Vegas Gives Me Freedom

Working long hours at anything can be exhausting, no matter what profession you do in life, just to survive this dysfunctional rat race. Thankfully there’s that sweet word “ vacation “ ( today kids call it vaca ) where we all head to our favourite place to recoup, recharge and get some much needed peace-of-mind. Without it, we can become frustrated with our job ; working on a treadmill like hamsters, without rest, we will eventually break down physically and mentally. We were never meant to be imprisoned to our job. As-a-matter-of-fact, human beings were never meant to be held captive as a slave to anything or anybody. Unfortunately history has shown otherwise.

So — what do we do to get away from all this slavery ?

We take vacations. It’s that simple. Making money in our society is important tool to survive and eventually gives us that little luxury called “ Freedom “. If you make enough money, then you have power and time ; but that’s another topic. Today I’m going to explain why Las Vegas gives me Freedom.

As a chef or just becoming a chef , takes a lot of my time and energy ; just like your job. In the ‘80’s I heard of this great city in Nevada called Las Vegas from my coworkers and fellow chefs. It was a place where you can release your dreams, pretending you’re well off, enjoying the luxury of fancy resorts, eat expensive food ( you never can afford at home) and see world famous celebrities and/or comedians.

But wait !

We have luxury resorts and food in our own cities, why Vegas ?

It’s true. I can easily head to Fairmont Banff Springs or Sparkling Hill. The thing is, Vegas does things on a more grandeur scale , then any other resort I know of so far. On top of that, Las Vegas showcases luxury resorts cheaper than our resorts in Canada. Fairmont Banff Springs will cost you $1000 per day ( all in ) where The Wynn, Las Vegas , you’ll enjoy the same experience at one third the cost. However, that’s saying you will not gamble ; the other important detail in Vegas, is the luring thought of winning a substantial amount of money while on your vacation. To think you can enjoy a vacation where it was all paid for — imagine that !

I know. I know. Winning at gambling is a myth, unless you’re extremely lucky. Think of gambling as strictly entertainment and be prepared to loose ; if you do win, consider it a bonus !

If you went to Vegas without touching any slot machines or gambling at the tables, you’ll come home well rested , spending less than at Fairmont Banff Springs (including the airfare) for a longer period of time. At The Wynn, Las Vegas , I can stay in a panoramic luxury spacious room on the 16th floor costing $300CA per day, whereas Fairmont Banff Springs starts at $850 CA per day for an average room. If you gamble, your next stay will include complementary rooms( if you’re get a Rewards Card) On average I get 2-3 nights plus slot plays free. Always sign up and get Players Card for each property; this way you’ll receive emails with great pricing and complementary extras. But — before you do — do this 👇

AND watch this before getting Rewards Card too 👇

If it’s your first time to Vegas, don’t try to do everything on your first trip.

Nevertheless, going to Vegas for the first or second time, can be overwhelming, so I suggest you stick to these helpful tips:

• Pick a hotel on the strip, preferably in the middle of the strip

• Use Uber to get around Las Vegas ; only use taxi from the airport to your resort ( they have a regulated flat rate from the airport to resort only) Outside the airport taxi services overcharge while Uber gives reasonable rates.

• Keep to a daily budget if gambling

• Once you’re gambling budget is done for the day, head over to Bellagio to enjoy the water fountains and Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

• Fine Dining and Entertainment – enjoy the evening at The MAYFAIR SUPPER CLUB ( at Bellagio) where entertainment is part of the whole package

• Looking for cheaper meals ? Head to Miracle Miles by Planet Hollywood and try these quick eats restaurants offering you lower prices : Ocean One or Flights Restaurant and Bar

• Never try to walk long distances on the strip and always wear comfortable walking shoes. Take water. Remember, one block is actually 10 blocks.

• Once you arrive, head over to Walgreens or ABC stores and stock up on water, snacks , drinks and alcohol, for your room. Prices are much better than the resort convenance stores by-a-long-shot .

• If someone on the street is offering you a deal for a show or restaurant, run away ! It’s always a scam.

• Don’t over drink alcohol — if you do , head for your resort room. Be safe instead of sorry.

• Don’t go to Vegas during special events, such as F1 unless you’re prepared to pay a lot more for your vacation.

Before you go read more about Vegas

Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world, offering everyone the best resorts and experiences for a fraction of the cost. Keep to your budget and enjoy all the fun Las Vegas can offer, no matter your lifestyle.

Cheers !

Chef Bari

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