One can’t help but notice that the price of transportation has increased significantly over the last weeks and months. While some have had no choice but adjust to the price at the pump, the story is not always the same when it comes to booking airfare. In fact, it may have some Travelers of Size who may require more than one seat considering other vacation plans.
Fortunately for those of us in North America, there are innumerable interesting places to visit all over the continent that are just a one or two-day drive away. As flying can be an all-day experience as it is, adding an extra day on each end can make traveling from the comfort of your car worth it. Chances are that fuel and lodging costs will be less than one airline seat. You may even find some fascinating surprises along the way on the way to your destination.
Over the coming days and weeks, I will discuss some destinations - some well-known, others a bit under-the-radar, that may appeal to Travelers of Size for various reasons. In these times, you deserve more than a “staycation”. Let’s get ready to travel!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Las Vegas - No Kidding Around?
Vegas is always changing and evolving to accommodate what decision makers in the hospitality industry feel is the next big trend. During the 1990’s, Vegas positioned itself to be more welcoming to families. While more hotel rooms were sold, casino revenue declined and marketing to families, with a few exceptions, ceased by the end of the decade. Nonetheless, there are people who are either not aware of that news or see certain attractions and amenities and feel that Las Vegas still offers more than enough to keep families entertained for days if not weeks.
My personal view is: it depends…but probably not.
PRO:
Vegas casino hotels offer arguably the best value in North America. Compared to other equivalent hotels, a Vegas casino hotel will offer significantly lower rates. Of course, these rates are subsidized by past and expected gaming revenue.
CON:
Because casinos would ideally prefer that you were spending your time (and money) in their restaurants, retailers and gaming areas, your room will likely be missing amenities usually found in other hotels such as a refrigerator, a crib/“Pack-and-Play” or kid-friendly TV stations. Parents may also lament the usual lack of a coffee maker. Also, if your family consists of more than four, hotels may prefer that you purchase more than one room in order to expedite housekeeping. That can be a potentially expensive proposition for some families. Non-gaming hotels, including timeshare rentals and familiar chains, can be found on or near the Strip and would be more likely to offer familiar family comforts. The Four Seasons, which occupies upper floors of the Mandalay Bay casino, goes out of its way to welcome guests of all ages; many guests find investing in the significant premium for that level of service to be worth it.
PRO:
Las Vegas makes an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding natural beauty, not the least of which is the Grand Canyon located about five hours east in Arizona. Somewhat closer by are the Valley of Fire National Park (90 minutes north in Utah) and Red Rock Canyon (45 minutes west of the Las Vegas Strip).
CON:
Children do live and grow up in Las Vegas. However, what they do for fun is largely far from the Strip and not any different than what can be found in most other cities and resort areas. Even on the Strip itself, many of the all-ages attractions such as arcades and thrill rides can also be found at other destinations. Circus Circus has positioned itself as the most family-friendly casino in town. Its Adventure Dome indoor theme park is a big draw. Nonetheless, I would not say that its offerings compare favorably to most other regional outdoor theme parks in the US.
PRO:
Many Vegas casino hotels are amazing structures with beautiful scenery inside and out. The Excalibur hotel with its medieval castle façade may offer the best combination of good photo opportunities outside and amenities that might appeal to younger kids within. Style-conscious teens may enjoy (window-)shopping at retail arenas in the Venetian, Caesars Palace and Planet Hollywood as well as the self-aware Fashion Show Mall.
CON:
Only guests over 21 can stay on the actual casino floor. Otherwise, minors must move quickly through to avoid drawing the attention of security. Unless you’re not from one of the top twenty metropolitan areas in the United States, chances are your family has already visited most of the retail establishments back at home.
PRO:
Las Vegas features an amazing array of shows, including many headliners and Broadway-level productions. Afternoon shows tend to appeal to all-ages, including the Mac King Comedy Magic Show as well as the Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre.
CON:
Many shows are adult-oriented. Even relatively tame productions may feature some level of profanity or other adult themes. Other shows may just be too sophisticated for kids to understand…not to mention the late start times. Children under five will usually not be allowed to attend evening shows.
