Plan the date and time. Consider weekends and holidays to have particularly slower traffic on the roads due to the high impact of visitors making their way to Las Vegas. Also mind the time of day you plan on departing for the long drive.
Find at least one other person to drive with. Having an extra person will not only take off some of the driving so you can rest, but will also make it easier to stay awake on the tedious road.
Stock the car with drinking water and plenty of snacks. There are slim choices in eateries along the highway and chances are that items you buy before leaving might end up being fresher than items you buy on the road.
Pack an iPod and iPod adapter for the car. The remote highways that lead to Las Vegas can be very scarce in clear radio reception. It is a long drive through the desert and music is almost a necessity.
Stop at an ATM before heading on the road. There might not be another ATM along the road for a long time and it is always good to have some cash.
Fill the gas tank. Service stations along these highways can be very far apart. It is better to fill up more frequently than needed, than to wait until the car is almost empty and worry about where the next station is.
Map your route and drive. All highways from California to Las Vegas are very direct and straight forward, but it is always a good idea to keep track of where you are.
