Vacation Planning Help!

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Baiting Guru Joined: 19 Apr 2007 Posts: 3123

Here I am again: this time with finalised plans. Next year, we're jetting off to Las Vegas, then Miami, finishing off with a Caribbean cruise on the Norwegian Epic (leaving from Miami)

Now that we have decided WHERE we're going, now we need to decide how long for. I suggested 5-7 days in Las Vegas, 3-4 in Miami, and the cruise is a week. So, to those that have been: Can you reccomend any high end hotels there, things to do e.t.c

Also, are we there for long enough? Too long, too short? Advice please Very Happy

train boi Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 697

Fly down to Manchester and see how the real chavs live Smile

(Obviously not in my area - Maybe I could give you a tour Very Happy

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Baiting Guru Joined: 31 Jan 2007 Posts: 12237

CLICK

It's right next to the water tower, you can't miss it. Call me when you get there, I'll buy you a beer. Wink

Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 2:19 pm

Hi Craig007,

Hmm.. if you're much of a gambler, my opinion is that 7 days in LV is too long Wink

5 days would be plenty, as everything it has to offer is in close proximity. We stay at Bally's only because of Players Club comps. It has a great location in the heart of the strip but it is not high end. I think the Wynn is the newest super plush hotel in LV. Here is a great site for info.

http://las-vegas-hotels.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g45963-Las_Vegas_Nevada-Hotels.html

Also, go to the Forum on the left and you can get all kinds of travellers opinions and advice. I don't know if this is your first time, but you should go to Hoover Dam (Lake Mead) and see the largest reservoire in the US. It's about 30 mins. from LV.

If you haven't already, you need to see: http://www.bellagio.com/amenities/fountains-of-bellagio.aspx
I could watch it 5 times a day. Don't forget to sign up for a players card wherever you gamble for any length of time (for comps). And a word of advice: when the escort services and strip club solicitors approach you with a slip of paper in hand, tell 'em to run left Wink

As far as Miami goes, there are a lot of nice hotels in the South Beach area which has had several renaissance' (sp?) throughout the years. Personally, I would add 2 days to that end. Lots to see and do in that area, and Disney World is about 4 hours away (if that's of any interest).

Can ya tell I love talking about any kind of travel and trips? Smile

Have a fantastic vacation, whatever you decide!
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Elite Baiter Joined: 16 Jul 2008 Posts: 1407

I would say 3 days in Vegas. Tops. Drive around Arizona, Utah, Nevada. See the Grand Canyon.

Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 3:15 pm

If you want to see any shows in Vegas, be sure you have budgeted a lot for them. They're (mostly) good, I hear, but pricey.

And if you're looking for scenery, head outside the city to the Henderson area. Great monolithic rocks rising hundreds of feet straight out of the flat desert.

Baiting Guru Joined: 19 Apr 2007 Posts: 3123

Thanks guys - I'll check out some of the items mentioned.

I already planned to do a Grand Canyon/Hoover Dam thing by hiring an aircraft, and flying out there myself. I did an island tour of Barbados in a similar fashion, and flying out there is cheap as chips Smile

Quote:

Can ya tell I love talking about any kind of travel and trips?

Me too

PF - Thanks, I'll err.... keep it mind Very Happy

Tasty - We thought about vehicle hire, I assume it's compartively cheap too. I'll look into it Smile

I've been to Miami before, for about 6 hours, standing in line for a previous cruise. The Port Of Miami really needs to work on the waiting areas
Disney World isn't an interest to me, but I suspect my children will want to go. Rolling Eyes

Gosh, I could hire a Crown Victoria, and live my childish American dream Very Happy

Elite Baiter Joined: 16 Jul 2008 Posts: 1407

Ordinarily I don't recommend using the rental company insurance for domestic drivers. As an international driver, I WOULD recommend you purchase the inflated "insurance" (at AVIS,Enterprise,Thrifty) or what ever rental company you use.

Unlikely you will have any trouble, but if you do as an international it would sure cut the tape.

I would rent a small/medium car. Gas milage is decent around 22-25mpg on the open road. Just a spot check with AVIS is around $100US with full "insurance".

Another tip, DON'T rent the car at the airport. They charge a very expensive surcharge for airport rentals (hidden tax). ALWAYS rent off site.