If Las Vegas locals describe their New Year’s Eve as “crazy”, Californians (their biggest travel segment for this holiday) will chime in that getting to Las Vegas in 2014 was CRAZY! Winds, freezing-cold temperatures and snow caused temporary road closures and made travel stressful — even a nightmare — for weary travelers. With gale force wind warnings for the Bay Area, hazardous weather for the entire state and sustained winds of up to 35 miles per hour, plus gusts of up to 55 mph, many are altering their travel plans and heading for the Virgin Islands instead of Vegas. However, Californians are a crazy bunch and many will find the wild weather just adds to the New Year’s revelry and excitement. Here’s what the travel experts say about New Year’s 2014-2015 in Sin City:

“We can sum up New Years Eve in Las Vegas in one word: Crazy. And we mean crazy in a good way. The entire Strip is shut down to traffic and it becomes like one giant block party for you and 300,000 of your closest drinking buddies. At midnight, the casinos launch a choreographed fireworks display that makes the Times Square ball drop look like child’s play. Inside, the showrooms rock with the hottest entertainment and the nightclubs are packed with celebrities and party-goers who are dressed to impress.” – vegas.com

In California, our biggest casinos won’t necessarily take a chip out of Nevada’s pocket & profit, but there’s still fun to be had. Most of the celebrating in California casinos involves winning big prizes. The highlight of entertainment in 2014 -2015 on NYE is The Beach Boys performing at Pechanga Resort and Spa Casino in Temecula.