Las Vegas, Nevada: A Whole New Adventure

Las Vegas, Nevada:
A Whole New Adventure

This week, we will explore Las Vegas, Nevada in the USA. This town used to be synonymous with crime, gambling and prostitution (just outside of town legally). My friend, it’s a whole new city that has been reborn as a luxury destination for families to play and adults to heal and spa.

Sure, you can still gamble away your house or drink yourself into the ER. It’s just not what most people want anymore. And frankly, my response is ‘Amen.’ This week, I will show you the modern Vegas. You could spend 60 days in Vegas and still have things you wanted to see but ran out of time. We will focus on the hottest things to do and experience, understanding that it’s a snapshot of the total offering.

Today, we will find thrills with the Adventure itinerary. Tomorrow, we will focus on a Culture itinerary and Wednesday will bring the ultimate Relaxation itinerary. These tables are handy to keep - a blister or torn muscle may convert your Adventure plans into Relaxation plans. Let’s get this Adventure started.
- Cris

Day 1: You Can Fly

We’re in Vegas, right? Let’s get that adrenaline pumping! Head to the Strat Tower and take a ride to the top of the Tower. At 1,149 feet tall, it is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States. Afraid of heights? Then you’ll want to get back to ground quickly. Take the SkyJump - a heart-pounding, scream-inducing, open-air leap from 829 feet above the neon Strip that holds a Guinness World Record as the highest ‘commercial decelerator descent facility’. You’ll zoom toward the landing pad at speeds topping 40 mph while the crowds below gasp and applaud your bravado. Maybe wait to eat Breakfast until after the jump 😅 

Settle your stomach because it’s time to prove that you can fly. Do the kids think they can fly? Bring them with you. Indoor Skydiving is so safe that they host children’s parties (but you can brag about how terrifying it was when you get home). Yes, wearing a SuperMan or SuperWoman outfit is completely acceptable.

Has the sun finally gone down? Head to AREA15 for a uniquely Vegas experience of technology, glow-in-the-dark, dancing, games, and music. This is all ages so watch your language. Please, do not just choose the free entry pass. Be an adult and get the experience pass - it’s SO worth it to play all games and access every single immersive adventure.

Day 2: Hiking and Flying

The Red Rock Canyon is a stunningly beautiful place to reset your mind and move those muscles. This is the dessert and so be thoughtful about climate. Is it July? Be prepared for crushing heat and drink lots of water. I confess to hiking part of the canyons in July, back tracking, and picking up the car to tour by car. The hike is lovely in January. Horses and bicycles can both be rented onsite. The Red Rock Casino is a great place to refuel the car when you leave for the day.

If the sun has gone down, and you are still upright, then it’s time to shower off the dirt and head to Fremont Street for SlotZilla Zipline. This famous Vegas attraction has you ziplining over a crowd from one end of Fremont Street to the other. Please, I beg you, do not eat dinner and then ZipLine. You will be famous as tourists take selfies with you in the sky behind them. This is important: you can ride this thrill in two ways. 1) ZipLine, where you sit up (no one does this) or 2) ZoomLine, where you lie flat and fly like a superhero (everyone does this).

Helpful Details, Insights, and Choices

Motivation: I see what’s missing
Sometimes this helps: Therapy for civilized people
Uh Oh: This is why there are closed tracks and private property

Day 3: Paddle, Paddle, Zoom, Zoom

Day 4: Get Dirty and Escape

Take an ATV into the Mojave Dessert and stir up some sand! Oh my goodness - that looks like so much fun! Why do we only spend 1 to 1.5 hours in the desert? Because it’s really hot and the tour guides don’t want medical emergencies from people they picked up in Vegas (who “might” already be dehydrated). You can always come back and ride again on your next trip. Lots of people will also have a little fun shooting or offroading through the desert while they are here. These activities should only be enjoyed with a tour group or local company. You are in the desert. There are lots of hazards that you don’t normally think about - the companies will watch your back. Bring eye drops.

Did you bring your family and/or friends on this trip? Did at least one of them wear down your last nerve? This is Vegas - punish them in an Escape Room. While Escape Rooms get a bad name from Corporate Team Building activities, this one is in Vegas and so it goes to a whole new level. You may be equally proud and sad when your group escapes and the fun is over. Or…you could get stuck there because that person still won’t get along with the others 😀 

Tomorrow, we will explore the Cultural diversity and attractions of Las Vegas. The vibrant music scene - often experienced for free - is worth visiting on every trip because it’s a different experience each time.

See you tomorrow.

What did you think of Espresso Boarding?
Your honest feedback makes this information stronger and more useful for fellow travelers (and yourself).

Was this forwarded to you? Sign up to receive your own copy.
It’s free to subscribe.