To sum things up, Las Vegas can work for families but it can take lots of planning. Parents should prepare their children to see advertisements, hotel staff and fellow travelers behaving or performing in an adult manner. In my opinion, the “sweet spot” for bringing along children would be from about ages ten to sixteen. They would be old enough to appreciate the positive things they see while not being disappointed about what they cannot yet enjoy. I believe that three days is enough for families to experience most age-appropriate activities on the Las Vegas Strip. As suggested earlier, Las Vegas makes an excellent base to start and finish exploring the surrounding natural wonders within a day’s drive.
My personal view is: it depends…but probably not.
PRO:
Vegas casino hotels offer arguably the best value in North America. Compared to other equivalent hotels, a Vegas casino hotel will offer significantly lower rates. Of course, these rates are subsidized by past and expected gaming revenue.
CON:
Because casinos would ideally prefer that you were spending your time (and money) in their restaurants, retailers and gaming areas, your room will likely be missing amenities usually found in other hotels such as a refrigerator, a crib/“Pack-and-Play” or kid-friendly TV stations. Parents may also lament the usual lack of a coffee maker. Also, if your family consists of more than four, hotels may prefer that you purchase more than one room in order to expedite housekeeping. That can be a potentially expensive proposition for some families. Non-gaming hotels, including timeshare rentals and familiar chains, can be found on or near the Strip and would be more likely to offer familiar family comforts. The Four Seasons, which occupies upper floors of the Mandalay Bay casino, goes out of its way to welcome guests of all ages; many guests find investing in the significant premium for that level of service to be worth it.
PRO:
Las Vegas makes an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding natural beauty, not the least of which is the Grand Canyon located about five hours east in Arizona. Somewhat closer by are the Valley of Fire National Park (90 minutes north in Utah) and Red Rock Canyon (45 minutes west of the Las Vegas Strip).
CON:
Children do live and grow up in Las Vegas. However, what they do for fun is largely far from the Strip and not any different than what can be found in most other cities and resort areas. Even on the Strip itself, many of the all-ages attractions such as arcades and thrill rides can also be found at other destinations. Circus Circus has positioned itself as the most family-friendly casino in town. Its Adventure Dome indoor theme park is a big draw. Nonetheless, I would not say that its offerings compare favorably to most other regional outdoor theme parks in the US.
PRO:
Many Vegas casino hotels are amazing structures with beautiful scenery inside and out. The Excalibur hotel with its medieval castle façade may offer the best combination of good photo opportunities outside and amenities that might appeal to younger kids within. Style-conscious teens may enjoy (window-)shopping at retail arenas in the Venetian, Caesars Palace and Planet Hollywood as well as the self-aware Fashion Show Mall.
CON:
Only guests over 21 can stay on the actual casino floor. Otherwise, minors must move quickly through to avoid drawing the attention of security. Unless you’re not from one of the top twenty metropolitan areas in the United States, chances are your family has already visited most of the retail establishments back at home.
PRO:
Las Vegas features an amazing array of shows, including many headliners and Broadway-level productions. Afternoon shows tend to appeal to all-ages, including the Mac King Comedy Magic Show as well as the Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre.
CON:
Many shows are adult-oriented. Even relatively tame productions may feature some level of profanity or other adult themes. Other shows may just be too sophisticated for kids to understand…not to mention the late start times. Children under five will usually not be allowed to attend evening shows.
To sum things up, Las Vegas can work for families but it can take lots of planning. Parents should prepare their children to see advertisements, hotel staff and fellow travelers behaving or performing in an adult manner. In my opinion, the “sweet spot” for bringing along children would be from about ages ten to sixteen. They would be old enough to appreciate the positive things they see while not being disappointed about what they cannot yet enjoy. I believe that three days is enough for families to experience most age-appropriate activities on the Las Vegas Strip. As suggested earlier, Las Vegas makes an excellent base to start and finish exploring the surrounding natural wonders within a day’s drive.
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