Posts Tagged ‘las vegas vacations’

Five of the Best Las Vegas Shows

Saturday, February 6th, 2010

No Las Vegas escape would be complete without taking in a couple of shows. Shows in Vegas take entertainment to an entirely new level with fabulous glamor, glitz, and some huge performers. When planning a vacation to Vegas, be sure to book the shows that you would like to see prior to your arrival if possible since many of the top venues are sold out months in advance.

Cirque de Soleil (Circus of the Sun) has four permanent productions in Las Vegas with even more in planning stages. Their first show, originally planned to run for a short time, was so successful that it was extended permanently. Cirque de Soleil is based in Quebec, Canada and at the outset started with a couple of street performers. It is a circus with no animals and the shows in Las Vegas do not use a circus tent. The shows’ key performers are incredible acrobats whose performances defy the imagination. After attending one of the Cirque De Soleil shows in Vegas you may just start to believe people can really fly.

Cirque de Soleil "O"

"O"

“O”, one of the Cirque de Soleil shows, can be found at the Bellagio. This  breathtaking production not only includes acrobats but also features extremely talented synchronized swimmers. The stage “magically” transforms into a swimming pool and then back to a solid stage! Actually observing this spectacle is the only way to fully understand the show’s “wow” factor. There are clowns and fire-eaters in the mix at “O” as well. This truly unique production offers an exceptional good time for the entire family.

Mystere, another Cirque de Soleil show, is staged at the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino. Recognized eight times as “Best Production Show” by the Las Vegas Review-Journal newspaper, Mystere includes an incredibly talented cast of 72 performers that include singers, musicians, dancers and world-class acrobats. The inspiring imagery is fascinating, the costumes are vibrant and the music is simply extraordinary. The actors who portray birds seem to grow feathers right before your eyes.  This is the show that most other Cirque de Soleil shows are compared to.

Penn & Teller now perform in their own theatre at the Rio Hotel and Casino. This duo of tricksters/comedians/magicians has been amazing audiences together for over 30 years. They have been signed to a long term contract with the Rio. Penn Gillette declares “This is not your typical Las Vegas show,” at the beginning of the show, and then, for the next 90 minutes, they support that declaration with one hundred per cent enjoyment. The show features acts from many of their previous appearances with newly prepared material that is specially produced for their new Las Vegas home. Even when the tricks are explained, the smoothness, poise, and speed with which these illusions are executed is mind boggling.

Criss Angel astounds audiences at the Luxor Las Vegas. This show transcends magic, it is downright phenomenal. You may have watched Criss Angel on his television series, Criss Angel: Mindfreak. After enjoying this show don’t be surprised if you walk out believing that magic is real. This show captivates the audience. Young and old alike will be astounded by this extravaganza of illusions.

Rita Rudner has found a new home in Las Vegas at Harrah’s and puts on a hilarious stand-up comedy show. Rita’s secret comedy weapon is a rapier-like wit wrapped up in a gentle delivery that sneaks up on, and then, like a stealth fighter, strikes your funny bone. She captivates audiences with her witty observations, precise timing and Gracie Allen-like deadpan style. With her soft voice, porcelain skin and big, innocent looking blue eyes, Rita shatters the stereotype of brassy, crude comediennes through poise, intelligence, and sophistication.

Las Vegas is amongst the most popular vacation destinations in the world. When looking at Las Vegas vacation packages, try to bundle your purchases for better deals on your vacations. Buying the flight, hotel, local transportation and activities all at the same time will add up to significant savings on your trip.

Las Vegas: A Great Group Travel Destination

Monday, January 4th, 2010

Most people have heard that Las Vegas is Disneyland for adults. What you might not know is that Las Vegas makes a great group travel destination for your next group tour, company retreat, multi generational family vacation or destination wedding.

With over 1100 flights a day landing and departing from the Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, transportation to your destination should not be a problem for anyone in your group. Over 125 cities offer direct flights to and from Las Vegas as well. Shuttles from the airport to Strip and Downtown hotels are plentiful and inexpensive. No matter when the individuals making up your group arrive, they will have no trouble getting from the airport to their hotel on their own with a few friendly tips before they leave home.

Upon arrival at their hotel, if their rooms are not ready, you will find friendly bell staffs that are willing to keep their bags for them until check in time. This makes it convenient for travelers to decide what time of the day they would like to arrive in Las Vegas. By planning your first group bus tour, group event, or group meal later in the evening or even early the next day, your group has time to arrive on a schedule that works for them and they wont feel as if they have missed out on anything by arriving later in the day if they need to due to personal or airline schedules.

No matter what kid of budget your group has to work with, there will be plenty of dining and hotel options to choose from. If you are planning group travel for a student group of college students, you will be interested in a different Las Vegas vacation than a multi generational family vacation group. An upscale, luxury minded travel group will be able to find the perfect group travel vacation as will the budget minded group tour leader. Dining options run the gamut from a menu of over 30 items for under $1.00 to a gourmet, 5 star meal prepared by one of the countrys fines chefs.

When it comes to activities, motor coach tours, bus tours or walking tours are all viable options for groups with numerous attractions or group tours to choose from. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Valley of Fire State Park, and Hoover Dam can all be enjoyed on a group bus tour as well as a tour to the Grand Canyon, just six hours away with lots of optional tours and excursions available for your group along the way.

Groups traveling with kids (or kids at heart) might enjoy a bus tour of roller coasters and theme park like attractions. Any group would enjoy a night time bus tour of the neon lights Las Vegas is famous for.

With the multitude of hotels, dining choices, and bus tour options, planning your group travel itinerary may seem overwhelming. I always recommend looking for a company that specializes in planning group travel when it comes to planning such a multi-faceted trip. Companies like Exploring America for adult groups or Adventure Student Travel for college student groups can take care of all of the finer details, many times get you better prices, and leave you stress free and with nothing to do but pack your lucky rabbits foot for your fabulous Las Vegas vacation. Good luck!


About The Author

Jessica Kliethermes is a Group Travel Coordinator at Destinations Travel. Check us out on the web at http://www.exploringamerica.com or at http://www.adventurestudenttravel.com