Monday, January 25, 2010

On the road again


I grew up in one of those families that traveled but not like your "typical" American family travels. We don't camp, I've never been on a cruise, never seen Hawaii or Vegas, we don't usually stay in those fancy hotels and I didn't see Yosemite until a year ago and I've lived in Northern California my whole life. When I go with the fam somewhere we rent a house or something comparable and really try to live like the locals, to get the whole experience. Those are some great memories of traveling in the world but i feel like I haven't gotten to see much of the United States which is something I kind of feel a wee bit cheated out of. I have always wanted to travel up and down the east coast and see the seasons change, I would like to see Washington DC, and Hawaii, the red rocks of New Mexico, Arizona and Utah, the sky in Colorado and Montana, New Orleans, Portland, the coast of Maine and the islands off of South Carolina.

The boy on the other hand has been to Hawaii, gone to Vegas 7 times, traveled and lived all over the east coast/midwest and has participated quite heavily in the commercial travel industry.

So when he asked me what I wanted to do for Valentines day after I made my puke face and made my same this time of year statement about how I despise Valentines day, I looked him in the eye and said "go somewhere, like Sequioa National Forest and see General Sherman." General Sherman is the giant Sequioa that is the largest and oldest tree (they think its about 2700 years old) known and I've always wanted to see it. After some discussion about what to do and where to go we decided to take a road trip to the Grand Canyon with a stop through in Las Vegas.

Neither of us have ever seen the Grand Canyon, and we're meeting friends in Vegas for a night. I'm very excited about it, and I get to plan the whole thing. The problem is I know nothing about Las Vegas or the Gand Canyon in regards to what to do and where to stay and what to see. I'm sure the boy has Vegas covered on where to stay, but I'm afraid that because he's seen everything there a million times he'll be jaded and I'll want to see EVERYTHING and take it all in.

So does anyone have any reccommendations on what to do and what to see in Las Vegas for a beginner? The things you are glad you got to see and would never want to have missed out on? I'm not much of a gambler, I'd rather spend my money on other things than paying the casino's electricity bill, so keep that in mind.

And has anyone ever been to the Grand Canyon and have any experiences they'd like to share?

I would love input, as I begin the planning process with a blank slate and not a clue as to where to begin. I'd surely appreciate it.

Have a lovely day!

4 comments:

  1. What a fun little V-day trip. That makes me want to convince my boy to go on one. Vegas is fun only for a weekend max, so it's good you're only staying one night, yeah? If you have some $$, I'd see a show, like Cirque du Soleil or Zumanity. Oh and make sure to ride a fake gondola at the Venetian hotel! The grand canyon is so magical. Very romantic...you'll love it :) xo

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  2. Thanks lady! That's good info. I'm looking forward to it!

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  3. i was in vegas and didnt gamble - im with you there! definitely ditto on the comment above to see zumanity - loved it! but un-ditto to the gondola ride haha, not my cup of tea.
    i think just walk around and check out all of the crazy casino interior design (this is coming from an interior designer so you had to see that dork-dom coming). the wynn is GORGEOUS. dont miss that one. thats my #1. and zumanity. they share #1:)

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  4. I've heard walking around is a good place to start. I would like to go see LOVE, the beatles Cirque de Soleil but I don't know if we have enough time. There's so many options its kinda overwhelming!

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