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 !