Destination Vegas

I guess the only thing I can say that is memorable is just the Strip itself. You have to see the Bellagio water fountain show, as well as the free shows at Tropicana, Caesars, and Treasure Island. If you forgot some type of clothing, you may want to check out the Fashion Mall in the middle of everything.

Quick Tips:

ALWAYS avoid taking the cards they pass out along the sidewalk. It is mostly smut, unless you are looking for that.

Best Way To Get Around:

Since I am young, I walked everywhere on the Strip. It gave me the opportunity to see more than I could on a bus. My parents, however, took public transit. They said it was a few dollars for a day pass, and it took them from one end to the other.

After hunting around for a good deal on a hotel, I discovered Paris. I chose it because I was travelling alone, and it was next door to the Aladdin, where the shopping center is, so I knew it would be relatively safe at night.

Coming out of the Paris Hotel, is a half scale version of the Eiffel Tower. As you walk through the casino to get to the hotel lobby check-in area, the "feet" of the Tower are jetting through the casino. It is brightly lit with signs posted in French and English guiding you through the tricky area. The gaming area does seem a bit small compared to the other gaming areas of other Vegas casinos.

My room was up on the 26th floor so my view, although a little obstructed, was very nice, off the lower end of the Strip. There are several elevators but some only go to particular heights while others skip a large amount of floors to jet you up to your higher floor. The room was nicely decorated with comfortable chairs to relax in to take in the view. It was your typical style hotel room. The decor signifies "French" but it didn't make me feel very Parisian.

There weren't too many shops to take in, but there was a good selection of restaurants. I even found an Italian restaurant! For breakfast, there is a little cafe that has excellent food for a great rate (French toast and juice for $5). The Paris is connected to Bally's, so you have the opportunity to see two casinos and shops in "one" large building.

It was my first time in Vegas, and the Aladdin made the trip wonderful. When I arrived, they upgraded my room. I had a superb view of the Strip. The bathroom was my favorite (ladies, you would love it!). A huge tub to sit and relax while you read a book. The vanity area is large enough for several people to prep themselves for the day or night. The room had a sofa as well as two queen size beds. I thought the decor would be tacky but it really was nicely done. It has the Arabian type of style but not too over the top. Downstairs is where you will find your shops and restaurants. Since I arrived at night and by myself I discovered all the shops they had to offer. The Aladdin also known for the large amount of shops available. Several different types of restaurants and cafes with wide range of menu choices. I would definitely recommend this hotel if it is your first time in Vegas.

Shop around the Strip to find the best deal for a bus trip to see the Hoover Dam. Once you found one, sit back and relax. The one I found picked me up right at my hotel and then proceeded to pick up others. From there, they met up with other buses to then transfer passengers to their tour destinations. Depending upon your tour, you get a tour of Boulder, Nevada, where the workers on the Dam stayed, as well as how the town was created.

When you finally get to the Hoover Dam, you don't necessarily have to take the tour. I feel a little claustrophobic by the thought of pipes and water surrounding me. I walked along the walkway from one side of the Dam to the other. On your way, stop on the state border between Nevada and Arizona to take a picture of you in two locations. When you get to the opposite side, walk up the stairs to get a higher view of the back side of the dam.

Although I don't remember how much my tour was, I do remember it was on the lower end of the Strip near the MGM and on the same side of the Walgreens/CVS. It was on the side of a few shops. Hopefully this is enough to give you a rough idea where I found my tour.