VIVA LAS VEGAS!

Every year Travel Counsellors take an elite group of Gold Travel Counsellors away for a fabulous conference weekend overseas. In 2010 the destination was Las Vegas! I had been to Las Vegas several times before but it had been 7 years since my last visit so I was interested to see if things had changed. We stayed at the fabulous 5 star Encore Hotel which is wonderful. Located on the famous 'Strip' it has its own golf course, lots of swimming pools, and a fabulous selection of restaurants and designer shops. My favourite hotel in Las Vegas has always been the Bellagio and so we made sure we went there for a visit! The dancing water fountains outside are still one of my favourite things in Las Vegas. During the conference weekend we were lucky enough to see the Cirque du Soleil show 'Viva Las Vegas' at the Aria Resort and also the wonderful 'Le Reve' at the Wynn Hotel. We also had a flight on a small aircraft over to the Grand Canyon which was spectacular. On a previous visit to Las Vegas I also flew by helicopter to the Grand Canyon - both spectacular! On another previous trip I went on the 15 minute helicopter flight at night down the Strip over all the hotels as they are lit up and I would highly recommend this. Las Vegas is famous for its gambling and casinos but there really is so much more to the city than that. Most of the hotels have a theme so it is wonderful to spend time wandering around each resort. I love wandering around the Venetian and having an Italian ice cream before having a ride on a gondola along the canals. I also like wandering along the Champs Elysees at the Paris Hotel and enjoying afternoon tea overlooking the Bellagio water fountains. The New York New York Hotel offers a Big Apple experience with some fantastic bars and restaurant. You can also step back into ancient times as you wander around the Luxor Hotel. Las Vegas is a fantastic place to visit for a few days and can easily be included in any USA holiday itinerary. Viva Las Vegas!