a world brimming with sights that are beautiful and magical beyond words. Perhaps everyone dreams of visiting at least one of those places in their lifetime. An inspiring and vibrant landscape, the Grand Canyon is just such a place which overwhelms your senses through its diversity and enormous size. Words most often fail to describe the sense of awe and wonder that you will experience.

Don’t you believe? Then, take a look at the photos below, and you cannot be anything else but impressed and in awe of this magnificent sight.

Speaking of the Grand Canyon, there are striking statistics – this steep-sided canyon is 277 miles long (extending from Lee’s Ferry near the Arizona/Utah border to the Grand Wash Cliffs near Las Vegas), more than 18 miles wide and over a mile deep in places. However, it is not the statics that makes for this “Grand” canyon, but rather a unique combination of factors.

Considered to be a Wonder of the Natural World, the Grand Canyon is carved by the Colorado River in the U.S. state of Arizona. Though it is not the world’s deepest canyon, nor the widest, it is known for its visually immense size and its complicated and colorful landscape. Unexpectedly, the rock layers displayed at the landscape present little sign of wear.

This massive canyon revolves around several distinct areas, most noteworthy of which is Grand Canyon National Park, the 15th national park in the United States. The national park itself is split into two main areas: the remote North Rim and the easily accessible South Rim (and thus getting a bit more crowded). Along the South Rim, you can also find several historical buildings located along the South Rim, including Buckey O’Neill Cabin, Kolb Studio, The El Tovar Hotel, Hopi House and Desert View Watchtower.

Whether remote and close by, all parts of the canyon provide visitors with amenities. But the national park, especially the South Rim (including Grand Canyon Village, Hermits Rest Road and Desert View Drive) is by far the most visited destination and the best equipped to host millions of visitors each year.

If you are planning on a visit to the Grand Canyon, keep your eye peeled for the temperatures and weather!

The canyon is a land of extremes. Temperatures vary greatly by elevation, and vary wildly throughout the year. In general, South Rim has relatively pleasant weather in summer. Due to its high elevation, North Rim is usually a bit cooler. It could be pleasantly warm at the river, while others suffer snowing at the rim.

Winter conditions on the North Rim can be extreme, so visitors and facilities on this section are only open from mid-May to mid-October. In addition, the road into the North Rim will be closed from the first heavy snow in November or early December to mid-May. As for spring and fall, get prepared for sudden changes in the weather. Pleasant weather could change to rain, thunder or even snow.

Photo: B Rosen, racoles, Paul Fundenburg, muir.ceardach, Michael Ransburg, StuSeeger, kel0, jeremy.wilburn

Each year the zoo need to raise a lot of funds to maintain the animals and the place during the months during which it remains closed. Each of these months requires not less than $13,000 for the up keeping and maintenance of the zoo. You can donate too and all you need to do is mail your cheque in their address.

You can also transfer through internet banking or paypal and all such donations are tax deductibles. You can even sponsor your favourite animal child by becoming a member.

http://www.conservation.mongabay.com/news/Sierra_Safari_Zoo.htm

The Sierra Safari Zoo is the only zoo in Northern Nevada and is the largest in the state housing more than 200 animals belonging to different species. There are more than 40 different species of animals in this zoo which remains open from April to October. The rest five months remains closed to prepare the animals for the severe winter months.

To keep the zoo running during these months a project called Winter Food Drive to collect donations has been initiated by the Reno Sparks community resulting in huge success.

The zoo has played a vital role in entertaining as well as educating its visitors belonging to all age groups. The main goal of the zoo is to educate people about the importance of wildlife and the environment in our life. A trip to Las Vegas is incomplete without visiting this zoo to witness unusual animals like Sloth, Wallabies, Lemurs, Camels, Zebras, Leopards and Cavies.

There are eight different species of wild cats and six different species of monkeys. Apart from that there are lions and tigers too.

http://www.travelnevada.com/tourist-attractions//info/sierra/-safarizoo.aspx

This zoo is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am in the morning to 4:30pm in the evening right from April to October. There are special Wild Winter Weekends when the zoo opens for its visitors and the dates are announced just prior to that.

The regular admissions fee is $8 for adults, $6 for children in the age group of 3to 12 and for seniors aged 60 and above. Children aged 2 and below can enter for free.

http://www.travelnevada.com/tourist-attractions//info/animal-arkzoo.aspx

To get the maximum out of your trip to the animal Ark you must make your trip towards the early part of the day. Especially during the peak summer months, the animals cease to be active towards the hottest afternoons hours.

