8 Ways to Live the Travel Dream in Las Vegas

Last updated on October 11th, 2024 at 11:16 am

Recently, I was living the travel dream in Las Vegas. It was one of those last-minute road trips you decide to take because it sounds better than drinking a bottle of Trader Joe’s “Two-Buck Chuck” wine by yourself while watching the movie “Before Sunrise” on your roommate’s broken futon. (I did that last weekend; there’s no need to sulk two Fridays in a row.)

I’ve been in a bit of a funk.

Blame it on the crazy natural disasters plaguing the world. Or blame it on the current economic situation. Sometimes, you just need a change of scenery to forget about your current circumstances.

So I grabbed my boyfriend and took off on a road trip. Heading out from Grand Canyon country and into the mountainous desert, we didn’t stop until we saw the Las Vegas Strip—the glimmering giants standing in front of the brown mountains. New York, Paris, Venice, Egypt—you could travel the world in an entire night.

We couldn’t wait to get lost in it.

I’ve never been a big Vegas person. I don’t gamble. I don’t like overstuffed clubs that play songs with no words. And I don’t like vacation pictures of me sweating in triple-digit weather.

Even though Vegas hit record-high temperatures, I spent 60% of my weekend in crowded nightclubs and was sweating even next to the pool; I had the time of my life.

Here’s why:

8 Ways to Live the Travel Dream in Vegas

1. Room with a View

The Palazzo in Las Vegas offers rooms with various views, including some with stunning views of the Las Vegas Strip and other cityscapes. For example, the Luxury King City View Suites are designed to provide impressive views of the city skyline, especially of popular landmarks like the nearby Sphere at The Venetian.

Additionally, higher-floor rooms often have even more expansive views, which can include a full panorama of the Strip. Guests can request or upgrade to these view rooms when booking or checking in.

2.  Dinner with a View

The terrace at Mix, located at the top of the Delano in Mandalay Bay, offers one of the most breathtaking views in Las Vegas. Sitting on the terrace, especially at night, provides a stunning panorama of the Las Vegas Strip, with dazzling city lights and landmarks stretching out before you. It’s an ideal spot to unwind with a drink while taking in the full skyline view, including iconic sites like the Luxor’s light beam.

At sunset, the terrace becomes an equally magical location, where you can watch the colors of the sky shift over the city as day turns into night. If you’re looking for an unforgettable Las Vegas rooftop experience, sitting on the terrace at Mix is highly recommended for both the view and ambiance.

3.  Daydreaming on a Daybed

After a fabulous lunch, head to one of the many vibrant pool parties on the Strip. We chose Liquid at Aria, an upscale day club oasis that blends luxury and excitement.

Liquid provides an intimate yet high-energy atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of indulgence. It was free for the ladies, making it even more enticing for a spontaneous daytime escape.

You can lounge by the pool or in one of the exclusive cabanas, where VIP service is offered. Private pools are reserved for VIP guests, offering a luxury experience away from the crowds. A DJ spins energetic tracks while you soak up the sun with a cocktail in hand. Keep an eye out for the famous faces Liquid often attracts. Celebrities and high-profile guests frequently stroll by, adding to the fun.

Every so often at pool parties, the waitresses bring out bottles of champagne. They spray the crowd and then generously pour some in your mouth. You feel like you’re in a movie–everyone is beautiful, the lighting is just right, and a world-famous DJ is spinning the soundtrack to your life in the background.

4. Shop ‘Til You Drop 

I don’t gamble, but my friends do. They got super lucky at the blackjack tables and shared the wealth. (I love nice people!) We went shopping at stores I can only dream about setting foot in–Fendi, Barney’s, places I can’t even pronounce. My friends and I rolled up into the fancy shops after the pool party.

Wearing dirty flip-flops and mojito-spilled-on cover-ups, we told the sales associates we needed outfits for the evening. I felt like a tipsy tomboy version of “Pretty Woman.” They waited on me hand and foot. I tried on every dress and ended up wearing two months’ rent on my body that evening.

Check out my new neck bling!

5.  Ride in Style

Take a limo everywhere. Why not? It’s a fun way to cruise through Vegas in style, and if you have enough people to split the cost, it’s surprisingly affordable.

Depending on the limo company and the size of the limo, you can expect to pay around $75 to $150 per hour for a basic stretch limo. If you’re traveling with a group, splitting this between 8 to 10 people can bring the cost per person down to around $10-$20 per ride.

Plus, many companies offer flat rates for airport transfers or hourly packages that include multiple stops along the Strip. Some limos even come with added perks like complimentary drinks or VIP nightclub access, making it a fun, all-inclusive way to experience the city’s nightlife.

6. Glow Sticks and Glitter

Marquee Nightclub is the place to be, especially when you’re watching the dance floor light up from the comfort of a VIP table. Imagine your night with a steady stream of Belvedere vodka bottles, bouncers escorting you back and forth from the bathroom, and no waiting in long lines. Getting a VIP table is a must if you’re serious about experiencing Vegas nightlife at its best.

Get a big group together and spring for the table and bottles—it’s worth it. Drinks are pricey anyway, so why not go all out and have a plush lounge area to call your own? Plus, it’s the perfect spot to stash your belongings and kick off your stiletto heels after hours of dancing. Not only will you have personal space to unwind, but the VIP experience also includes dedicated bottle service and quick access to the action without getting lost in the crowd.

7. Explore Fremont Street

In downtown Vegas, Fremont Street offers a completely different vibe from the Strip. It’s more old-school, with a retro Vegas feel, and is home to street performers, a giant LED canopy, and ziplining over the crowd with SlotZilla. Don’t miss the nightly Viva Vision light shows and the vintage neon signs.

8. On Your Way Out

Nothing cures the night before like a “double-double animal style” from In-N-Out Burger. But let’s face it, everyone else is thinking the same thing, and the In-N-Out on Tropicana near the Strip is always packed, especially if you’re heading to the airport. The line can stretch out the door, and waiting might cost you precious time before your flight.

Luckily, I’ve got a trick to beat the crowd. Skip the busy Tropicana location and head to the In-N-Out by UNLV, just a short drive away. It’s off the beaten path, and you’ll find it far less crowded. You can grab your animal-style fix without the hassle, eat in peace, and still have plenty of time to make it to the airport stress-free. Plus, it’s a good excuse to sneak in one last iconic Vegas meal before you leave town!

Looking back, I realize just how lucky I was to live it up in Las Vegas the way I did. But honestly, the most unforgettable part wasn’t the glitz or the glamour—it was being surrounded by my incredible friends. When you’re with people who know how to laugh, be spontaneous, and embrace every moment, the destination is just a backdrop for the fun you create together.

While I’ll always have a soft spot for Vegas, it wasn’t the city that pulled me out of my funk—it was the company I kept. I didn’t need a change of scenery as much as I needed a reminder of what really matters: love and good friends who lift you up, no matter where you are. I drove four hours, but it wasn’t just to Vegas—it was to that feeling of being on top of the world.

And why? Because when you surround yourself with the right people and embrace the moment, your wildest travel dreams don’t just feel possible—they start to come true.

Katie Eigel