ChaseSapphireCard – Postcards From TLC

I love Las Vegas! There’s so much to do there, that every few years I get a hankering to visit. I’m getting to that point again. Hubby’s never been to Vegas, so we may have to plan a trip soon. The best part will be that I should be able to cover the entire cost of the trip with my Chase Sapphire Card that I signed up for after reading the blog post 5 Reasons Chase Sapphire Preferred Should Be Your First Cardby the Points Guy. I’ve learned I can only handle Las Vegas in short, 3-5 day bursts. I could never spend a week or two vacationing there. There’s so much to do in Vegas, and with no visible clocks anywhere, I would not get any sleep and wind up exhausting myself. I love to get out and see and do everything Vegas has to offer.

Since I like to gamble, but I’m not a hard-core gambler, I tend to pace myself. I will play the slots when I want to order a cocktail, so I can take advantage of the free drinks, and I will play on my casino rewards card–in the hopes of accruing enough points to get free stuff. (One trip, I accrued so many points that I didn’t pay for a single meal or cocktail and I had points left over when I left.)

I make it a point to stay at a different hotel each trip to Las Vegas. Since they are all so different and have different themes, it makes sense to experience a different one each time. I’ll usually choose hotel by location. I try to alternate between staying at the north or south end of the strip and I think I may even consider staying on Fremont St. at some point in the future.

After location, I do also consider the pool situation. Some of the hotels have incredible pools that are open March through October. If it happens to be pool season when I go, the pool will also determine where I stay. It’s so easy to get around Vegas, that location doesn’t really matter. You can take the shuttle from the airport to your resort. There’s a super-fast monorail you can take down part of the strip. Or, you could opt for the double-decker bus, The Deuce, which is my favorite. They have an all-day rate that will allow you to hop a ride any time for the entire day and it’s reasonably priced. You could also Bike Share, Uber, or call a cab to get around. Maybe you choose to walk, but keep in mind, those casinos are much further apart than they look! For a newbie to Vegas, you may want to consider a day trip to the Grand Canyon. If you’ve never been, it is definitely a must see, but in my opinion, I’d want to visit longer than a day trip. Since I’ve been to the Grand Canyon before, I tend to skip this when in Vegas. Shows! The shows in Vegas are incredible! Years ago, I went to a Cirque du Soleil show. I loved it so much–from the athleticism of the artists, to the acrobatics, to the overall performance–I’ve vowed to take in a Cirque show every time. I see that there’s now a Michael Jackson ONE show that I WILL go to on my next trip there. There are also other shows to experience as well. From comedy to burlesque, magic to music, dance reviews to major artists–there’s something for everyone. One year I lucked into Tickets to see Jay-Z and Mary J Blige. It wouldn’t have been my first choice of shows to see, but I have to admit, it converted me into a Jay-Z fan. The show was amazing!

Shopping in Vegas is a real treat. You can shop on the strip or off, or visit one of their outlet malls. Be prepared though, while you can shop for a Rolex or Maserati within blocks of each other, you will not find them at clearance prices. If you are looking for something specific or eclectic, you will be able to find it. If you are looking for something you can get at home, get it when you get home. The price will likely be more reasonable. After all the activity in Vegas, you gotta eat. Food and restaurants in Vegas are good, and some are REALLY good. You can find a little bit of everything to tempt your taste buds and at almost any price point. Sushi or steak? Mexican or Italian? Brunch or Buffet? It’s here. I recommend you attempt one buffet meal when you visit–whether it’s brunch at Cravings in The Mirage or crab legs at Rio’s seafood buffet.

There’s much more to do in Vegas besides gambling, shows, shopping and eating. You can golf on some of their incredible golf courses, ride the Big Apple Coaster at New York, New York or experience X Scream at the Stratosphere. You can spend the day at one of their world class spas like Canyon Ranch or Spa Mandalay getting a relaxing massage and facial. Go check out a book signing by Bobby Flay or catch the street performers and do some serious people watching. Finish off your night by shaking what your momma gave ya in one of the nightclubs or go to 1 OAK and hope for a Kardashian sighting.