The zoo houses a special Yogi Bear which has its morning meal at 11am, and you would never like to miss witnessing this event.

Moreover, several special animal demonstrations take place at this time around and again at 2pm in the afternoon during the weekends. Being present in such occasions provides the guest with some unique opportunities to experience the Animal Ark atmosphere.

Taking the walkway may tire you out. In such cases there are wagons and golf carts to make your adventure comfortable. They are very useful for the aged and handicap visitors coming to the zoo.

http://www.animalarkzoo.directory.com/

The Animal Ark Zoo is actually a wildlife sanctuary and a nature center located to the northwest of Reno in Nevada. Spread across 38 acres of land, this sanctuary is an ideal habitat which has been artificially designed to house the animals for their preservation as well as public viewing through glass areas.

The place has an elevation of 6000feet above sea level and the temperature drops down some 10 to 15 degrees than the normal Las Vegas temperature with the rise in altitude.

http://www.animalarkzoo.com/

The main speciality about the Las Vegas Zoo is that it is a Zoological-Botanical garden housing rare animals and plants alike. There are more than 150 rare animals and plants species in this park and the exhibits are open year-round.

You can view a lot of endangered species of cats, Barbary apes and chimpanzees.

There are some unique bird species like emus, ostriches, wallabies, talking parrots and flamingos. And, you can see eagles here. A wide variety of exotic reptiles also feature in this zoo including some venomous snakes which are native to the place. Among the botanical exhibits are rare bamboo species and endangered cycads.

The primary focus of this zoo is to educate the public about the various species of plants and animals which are rare and endangered.

The zoo has been playing a vital role in creating awareness among the people about the significance of habitat protection.

http://www.family-vacation-getaways-at-los-angeles-theme-parks.com/Las-Vegas-Attractions-for-Kids.html

The Las Vegas Zoo also known as the Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park is the most conveniently located one.

It spreads over a shady 3 acre area and very near to Las Vegas Strip.

Its timing is 9am to 5pm and open all days. The regular admissions fee is $8 for adults, and $6 for children in the age group of 3 to 12 and for seniors aged 62 and above. Children aged 2 and below can enter for free.

http://www.nevadabeautiful.com/las-vegas/zoological-botanical-park.html

Yes, for sure! Las Vegas can boast of a few if not many wildlife attractions located in its vicinity and around. People visiting this city should not miss the chance to make a trip to these spots. The most prominent among them are listed below:

1. The Las Vegas Zoo- It is the only zoo in the heart of Las Vegas and is also known as the Southern Nevada Zoological and Botanical Park. It is the only zoo in whole of Nevada which remains open all through the year.

2. Animal Ark- This is more of a wildlife sanctuary and you can watch the animals in their natural habitat through viewing areas made of glasses. During the winter months it is fun to see the animals in their winter coats!

3. Sierra Safari Zoo- This is a small zoo but has evolved as the largest zoo in whole of Nevada in-terms of its animal strength, housing over 200 animals comprising more than 40 different species.

http://www.lasvegaszoos.org/

There are a lot of good packages which can be availed while making a trip to any of the Las Vegas vacation spots. You can check them out in the respective websites of the hotels and resorts of the place.

You can also check out the events calendar before making your travel plans to get the most out of your trip to the vacation spot of your choice in Las Vegas.

Bookings your travel to a particular destination with any travel agency in advance will allow you to avail huge discounts and other offers. But while doing so please make sure you are taking the right move with a reliable agency.

http://www.vegas.com/traveltips/guides.html

Yes, there are a lot of adventure vacation spots in the city. With a diverse range of vacationers coming to the city, several new adventure oriented vacation spots have been developed in and around the Las Vegas city. There are several campgrounds which are turning out to be great spots to enjoy an exciting family vacation clubbed with lot of fun activities.

You can dive, swim, ski, freak around, do a campfire and wander around in the wilderness. But the accommodations have to be booked well in advance as the crowd rush is at a peak in the holiday season.

There is a very good campground managed by the KOA and you can log in to their website to know the details.

http://www.vegashotspots.com/hot_trips/

Las Vegas is undoubtedly the world’s best party hot spot. There are several joints where one can party and enjoy to the chore amidst a vibrant backdrop.

