Travel Part 2 - Where ya headed?

[SJHovey]

Re: Travel Part 2 - Where ya headed?

Next November, I'm running the Las Vegas marathon. Last time I was in Vegas was for a funeral, and no fun was had. This time, other than the race, I plan to enjoy myself thoroughly.

So, when in Vegas, what should I be doing?

It kind of depends on your interest. My first suggestion is to mark on your calendar for about July or August to check events calendars in Las Vegas for November. They'll be much more current next summer.

I've been to Las Vegas when that marathon was run. In fact, I was standing on the overpass walkway between Caesar's and the Bellagio when it ended and I was swarmed by hundreds of people in running gear draped in shiny silver capes. I felt like a bear standing in a stream with salmon swimming past me.

Gambling is an obvious choice. If you prefer to play for small stakes, go downtown or at least avoid the major strip casinos.

There is no better place in the U.S. for eating right now. You can get great meals for $10/person or for $500/person. It just depends what you are looking for. Personally I like to find some of the locals places. Two of my favorites are Sammy's LA Pastrami & Burgers on East Tropicana. It's east of the MGM Grand a couple of miles, tops. The other is John Mull's Meat's and Road Kill Grill. This is a barbecue joint probably a half hour to forty-five minutes from the strip. For both of those locations you'll either need a car, or a cab/uber ride. If you're looking for something good, and cheap, near the strip, I'd check to see if the new Canter's deli is open in the Linq promenade by then. It should be. I loved Canters when it was at Treasure Island. There is also the secret pizza place at the Cosmopolitan. Go to the third floor and look for the pool table to find the hidden entrance.

If you are there in November, and if you like NFL football at all, a Sunday morning in one of the big sports books is a must. Get there early and lock down a seat. Nothing like watching someone go crazy because a coach decided to take a knee with 45 seconds left in the first half instead of go for more points.

I think there is also a craft beer festival in Las Vegas in November, although I could be wrong about that. Also, the National Finals Rodeo is in Las Vegas. It always used to be in early December, but I heard they move it up to November. That's actually a very fun time to be in Las Vegas as well, especially down at the Mirage which is usually the headquarters for the party.

Also remember that Las Vegas is one of the premier shopping locations in the country. A chance to get any holiday shopping done, if you're into that.

[FlagDUDE08]

Re: Travel Part 2 - Where ya headed?

FlagDUDETTE and I really enjoyed Silver Sevens for food (used to be known as Terrible's). Great deals, nice staff, and very conscientious when it comes to allergies, unlike Mr. Lucky's at the Hard Rock.

Parking was easy to find, but then again I had gone during the week, not during an event. Do check out downtown, especially Fremont Street. It's, well... interesting.

[Gurtholfin]

Re: Travel Part 2 - Where ya headed?

So where do people find airfares?

Want to go somewhere for spring break, but when you multiply by 4, pretty much everywhere in a budget buster.

[MinnesotaNorthStar]

Re: Travel Part 2 - Where ya headed?

So where do people find airfares?

Want to go somewhere for spring break, but when you multiply by 4, pretty much everywhere in a budget buster.

I used Kayak back when I had to pay for flights...

[hockeyplayer1015]

So where do people find airfares?

Want to go somewhere for spring break, but when you multiply by 4, pretty much everywhere in a budget buster.

I primarily fly Southwest, which won't show up on your usual search sites (kayak, Orbitz, Expedia, etc). But if Southwest isn't an option or if I want to shop around, I tend to use Kayak.

[RaceBoarder]

Re: Travel Part 2 - Where ya headed?

So where do people find airfares?

Want to go somewhere for spring break, but when you multiply by 4, pretty much everywhere in a budget buster.

Kayak and Southwest.com... For trips the past two years Southwest has won the price battle, but I also fly out of MDW... So that pushed any close fares/ties towards Southwest.

[manurespreader]

Re: Travel Part 2 - Where ya headed?

Kayak is pretty good, Cheapo Air is another one, doesn't much matter domestically. The biggest thing is to buy more than 13 days ahead. Also sometimes you can get a good fare on cities where there is a lot of competition, such as Nashville, where Southwest competes head to head.

[FadeToBlack&Gold]

So where do people find airfares?

Want to go somewhere for spring break, but when you multiply by 4, pretty much everywhere in a budget buster.

Kayak. However, if your kids share a common break week with other states (which most do), and you're trying to go to a popular warm spot, you will likely be paying a premium regardless.

