Desert Vacation – Las Vegas – Part 1

Recently, Mike and I went on a week-long trip to Nevada and California. We spent two nights in Las Vegas, one night in Death Valley, and four nights in Joshua Tree. I was excited about spending time in Las Vegas, but less than enthused about camping in the desert for five days. Not exactly what I had in mind for a “vacation.” Not to mention traveling in 1000° weather.

Now I know what hell feels like. Moving on…

Check-in and security was a breeze at the Philadelphia International Airport. We were at our gate and ordering a beer in under thirty minutes. We’d still be at the airport to this day if we had flown out of Newark. Philly is now my airport of choice.

Our first night in Vegas consisted of tall drinks, pizza, and a walk along the strip. Before we could even leave the hotel, we were at the bar ordering Piña coladas. $28 seems like a lot for frozen drinks, because it is. There’s something about Vegas and being on vacation that makes you want to spend boat loads of money on things that will dehydrate you.

We woke up early the next morning and made our way to the Welcome Sign. It was a mile and a half from our hotel so we decided to walk. For those who prefer not to cook like an egg on the sidewalk, you can also get there via car or bus.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BGSaPSWHKkV/?taken-by=janellenvs

On our way back, we did something crazy…

Back at the hotel, we relaxed by the pool. Overall, the area was clean with plenty of lounge chairs and towels. The only rule was that you couldn’t drink and swim, which Mike found out the hard way. You can get married in Vegas, but you can’t swim with a beverage in hand.

I later forced him to check out the fountains at the Bellagio. I had a few must see places and the fountains were non-negotiable. We decided to walk as a means of staying active and made it just in time to see the show.

Shows run every fifteen minutes so there were plenty of opportunities to watch!

Here’s the schedule:

• Monday – Friday
  • 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. show every 1/2 hour
  • 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. show every 15 minutes
• Saturdays & Holidays
  • 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. show every 1/2 hour
  • 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. show every 15 minutes
• Sundays
  • 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. show every 1/2 hour
  • 7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. show every 15 minutes

I ended the night with a quick trip to CVS before returning to our castle.

Our time in Vegas had come to an end. Up next, Death Valley!