I've been to Las Vegas, Nevada more times than I can count. The first time was a surprise for my 21st birthday, and it was absolutely wonderful. I never imagined that such a place existed and as many times as I'd heard about it, being there was a once in a lifetime experience. And then I went again and again for various reasons, conferences, group trips, and finally this last time for a bachelorette party. Getting there is fairly cheap and if you use the explore button I talked about in my 10 Tips for Cheap Travel, you'll find round trip tickets for less than $200. The amazing thing about Vegas is that there is something for everyone. If you're a foodie, you won't be disappointed by the variety and portion sizes. If you like to gamble or the night life, of course almost every hotel can serve that up for you. If you like scenic views there are tours and helicopter rides, or just take a drive.
Each time I've gone to Vegas I've been able to figure out new ways to have fun. After my first few times in Vegas I thought "I don't want to go again, I'm bored with that place", but when I actually gave new opportunities a chance to please me in new ways, the city of sin did not disappoint. Here are a few of my favorite things to do in Vegas for some new fun:
Gamble
Yep, I'm a blackjack girl. And I know what you're thinking "aren't you supposed to be the frivolous traveler?" Yes, of course I am, but I believe in spending some money on what gives you pleasure. So go ahead take out that $100 dollar bill and gamble a bit, just don't expect to win, or win it back when you lose it. Have fun and once its gone, go enjoy some other fun. If you are not the gambling type, put on a nice suit or dress and watch other people throw away their money at the roulette table, while the nice cocktail girls serve you free drinks all night, just remember to tip!
Shows
Okay, so everywhere you go, you'll be bombarded with ticket sellers trying to sell you "discounted" tickets to various shows. The prices are pretty much the same everywhere you go so buy them anywhere. My favorite shows are the old time shows like the burlesques, or comedy shows, and of course Cirque du Soleil shows which are a bit more pricey but a great treat! If you want to ball hard buy tickets to make your inner 13 year old happy for Britney Spears, JLo or whomever else.
Party Bus
One of the best times I had in Vegas was when a group of my friends bought into a party bus. It picked us up in one location and then took us to various bars and nightclubs. The best part was that at least one drink was included everywhere we went, along with the cover and we didn't have to wait in the lines. It was great riding with strangers, dancing on the bus and seeing so many places at once. The price was around $60 per person, but well worth it when you consider covers, transportation and alcohol. You can probably also bring a bottle on the bus as well. I recommend wearing comfortable shoes, otherwise you'll tap out quicker than necessary.
Walking and Drinking
This is a super free and fun thing to do, especially is you are over 21 - just be a tourist. You'll find that the streets are packed in the evenings and more open during the day. Depending on what time of year you go and how bad the heat is, you'll definitely want to take some time to just walk around. I do this every time I go and I always have a blast simply sightseeing, taking photos and being silly.
Escape Room, Madame Trousseau and other museums.
This last time I went to Vegas tried doing something new, a live puzzle game. If you've never heard of the escape rooms, definitely look into them. Many cities offer them so if you miss out, you can always look for one close to you. The Madame Trousseau wax museum is always a treat and they add new figures often, so its worth going back. And lastly the museums are super fun as well! You learn a lot about Vegas and get a sense of being somewhere truly special.
Brunch
Do NOT leave Vegas until you brunch at the Wicked Spoon in the Cosmopolitan. For about $40 you get a tremendous variety of food from breakfast to dinner, to sushi, to American to everything you can think of, along with endless mimosas! YOU get a mimosa, YOU get a mimosa, WE ALL get mimosas! Seriously, they actually just give you some juice and leave bottles of sparking wine at your table. After this meal you won't be able to eat for the rest of the day so plan to nap heavily and relax after this. It is NOT for the faint at heart.
Drive to California
Surprisingly its pretty affordable to rent a car for a quick road trip to California. We're talking $40 per day if even that. My girls and I took the 4 hour drive from Vegas to Los Angeles and we had a blast. You get a great view of the mountains, and hills and the desert on this long trip. We rented a hotel in LA for a night, went out with some friends in Hollywood, brunched on the beach the next day and actually took a nap on the sand. It was simple, affordable and provided a lifetime of memories.
Tips:
- Bring bandages, sunglasses, sunscreen, headache pills, phone charger, and a bathing suit
- Bring comfortable walking shoes, you'll walk a few miles a day
- As soon as you check into your hotel, buy a case of water for your room, you'll need it
Whatever reason you find yourself in the city of sin, take some time to really take it in and enjoy this adult playground. There is something to do for everyone on every budget, so don't think it'll cost you too much to have fun this city. Its usually the simple and free things that will bring you the most pleasure in Las Vegas.
No comments:
Post a Comment