Looking for a quick getaway that has all the makings of an Adult Disneyland? Then look no further than Viva Las Vegas.
My sister-in-law, Natasha, had never been to Vegas and since my friend, Bucky, was headlining in a show and colleagues were attending the JCK, it seemed like the perfect weekend to go for broke (no pun intended)!! Girls Trip!!
There are lots of great and affordable airlines traveling to LV this time of year – so while the temperatures are rising, take advantage of the low $$ for travel. Pack a carry-on only; don’t waste a minute of your time at baggage claim and heaven forbid your luggage gets lost. It’s a quick trip: 2 tops, 1 bottom, a bathing suit & cover up, 2 dresses, 1 pair of heels and a pair of flip flops . . . that’s all you need!!
Once you arrive, be prepared to wait in line for a taxi. This line appears to be never ending, depending upon the time & day of arrival, but it moves quicker then Space Mountain and there’s some pretty good people watching along the way.
Once you get to your hotel, you may also encounter a long line to check in. Understand, Vegas truly never sleeps, so people are checking in & out at all hours of the day. Join the Total Rewards program online so you have a member number, as most casinos have a special check-in line & tons of discount for members . . . and it’s free to join. And always smile, be courteous and ask for an upgrade. I found that being kind (that and a discreet tip to the person checking you in) will pay off handsomely in the long run. You’re not in your room for most of the day, but a higher floor, better view and executive lounge privileges can sure make your stay that much sweeter.
Shopping in Vegas is just insane! It’s the best of NYC, LA, London, Paris and your favorite mall all wrapped up on one long strip. From the highest end boutiques to the most convenient of touristy shops – you could literally arrive there empty handed and go home with an entirely new wardrobe!!
If you love to eat like me, you’ll be in a gastronomical paradise!! From the mom & pop diners to your favorite celebrity chefs, there are a gazillion opportunities to tantalize your taste buds. Enjoy breakfast in Rome, lunch in Paris and dinner in NYC . . . it’s a culinary feast of the senses. Don’t have a reservation? No prob! Be flexible, go on an off hour, be willing to sit at the bar, smile . . . and don’t forget to tip the guy or gal that squeezes you in without much of a wait!!
Entertainment abounds in Vegas, from the biggest headliners, to musical reviews, cabarets, comedy and everything in between. If you’re worried about seeing that one big showstopper, then perhaps book in advance. But I found walking up to the ticket counter was just as easy, you see the actual venue & there are no overpriced service charges from a third party! Perhaps the best secret is that house seats are ‘on hold’ until the day of the show for special guests of the headliners, etc. If you’re at the right place at the right time, a coveted seat may be yours!!!
Want to feel inspired? The various hotels are all incredibly different and feature one-of-a-kind architecture and design features that are truly museum quality. Be sure to allow some time to just wander from one place to the next to the next . . .
Finally . . . it’s totally hothothot in Vegas and you must stay hydrated!! Carry h2o with you at all times and wear sunscreen. If hanging out by the pool, rent a covered cabana or lounge chairs that offer you shade and protection. While they can be $100-200 for the day, with food/beverage minimums . . . it’s completely worth it for you to have a place to hang your hat, take a little nap if you stayed out too late the night before and just enjoy the wild and wacky pool scene. When it’s 114 degrees outside, getting burned and blistered can happen quicker then you think and ruin the rest of your trip!
Yep, you really can do Vegas in 48 hours and survive!! And, if you happen to get caught up on one or more of these steps, just remember: