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3 Essential Things to Pack for Traveling

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I have just completed my 36th trip to Las Vegas and have two more planned over the summer months. With all those takeoffs and landings, I have found there are three essential things to pack for traveling. I believe in them so much, I refuse to leave home without them.

Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds

The first of my essential things to pack for traveling is my Bose Quiet Comfort Noise Cancelling Earbuds. There are many FREE sights to take in when traveling and especially in Vegas, but having options when you want to cancel out the hustle and bustle around you is needed. I use my earbuds on almost every flight I take and sometimes when sitting at the pool or on bus rides between destinations too.

I have two other pair of Bose noise canceling earphones but stick with the earbuds. The one downfall I have with the full earphone version is that I wear glasses, but my wife who wears contacts likes these better than the earbuds. The glasses cause just enough of a gap that the noise canceling does not work as well. With using the earbud version that issue is resolved. I find that they feel lighter on my head and can block out a significant amount of the noise around me.

Hardshell Suitcase

Hardshell suitcase is essential for all year round travel. Several years ago both Joni and I each bought a set of beautiful hardshell luggage. We have had these six suitcases for over five years. Traveled with them on 30 separate trips and only one has been cracked. We have even carted these luggage pieces around us when going to eat and needing to check out of our hotels.

A lot of people still say that their cloth suitcase can do the same thing. But one of the benefits of the hardshell case is helping against the weather. I have seen my bags sitting, waiting to be loaded in the plane during snow storms, thunderstorms, and other incitement weather. Where my old cloth suitcases had my clothes damp if there was bad weather. These keep my clothes dry except on the zipper seam.

My carry on is also hardshell, and I often place my computer inside. This helps protect it against the other fliers. I have found that they like to cram anything and everything in the storage bins. That extra protection keeps damage to a minimum. Plus it allows you some extra leg room instead of having to protect your computer at your feet.

Power Bricks

The final thing I find to be on my list of essential things to pack for traveling is the cheapest. The last thing I won’t leave home without is several of the power bricks for my phone and iPad. I never buy the expensive ones as I would prefer to have two or three. They are easy to charge and throw in your pocket in case the plane you have does not have a charging outlet or if it is not working. Also if you end up losing it or forgetting it in your hotel room when you check out, you are only out $5 for one of them compared to the nicer chargers that are $40-50 each.

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Things to do in Las Vegas for FREE!

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Las Vegas can be an expensive vacation but can be cheap depending on what activities you do. As casinos have started to nickel and dime the visitors with the addition of parking and resort fees. Here are some of my favorite things to do in Las Vegas for FREE!

Bellagio

Everyone starts with the Bellagio fountains and there is a reason for this as it is the most popular thing to do in Las Vegas for Free. Beginning in the afternoon, they go off every half hour but around 8 pm they start going off every 15 minutes. The best time to see them is at nights with the backdrop of the lights. They rotate through songs so during a trip you may hear the same song a couple times, but each time it is an experience that is unique. Both Cheyenne and Joni like to find an area up front and watch them for an hour or so as they go off at night.

Bellagio Conservatory is a great place to have pictures taken. They rotate scenes throughout the year. Almost everything the display is made out of flowers and is always very busy as people walk through. With it being “alive” there will be times throughout the year that it is closed as they update the display.

Bellagio Chocolate Waterfall is in the walkway between the Bellagio, Vdara and the tram. There is a small dessert place that has the largest chocolate waterfall in the world and it is pretty spectacular to see. This is one of those not as well known things that I like to make sure to show newcomers on their first trip. Especially if they have a sweet tooth!

Mirage

I still have a soft spot for the Volcano at the Mirage. It has changed over the years. Watching fire dance on the water is always awesome to see over and over. They use gas tubing that then lights the gas as it goes off with an island drum going off in the background. You can feel the heat as you sit and watch it. This does not go off as often as the fountains and is a farther walking distance from the fountains so you will need to plan accordingly to catch these.

Cosmopolitan

The chandelier at the Cosmopolitan is always a quick fun stop for pictures. If you are on the high road walkway bridge between City Center and Planet Hollywood, at the intersecting corner, you can enter into the Cosmopolitan. Just a couple steps in you can look over the Chandelier Bar which has a multi-store Chandelier in place. You can get some stunning pictures with that chadelier as the backdrop, which is why it makes our list of things to do in Las Vegas for free.

