Search Results

I Didn’t Think I Was a Gambler – Then Vegas Happened I used to think Vegas was all about blackjack tables and high-stakes poker. You know, dramatic sunglasses and people who actually understand odds. Then I discovered the slot machines. All the flashing lights, the cha-ching sounds, the little bonus jingles – it feels like you’re winning even when you’ve just lost $100 in two minutes. Honestly, it’s impressive. Sometimes it sounds like you just hit a jackpot, and you look up all excited – only to see you’ve won... three dollars. But every once in a while, you hit a couple hundred, maybe even a thousand if the slot gods are feeling generous. And that’s the moment you realize: oh no... I kinda like Vegas. Drinking for free while playing? Yep, it’s true. But listen, if you’re tipping your cocktail waitress $1, don’t be shocked when she disappears into the desert and never returns. If you’re planning to stay a while, start with a $20. Hand it to her, say thanks, and politely ask her to check in on you. You’ll stay hydrated (with tequila) and she’ll keep coming back. Everyone wins. Otherwise? You might as well go sit at the bar and pay $18 for the same watered-down margarita. So You Wanna Try the Slots? Let Me Save You $100 Here’s my very scientific slot machine strategy (and by “scientific,” I mean completely made up but suspiciously effective): Ashtrays = Hot zone If a machine has an ashtray, someone’s been camping out – probably losing their rent money – so I figure it’s due. I gravitate to those like a moth to a neon-lit money pit. No love in 3–4 spins? I’m out. I don’t do the “just one more spin” lie we all tell ourselves. That’s how you go broke and end up eating vending machine Cheez-Its for dinner. A little action? I’m in. If the machine tosses me a few small wins, I’ll stick around. I’m not asking for a life-changing payout, I just need a little encouragement before I keep donating to the cause. Give me a fake sense of hope, and I’m yours. High-risk spins? Stressful. I tried a few $4 spins once. My palms were sweating. That money disappeared faster than my willpower on vacation. And the kicker? The second I dropped back down to a $1 spin.... boom. It hit. Of course it did. Vegas has jokes. My Favorite Slot Machines (AKA the Ones That Didn’t Completely Rob Me) Buffalo Gold (you know, the yellow and gold one): Loud. Flashy. Weirdly majestic. I’ve had decent luck here, enough to keep chasing the stampede. The Piggy Machines: If that pig is puffed up and looking sweaty, don’t walk. ... RUN . That oinker’s about to pop and shower you in free spins (which, by the way, are always where the real money is, on any machine, period). Fire and Ice Machine at NYNY: This one’s my dramatic queen. It’s all flames and frost and moody lighting. And yeah, it paid out. We love a theatrical win. Frankenstein at the Airport: Yes, the airport. I know they say never gamble there, but I ignored the advice and walked away with enough to cover dinner. So maybe I am the exception. Or maybe it was dumb luck. Either way. ... no regrets. Golden Nugget in Old Vegas: Old-school vibes, but this place treated us surprisingly well. And let’s be honest, winning under a million twinkle lights just hits different. Beyond the Slots: Vegas Is a Whole Circus (In a Good Way) Let’s get this straight: Vegas isn’t just for gamblers. If you never put a dollar in a machine, you’d still have too much to do. For first-timers, one rule: go in every hotel. Seriously. They're all ridiculous in the best way. One has a full-blown castle. One has canals. One had a volcano... but sadly, RIP Mirage. Vegas changes faster than you can lose $20 in a slot machine. Pro tip: bring comfortable shoes. Do not let your cute sandals ruin your will to live by 3pm. Nobody’s looking at your feet anyway – they’re too busy dragging their own blisters through the Bellagio. Where to Go at Night (If You Don’t Want to Feel 97) Vegas nightlife is like your Instagram feed came to life; loud, sparkly, and always trying to sell you bottle service. But hey, if you’re gonna do it, do it right: Omnia at Caesars Palace Think rooftop terrace, lasers, and DJs like Tiësto. You’ll either feel very cool or very old. Possibly both. Hakkasan at MGM Grand A multi-level mega-club. Basically a nightclub inside a nightclub. Inside a labyrinth. Inside your regret. Marquee at The Cosmopolitan Vibes: dark, vibey, and full of EDM. Great if you like a little bass with your vodka soda. DICTIONARY FOR THOSE OF US THAT NEED IT: Okay, I know you’re wondering... what the hell is EDM? EDM stands for Electronic Dance Music. Who knew? Basically, high-energy beats, lots of bass, zero lyrics you can actually sing along to. Think DJs like Tiësto, Calvin Harris, or David Guetta. If you’ve ever been to a Vegas club and felt like you were being emotionally attacked by strobe lights and a remix of a remix... that’s EDM. A labyrinth is basically a fancy word for a maze – usually a really confusing one with winding paths