Try to avoid flying on Fridays and especially Sundays. That can help quite a bit sometimes. Also, try using Kayak or other tools to flex your dates and see what it comes back with that makes sense for your availability. You may have to compromise on the length of your trip by a day or two in order to get the best deal.

[The Rube]

Re: Travel Part 2 - Where ya headed?

Kayak. However, if your kids share a common break week with other states (which most do), and you're trying to go to a popular warm spot, you will likely be paying a premium regardless.

Try to avoid flying on Fridays and especially Sundays. That can help quite a bit sometimes. Also, try using Kayak or other tools to flex your dates and see what it comes back with that makes sense for your availability. You may have to compromise on the length of your trip by a day or two in order to get the best deal.

Delete your cookies, too. If a site sees you coming back over and over, prices will change.

[Gurtholfin]

Re: Travel Part 2 - Where ya headed?

Been looking on Kayak - Thanks!

Looking at doing a California swing - start in San Fran and spend a day or two there, see some redwoods for a day and then make our way south along the coast - Big Sur, Santa Barbara, Half Moon Bay etc until we reach San Diego for a few days in the sun.

Probably check out Joshua Tree and other parts of the desert and scuba in the kelp.

Each plane ride is like $150 per person.

Friends want us to join them in the Bahamas, but it's $750 per person and we've been to the Caribbean/tropics a lot.

[Deutsche Gopher Fan]

Re: Travel Part 2 - Where ya headed?

I like hipmunk and google flights.

Thrifty traveler page on Facebook has netted me two deals in last month: $99 flight to Phoenix and $499 to Cook Islands.
Has anyone been to Cook Islands?

[burd]

Re: Travel Part 2 - Where ya headed?

If you are planning to drive down the 1, you really don't need to go north of the City to see the redwood forests. A lot of people do because the Avenue of the Giants is up there. Especially if you are thinking Half Moon Bay, there are some really scenic Alpine drives on the ocean side of the Santa Cruz Mountains, and there are a lot of Redwood forests there. The Grays may be migrating at that time, and the elephant seals have a large colony south of Half Moon Bay. The 1 takes longer than I-5, but it's got some gorgeous scenery. I don't know how antsy the kids will be. Just south of Monterrey is Point Lobos, which is a beautiful and convenient stop to see the sea otters and tide pool habitat. The Bay Area is packed with a lot of natural beauty, and SD is also beautiful (and warm). LA you can have. But again, I don't know about the kids.

Rimbaud was in Santa Cruz a while back. You could stop there for a few insults.

[Gurtholfin]

Re: Travel Part 2 - Where ya headed?

If you are planning to drive down the 1, you really don't need to go north of the City to see the redwood forests. A lot of people do because the Avenue of the Giants is up there. Especially if you are thinking Half Moon Bay, there are some really scenic Alpine drives on the ocean side of the Santa Cruz Mountains, and there are a lot of Redwood forests there. The Grays may be migrating at that time, and the elephant seals have a large colony south of Half Moon Bay. The 1 takes longer than I-5, but it's got some gorgeous scenery. I don't know how antsy the kids will be. Just south of Monterrey is Point Lobos, which is a beautiful and convenient stop to see the sea otters and tide pool habitat. The Bay Area is packed with a lot of natural beauty, and SD is also beautiful (and warm). LA you can have. But again, I don't know about the kids.

Rimbaud was in Santa Cruz a while back. You could stop there for a few insults.

We're doing the 1 and are planning on taking 2 days to do it so we're not rushed.

I looked into redwoods locations and we're likely to not do the northern stuff coz it's almost 200 miles north and out of our way.

Thanks for the tips.

Looking to scuba (and snorkel) at La Jolla bay.

Probably can't escape a visit to Disney as the younger will want to.

[burd]

Re: Travel Part 2 - Where ya headed?

We're doing the 1 and are planning on taking 2 days to do it so we're not rushed.

I looked into redwoods locations and we're likely to not do the northern stuff coz it's almost 200 miles north and out of our way.

Thanks for the tips.

Looking to scuba (and snorkel) at La Jolla bay.

Probably can't escape a visit to Disney as the younger will want to.

I lived in the Santa Cruz mountains up above Pescadero (south of Half Moon Bay) for three years, Gurth so I am somewhat familiar with that area. But it has been quite a few years, and your family has been to a lot of cool places, so I doubt I can help you very much. There is some amazing alpine country there so close to the City, though.

[bostonewe]

Re: Travel Part 2 - Where ya headed?

Has anyone done a one-way car rental? The husband and I are doing Memphis in May and we'd like to drive there over the course of a few days and see some sights, but fly home (a direct drive takes about 22 hours). Any company recommendations?