Tao at the Venetian, The Pure at the Caesar’s Palace, Studio 54 at the MGM Grand Hotel, Tryst at the Wynn, and the Jet at the Mirage are among the top few in the list.

http://www.lasvegasnightlifenetwork.com/forum/

There is always a celebrity rush to Las Vegas either for the purpose of vacationing or for a shooting sequence or to attend a product launch or to attend a specific event.

The spots preferred by these celebrities for vacationing in the city are usually one of the grand Las Vegas hotels or a quiet resort in an isolated resort in a unique desert environment far away from the city glare.

Another place where you chance to see some world acclaimed celebrities in Las Vegas is in its golf courses and golf-themed resorts. You can visit TPC Las Vegas, Bali Hai Golf Club, Desert Pines Golf Club, and many more.

They are also open to the visitors.

http://www.lasvegasgolf.com/

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/aug/24/michael-jacksons-children-las-vegas-over-weekend/

Generally majority of the visitors prefer to spend their vacation in one of the beautifully designed hotels in the City. Tourists love to spend their vacation in one of these hotels namely, the Bellagio, Venetian and MGM but not all can afford to do so.

But one must pay a visit to these hotels to witness the decor and extravaganza they display. Many people prefer to stay in one of the many resorts in Las Vegas.

Then a lot of people also head to the camp grounds to experience an adventure filled holiday with loads of fun.

http://www.bestvacationtip.com

It is quite natural for vacationers to look for some authentic travel information on Las Vegas prior to heading to the city. They want to learn about the most happening vacation spots in the city and want to know what appeals to them the most.

But to find out the required information on the vacation spots of your choice it is always you must take the help of the internet, or travel guides, books and travel agencies.

It is important that you get the current status of the vacation spots of your choice. Many sites may change over the years or may have a different status altogether. Some spots are accessible no more.

So it is very important to get the events calendar right and travel directory right to start of.

http://www.visitlasvegas.com/

Until a few years back Las Vegas was only known as a gamblers paradise and also for those who loved a vibrant nightlife until the wee hours in the morning!

Other tourist attractions were limited at that time but over the years the city has developed many sites with a lot of structural changes resulting in many vacation spots in and around Las Vegas.

With an array of vacationers coming to the city from all over the world it is but natural that they would love to enjoy a great time in some great vacation spots. So with the city making the precise progress in its tourism industry the visitors are sure to get a perfect vacation package in the city.

The main vacation spots which feature in Las Vegas and around are the beautifully designed hotels, fine dining restaurants, night clubs, and spectacular spas. Along with casinos you can also enjoy adventure rides at theme parks or campgrounds.

There are museums and wildlife sanctuaries to enthrall kids and lots of shopping joints for the whole family.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/las_vegas_vacation_spots.html

As the world’s entertainment capital, Las Vegas has been attracting a lot of tourists all through these years. From a sedentary desert setting to a fun environment and a vibrant nightlife the city has something to offer to people of all age groups.

That is the best thing about Las Vegas which has probably changed its image over the recent times from Sin City to a much more family oriented destination offering a variety of entertainment to all vacationers.

http://www.usatourists.com/english/places/lasvegas/vacationspots.html

It is advisable that parents of students discuss the personal safety cautions with the authorities and the students. The campus has police protection and takes every step to maintain its safety standards.

You can look into the University police website which contains relevant information on security and escort services along with contact information and emergency helpline numbers.

http://police.unlv.edu/stsecurity.html

The various on-campus housing programs allow students and other visitors to the University to stay in various residential complexes within the campus. The Room Selection for residents generally takes place in the month of March-April.

You can choose your room for a year at the Housing and Residential programs which usually takes place on the 1st of March. Priority Room Selection begins on 1st March and goes on till the 25th of March. A current housing resident gets the first priority in the first come first serve basis.

http://www.facilities.unlv.edu/

There are several benefits for the students and other visitors of staying in the University campus. First of all the housing complexes in the campus are conveniently located to all the important venues namely, the classes, the Bookstore, SRWC, the computer laboratories, the Lied Library and the sports fields.

Other than that living inside the campus in the residence halls can help you gain support from the programs and the staff. The environment too is very safe with police patrolling round the clock. The residents can keep there own vehicles and the campus provides good parking slots. Furthermore, the campus is very close to the different resource centre, airport and various Las Vegas attractions including fine dining.

http://www.unlv.edu/facilities/plancon/