that twist and turn and make you question your life choices.In Vegas terms? Think: trying to find the exit of a mega-club at 2am after two margaritas and 12,000 steps. Sunburns and Soundtracks: Vegas Pool Parties Now for the real daytime main event: dayclubs. You’ll sweat. You’ll dance. You might spend $20 on a bottle of water. Worth it? Depends on your tolerance for house music and shirtless strangers named Brad. Here are the MVPs: Encore Beach Club (Encore) Luxury meets spring break energy. Think high-end cabanas and high-volume DJs.Cover: $50–$60 for guys, $35–$40 for gals. Marquee Dayclub (Cosmo): Classy chaos with tropical house music. Feels like a rooftop party got a glow-up. Tao Beach Dayclub (Venetian): Balinese-inspired, super lush, very “did I just walk into a lifestyle brand shoot?” Ayu Dayclub (Resorts World): Another Bali-inspired oasis, but this one has actual huts and less chaos. A rare combo in Vegas. Stadium Swim (Circa): Massive screen, sports on blast, and year-round pool action. You might not win money, but you could win your fantasy league. Dress Code: You need to wear actual swimwear. No jeans, no dress shirts, no “I thought I could just walk in like this.”Guys: trunks and sandalsGirls: bikinis, one-pieces, or cover-ups you’ll abandon after 5 minutes Cover Charges: Usually $20–$50+, depending on the day and who’s DJing (and how badly they want your money that day). Things to Do in Vegas (That Don’t Involve Glow Sticks or Bottle Service) Clubs not your thing? Same. Here’s how to do Vegas at night without ending up in a sweaty crowd yelling “WOOOO” at nothing. Ole Red Las Vegas: Across from the Bellagio, with actual live music, multiple floors, and fountain views that don’t require elbowing through a crowd. Country bands rotate between the main floor and rooftop – so yes, you can sip a drink, listen to live music, and watch the fountains do their thing without having to commit to club shoes or glow-in-the-dark anything. Comedy Cellar at The Rio: Need a laugh? This is it. It’s cozy, no bad seats, and the comedians are the real deal... not just someone’s cousin trying out a tight five. Bonus: it’s inside the Rio, so you can go laugh, then immediately go play a slot machine and cry. Balance. High Roller + Fly LINQ Zipline: One’s a massive observation wheel with insane views of the Strip. The other is a zipline that flings you over people eating overpriced tacos at 35mph. Pick your vibe, zen or screaming-in-a-harness. The STRAT: If you’ve ever wanted to dangle off a building for fun, this is your moment. They’ve got thrill rides that literally launch you off the edge. Personally? Hard pass. I don’t do roller coasters that hang off skyscrapers. I’m afraid of heights, not allergic to common sense. But going to the very top? Totally worth it. The views of the city are unreal, all lights, no lines, no regrets. And no, I’m not saying you can sneak into the elevator without paying... but let’s just say our wallets stayed closed and we somehow ended up at the top. Don’t try it.. just know it happened. Allegedly. The Sphere: Yes, it’s wild. Yes, it lives up to the hype. We saw the Eagles and we’re going back for Backstreet Boys. This place turns concerts into a full-body experience. You’re not just hearing music, you’re in it. It’s like Vegas built a planetarium and gave it a Red Bull. For the “I Like Daylight” Crowd Vegas does have a sun – and here’s what to do with it: Grand Canyon + Hoover Dam Tour: Yes, you can do both in a day. It’s a great way to reset your soul and feel small next to some rocks before heading back into neon madness. Also: air-conditioned tour buses. Enough said. Big Apple Coaster (NY-NY): You’ll scream. You’ll laugh. You’ll question your life choices. It’s a coaster with Strip views and a neck-jolting drop that may or may not realign your spine. The Food Scene: Hits, Misses, and Hidden Gems Vegas restaurants are either amazing or “why did I just pay $27 for bad pizza?” Here’s the real rundown: Worth It: Happy Camper  – Super cool vibe, great pizza, not trying too hard. A legit win. Hash House A Go Go  – Portions so big they come with their own zip code. Perfect hangover food. Eggslut  – Great breakfast sandwiches. Line looked like a Disney ride for grown-ups with hangovers. We considered bailing, but it moved quick and was so worth it. That sandwich? Spiritual experience. Black Tap (Venetian)  – Awesome burgers, epic milkshakes, not hidden but still underhyped. Tacos El Gordo  – The line is chaos, the ordering system makes zero sense, and the tacos are glorious. Carnitas, adobada, whatever your flavor, they slap every time. Just stand in the right line or risk public shame. Peppermill Restaurant & Fireside Lounge  – Equal parts time capsule and fever dream. Massive portions, neon everything, and a fireside lounge that feels like Vegas in the ‘80s – in the best way. Come hungry. Leave full. Possibly married. Ellis Island Casino & Brewery  – Hidden gem. Dirt-cheap steak specials, solid