Since I was 16, my dad and I have been talking about going to Las Vegas for my 21st birthday. He, in the meantime, has taken many trips to Vegas without me, so waiting for this coveted trip has been years in the making. Now the time has, almost, come. Seeing as how I am not going abroad this semester and needing to be 21 to do just about anything in Vegas, we are seizing the opportunity.
So in preparation, here comes the itineraries and how to get ready for your Vegas trip.
The first thing I learned was to be realistic. There is so much to explore and see in Las Vegas. Hundreds of results will show up on any search engine when looking for things to do. So, we have found some central events we don’t want to miss and then we will plan other things around it each day. For us, one necessary activity is riding dune buggies in the desert. Things like this, that need to be scheduled well in advance, will create a framework for the trip.
One thing I wanted to do was to see Celine Dion perform, but alas, she won’t be returning to the stage until a week after we leave. Honestly, there aren’t many performers there when we go, and I really wouldn’t want to see anyone but her. So, if you are dead set on seeing an artist or performer, make sure you check their schedule of performances before planning your trip.
One thing my dad was adament about was checking out restaurants ahead of time. Of course, there is nothing wrong with just strolling down the strip looking for a place to eat, but sometimes it’s nice to have a plan. That way you can check out what they have online and know what you’re walking into.
I learned quickly when the best times to go to Las Vegas are. The day before heading to the Grand Canyon this past summer, we spent one sweltering day in Las Vegas. It was 117 degrees; we were walking a whole lot, and the time change was getting to me. All of that equaled one cranky Gauthier clan. I can still hear my dad saying, “It’s a dry heat.” Yeah but when its 117, it doesn’t really matter what type of heat it is. So going in March should alleviate that nightmare.
Of course, there are some must-do Casino stops. You can’t go and not check out Caesars Emporium, the Bellagio Conservatory, or the Fountains, and what is Vegas without asking if Caesar really lived in the Palace?
Vegas is, of course, known for gambling and other debauchery but they have a number of incredibly interesting museums as well. There is the Mob Museum, the well-known Neon Museum, or something a little more out there like the Zak Bagans Haunted Museum for the “Ghost Adventures” fan in your party.
Whether it is zip lining between two casinos, or playing three-dollar blackjack, there’s something for everyone to do in Las Vegas. Until then, I'm keeping an eye on the itinerary and getting ready for some people watching!