The funny thing is, the original company that was building the Cosmopolitan before they ran out of funding originally was planning on putting a giant robot in that spot. I think it is safe to say the chandelier was the better choice.

Las Vegas Sign

Last but not least one of the things to do in Las Vegas for free is to visit the Las Vegas Sign. Depending on the route you take from the airport to get to the strip, you could drive right past it. It is on the south side of the strip past Mandalay Bay. I would recommend not walking due to the traffic and the on/off ramps for I-15, and 515 is a dangerous area to walk. Also, try planning to stop by earlier in the morning to minimize waiting in line.

No trip is complete with a stop at the Las Vegas sign. Depending on your route you take from the airport to get to the strip, you could drive right past it. It is on the south side of the strip past Mandalay Bay. I would recommend not walking due to the traffic and the on/off ramps for I-15, and 515 is a dangerous area to walk. Also, try planning to stop by earlier in the morning to minimize waiting in line.

Route 91 Festival

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It seems like it was forever ago but also like it was just yesterday. If it weren’t for the UFC fights the week after, I would have been there for the Route 91 festival when the shooting took place. I would have been in the crowd as Jason Aldean would have been one of the main acts I would have wanted to see.

Route 91 Shooting

Part of me changed the day of the with all the what ifs. Now Cheyenne will be going with me on the next trip at the end of the month. She knows of everything out there, she knows how close I was to being there at that time. Cheyenne has asked a lot of questions over the last several months, but even more recently about Las Vegas. A lot has changed in the 7 and a half years since she was there last.

Las Vegas Changes

The strange thing is the little things that have even changed in the last several months. I have been there eight times since the shooting, and you pick up on small things that you didn’t see before.

  • I have noticed more secondary security throughout the casinos along with upgraded elevator security.
  • Some of the higher end casinos always had a guard at the elevators.
  • Now even some of the lower to mid-end casinos have either guards placed or at least working badge scans that lock the elevators down from going up without an active room key.
  • You do see an increase in the cameras watching above if you look closely as you walk around The Strip.
  • There seems to be more police presence on the street, and they are now more grouped together; it seems but never makes it feel like the area is unsafe.

They have been able to maintain that ‘free spirit’ attitude on the strip but also seems more secure as you look around and notice the small things.

At the age of six, Cheyenne wanted Bellagio Fountains and Mirage Volcano…Now at the age of 13, it is still those attractions, but now it also is the Las Vegas Sign and Mandalay Bay and the fence across the Route 91 festival grounds to pay her respects.

Renowned Advice for Solo Traveling to Help you Get Away and Recharge

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People don’t always understand my husband and I because we vacation frequently without each other. One of my favorite quotes by Jason is about us and our relationship is “We live together and work together, so we vacation separately.” Now that isn’t always true, we do take some vacations together like our trip this past fall to Hawaii. However, we do a fair deal of solo traveling.

Things to Consider: Solo Traveling

There are many things you need to consider when you are solo traveling. Many of the items are the same as if you are traveling with your family, but there are some unique differences. After all, if you want to change your mind while solo traveling there’s no one to argue with you.

Solo Traveling Destination

Chose a destination for solo traveling with lots of activities to choose from. One of my favorite places to go is the state of Florida, and there is an endless supply of fun down there. Jason; he prefers to solo travel to Las Vegas. You should consider what is drawing you to the vacation spot you are picking out so you can truly take advantage and see all the things that will enhance the experience.

There are many travel destinations that seem to be made just for the solo traveler. Check out this Bucketlist.

Renowned Advice for Solo Traveling to Help you Get Away and Recharge #travel #solotravel #destinations #vacation #solovacation

Safety

Now I like to post pictures on social media of where we are and what we are doing. But I don’t post photos of where we stay or are staying until after we’ve been there. Safety is a real concern, and keeping your haven safe is a priority. Don’t tell people where you are staying, if asked about it keep your answers vague.

Technology

To really relax and recharge limit your technology usage. I’m not saying throw it all away when you are solo traveling, but truly take time to appreciate where you are. One of my favorite memories of a recent trip to Florida was driving across the state and seeing cows in pastures with Palm Trees. I’m from Wisconsin and this sight cracked me up.