burgers, in-house beer, and karaoke that’ll either make your night or haunt you forever. Either way, a deal’s a deal. Viva Las Arepas  – Zero glitz. All flavor. It’s off-strip, fast, and their shredded beef arepas might just change your life, or at least your lunch. Skip It: Secret Pizza  – The secret is… it’s not good. Overpriced and underwhelming. Skip the mystery, get better pizza literally anywhere else. Noodle Asia (Venetian)  – If you're hoping for wow, keep walking. This place could make ramen taste like disappointment. Not even soy sauce could save it. Don’t do this to yourself. Batista’s Hole in the Wall  – Used to be a Vegas staple. Now it’s just sad spaghetti with a side of crushed dreams. Even the free wine gave up. We Miss You: Ocean One  – RIP to $12 lunches and 3 drinks for the price of one appetizer. Gone too soon. If you're searching for a worthy successor, the hunt continues. So far, nothing has quite matched the glory days of Ocean One. If you stumble upon a place that offers a similar trifecta of affordability, buzz, and satisfaction, please share, for the good of all of us. Quick Food Wins (Because You Spent All Your Money on Slots) In-N-Out  – Fast. Fresh. Cheap. No one’s pretending it’s fancy,nbut when you need something real at 1am? This is the move. The Crack Shack  – Gourmet fried chicken that doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard. Bonus: It’s way more satisfying than whatever you’d drunkenly grab from a Strip food court. Giordano’s  – Yes, it’s deep dish. Yes, it’s heavy. No, it won’t judge you for eating half a pie solo. A solid sit-down pick when you need to carb up and emotionally recover. Grand Lux Café (Venetian)  – Think: Cheesecake Factory, but slightly bougier. Massive menu, giant portions, no sticker shock. Good for when your group can’t agree on anything. Carlos & Charlie’s  – A little loud. A little wild. But cheap drinks, decent tacos, and the energy of a group text gone off the rails. Basically, fun chaos on a budget. Oh, and their breakfast is pretty ‘on point’ Breakfast:  Hash House, Eggslut, even Einstein Bros hits when you're desperate and hungover. Lunch :  Shake Shack (simple but solid), Tacos El Gordo (always a line, always worth it) Dinner :  Black Tap, Yard House, and anything outside your hotel that doesn’t have “celebrity chef” slapped on it. Vegas Hotels You Can Skip (Unless You Like Regret) Luxor + Excalibur  – No hate if you’re staying there, but also... you deserve better. It's a 97-mile walk to anything remotely interesting and smells faintly of broken dreams. Circus Circus  – We went. We saw. We checked it off our horror movie bucket list. Creepy. Weird. But hey, the kid section and coaster were kinda cool. In Summary: Vegas Might Rob You, But It’ll Be Fun Whether it’s the ding of a slot machine, a pool party at noon, or a blackjack table that somehow keeps you there till sunrise, yeah, that’s my brother’s love language; Vegas will surprise you. Not always in the way you expect, but always in a way that makes a good story. Just remember: Set your limits Pace your drinks or don’t… it’s Vegas Wear the dang comfy shoes Tip your waitress like you mean it And don’t trust a piggy slot machine with your entire bank account Ready to book your own beautifully chaotic Vegas getaway? I’ll help you plan a trip that fits your vibe (and budget), not just what the internet tells you is “a must.”

Immerse yourself in a world of travel inspiration. Our blog is not just a source of tips, tales, and trends; it's your passport to staying updated and letting the flame of wanderlust ignite your next adventure. COMING SOON COMING SOON: A TRAVEL BLOG THAT WON’T BORE YOU TO DEATH You know how most travel blogs sound like they were written by a robot who just discovered adjectives? Yeah, not here Big things are coming! Blog posts that make you laugh, make you plan a trip, and maybe even make you double-check your shoe choice for Vegas (trust me, that one’s important). Whether you’re a: Couples getaway kind of person Girls’ trip ring-leader Cruise-curious but commitment-shy traveler Or just tired of scrolling Pinterest wondering why every beach looks the same… This blog is for you. We’re talking: Real talk about real trips Places I’ve actually been (and will tell the truth about) Stories with soul, sunscreen, and some sarcasm So go ahead. Bookmark it. Subscribe. Do the thing. Because once these posts start rolling out, you’ll never look at Secret Pizza, sparkly sneakers, or cruise drink packages the same again. Stay tuned. It’s about to get fun. Subscribe to get exclusive updates First name Last name Email* Join Our Mailing List I want to subscribe to your mailing list.

Unlocking Travel Myths: Busting Common Misconceptions About Working with a Travel Advisor Facebook Pinterest Copy link Ready to Elevate Your Travel Experience? Let's Bust Myths Together!" GET STARTED

We can’t find the page you’re looking for This page doesn’t exist. Go to Home and keep exploring. Go to Home