Las Vegas... Love It and Leave It... But You'll Be Back!!!

Las Vegas is probably our most quoted destination. Seldom do we quote to someone who has never been there. It is also the most popular destination for conventions, workshops, and board meetings. In fact the World Travel Awards recognized Las Vegas as the top destination for meetings and conventions on the planet. . . . for the fourth year in a row!!! In 2015 they hosted almost 22,000 meetings and conventions and trade shows. The Trade Show News Network also recognized Las Vegas as the No. 1 trade-show destination in the U. S. for 22 consecutive years. It's just a fun place, especially for adults, to meet and enjoy the leisure time.

Just why is it so popular? I think it is because of the variety of things to do. Of course, for some, it is the gambling mecca of the U. S. too. But for those who want to do other things with their money, there are many other options available.

Some just rent a car and get away from the hustle and bustle, and drive about 30 minutes out of town to the Red Rock Canyon. Beside the beautiful and unusual scenery, if you wish, there are miles and miles of great trails to experience. Another drive in another direction is the Hoover Dam, an unbelievable engineering structure holding back many acre feet of water just a few several miles away.

How about the “Las Vegas Eye”...better known as the “High Roller”. Imagine a ferris wheel with 38 glass-enclosed cabins rolling around 550 feet above the Strip about every 30 minutes. Those cabins will hold up to 40 persons, and they offer the trip with a cocktail party available. The attraction is higher than the London Eye.

And if you are in for high places, Las Vegas has another attraction that will get your attention....the Stratosphere Tower, that also has a hotel and casino attached. The Tower is the tallest free-standing observation tower in the U. S. and is encircled by two, yes two, roller coasters. That exercise will take your breath away!!!

There are 178 theaters in Las Vegas, all of them with some kind of show and entertainer. Recently Celine Dion performed her 1,000 show at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace. It was built in 2003 especially designed to host her stage show. Almost all the major country and western entertainers are present the first two weeks in December during the National Finals Rodeo event held there every year. The El Cortez Hotel & Casino, a popular downtown hotel, is the longest continually running hotel casino, having lasted over 75 years.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority is going to have it's work cut out for them because the city has taken on a project to add on to their convention facilities by adding 600,000 square feet of exhibition space.....just a paltry $1.4 billion project. They will have to demolish the Riviera Hotel and Casino and convert it into a parking lot and outdoor exhibition venue.

The experienced travel agents at The Travel Factory would love to help you with your plans to visit Las Vegas, or Disney, or California, or New York....even a great all-inclusive down to Mexico or Jamaica.....even more, how about a fantastic cruise celebration for a birthday or anniversary. Remember, travel agents will, more often than not, save you lots of planning time as well as money. Reach us at 698-1421 or 800-760-4040, or stop at our shop at 4150 Southwest Drive. It's time for you to get away, and the very best way to do that is to contact your hometown travel agent.