Don’t get so caught up in capturing the moments, that you forget to live in them. ENJOY your vacation. This is how you relax and rejuvenate your soul.

Renowned Advice for Solo Traveling to Help you Get Away and Recharge #travel #solotravel #destinations #vacation #solovacation

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Finding the Best Regional Fast Food

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It seems like our teenage daughters phone is always attached to her hand.  That phone always, and I do mean always, has YouTube playing in the background.  My generation listened to the radio for background music; she watches YouTube.  With all that time looking at strange YouTube videos, one of the things that she has learned about is the different fast food restaurants. There are so many around the United States that seem to be more regional fast food options compared to the McDonalds and Subway options. 

Regional Fast Food Options

Check out our favorite Las Vegas Fast Food places to eat!

One of the things I realized over the last year or two is that Las Vegas has a lot of regional fast food options. There seems to be one on every street corner. Ever since our daughter found out In-N-Out Burger was located in Las Vegas, she has been asking to go back. Trying the food at In-N-Out Burger is on her ‘bucket list.’  Here in central Wisconsin, we don’t have that as an option. 

One of my personal favorites is the French Fries from ‘Steak and Shake.’  There is not even a ‘Steak and Shake’ located in the state of Wisconsin, but there are several in Las Vegas. Iincluding one just off the strip at Hooters Casino.  

Maybe Shake Shack is your preference.  That is based off the east coast, but they have a couple in Las Vegas, including one on the Strip and one also included inside T-Mobile Arena.  Closest Shake Shack to us is now at the Mall of America in Minneapolis. 

Maybe you are looking for White Castle?  I would suggest skipping it personally as I was never a fan. However they do have several on the Strip.  Several of these have just have opened within the last several years. 

There are many other regional fast food places and have added other sit-downs ranging from Tilted Kilt to Twin Peaks to a 24 hour Buffalo Wild Wings right on the strip.  I would not be surprised to see more of the regional restaurants open their doors to the Las Vegas area. 

Next Regional Restrauants?

I would love to see a Whataburger or even Waffle House in Las Vegas. Maybe they will move in soon. After all, there is money to be made from tourism. Many people visiting Las Vegas want to try these regional pieces of Americana.

5 Amazingly Easy Strategies to get Cheap Eats in Las Vegas

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With any trip to Las Vegas, it isn’t just the hotel and the airfare.  You have to eat also.  The first trip we had we were going out for a friends wedding and a delayed honeymoon.  Very little money and very little knowledge of Las Vegas.  Back then luckily you could eat at a Coffee Shop or a buffet for cheap.  Nowadays that isn’t as much of an option.  There are options for cheap eats Las Vegas style.  Additionally, check out our article Where can I purchase snacks while visiting Las Vegas?

My Cheap Eats Las Vegas Strategy

Plan for only two meals.  If you eat a more substantial meal in the morning most likely you will find you can get by with just dinner after.  I found I don’t eat as much with walking.
Food is always cheaper off the strip.  Depending on if you decide on a rental car, you can find some hidden gems that are reasonably priced.  Buffets at most off strip casinos such as Main Street Stations or other Boyd properties can be a diamond for your budget.
Fast food is your friend for Cheap Eats Las Vegas Style! There are McDonald’s and other fast food areas all down the strip.  I have found that I tend to eat a couple of times at Denny’s.  If I do not want to venture off the strip, it is a quick meal with their $2-$6 side menus.
Watch hotel booking deals – Usually, every trip when booking the hotel, there are usually food/drink credits depending on when you book.  This is a great way to assist with some of the splurge restaurants.  Check out our favorite hotels to stay at in Las Vegas: Preferred Options: MLIFE Casinos and Hotels
Off menu items.  If you research beforehand, you can find off menu deals.  Sometimes you just need to ask for what some of the specials are.  It can be that simple.  Otherwise looking online you can find hidden options such as “$7.77 special” at Mr. Luckys at the Hard Rock Casino.  Steak and shrimp for under $10.00 were always one of my friend’s favorites.
The biggest thing is to plan accordingly.  If you do not plan where you will end up eating, your cheap eats will be expensive eats.