The High Roller Wheel Showing Signs of Progress

The construction of the High Roller wheel behind The Quad is finally starting to look like a giant wheel!  Here's a link to the latest photos:

Got rims?

Still, it's a giant ferris wheel, and I'm not crazy about it even if it IS in Las Vegas, so I'll just take photos from the ground, thanks very much.

But I'm glad to see some progress to the construction in this area!  It seems like the Boardwalk theme can't come together fast enough for me.  Looking forward to seeing some new shops, trying some new restaurants, and enjoying the outdoors in Vegas.  Hurry, Vegas!

Link to article (and a form): "Long-hauling" cab drivers should be aware they are being watched

A recent VegasInc.com article details the action the Las Vegas Taxicab Authority is taking against cab drivers who try to "long haul" their customers from McCarran Airport to various destinations.  Here is a link to the web article:


Busted!

I am extremely happy to read this.  After two separate incidents where I was long-hauled (once with my mom, but we let it go, and once by myself, and I made a big stink about it because the whole cab ride/cabbie situation was WAY OUT OF LINE), I'm glad to see the Vegas authorities are going undercover to see for themselves what the "tourists" are putting up with.


I have been to Vegas many times over the past 15 years, so I generally know the most direct routes to take to/from most of the hotels, as well as the names of the surface streets that run along my usual routes and which streets are currently experiencing construction; however, many people do not know this information and don't realize what is happening.    Once they arrive at their destination, they may feel they shouldn't address the situation.  Regardless if they are oblivious to the issue or not, NO ONE should have to pay extra for a cab ride than is absolutely necessary.


Remember, if you know that your cab driver is taking you on an unnecessarily long route, you can report them to the Las Vegas Taxicab Authority using their Long Haul Form.  Here is the link to their new website - just click on "Complaints" in the toolbar and select "Long Route Voluntary Witness Statement" to open the PDF file:


Long Haul Form

I actually have a printout of this form that I keep in my carry-on bag.  I reported the really bad cab driver I mentioned above, but I never heard anything back from the Taxicab Authority.  Hopefully they are changing the way they do business, because I have no problem speaking up for myself now.

Seafood at Wynn - a side you've never seen before

An interesting article was recently posted on the Las Vegas Sun's website regarding Wynn's in-house seafood set up and the marine biologist who makes my Wynn meal dreams come true.  I never would've imagined this sort of thing went on beneath the beautiful, shiny building.


Here's a link to the article:
Barnacles!


I absolutely LOVE seafood!  I tend to eat an over-abundance of it in Vegas, too.  My mouth is watering now...

Link to article: The Best and Worst of Las Vegas - 2012 Trippies

In case you wonder what other people think are the "best" and "worst" hotels, bars, restaurants, buffets, shows...the list goes on and on...I am providing a link to the 2012 Las Vegas Trippies, as voted on by readers of the Vegas Tripping site (www.vegastripping.com).  In addition to the Reader's Choice Awards, the same awards are voted on by the editors of Vegas Tripping for their own take on the "best" and "worst" of everything Las Vegas has to offer.


2012 Trippies


I can't say I agree with all the choices.  We all have our own opinions, of course, but I always wonder what the readers are thinking when they pick some of the places they do.  It boggles the mind...


Once again, the LasVegas4Ever (LV4E) message board was nominated in 2 categories - Best Website and Best Community - but didn't win either one.  For a small message board, the nominations alone are great recognition, and Bonnie was thrilled when she found out her site was nominated two years in a row.  Congratulations again to Bonnie for her great leadership!  Here's to the past four years of great information sharing and new friends made, with the hope of many more years and more friendships to come.  Salud!  (LV4E anniversary: January 21, 2008)

New Attractions and Revamped Hotels Coming to Vegas in 2012-2013! (Link to article)

There have been very few changes to Vegas in the past couple of years, and my favorite city is feeling the effects on all levels.  It's nice to hear there are some changes underway that will debut in 2012 and 2013.  I need some new things to see and do in Vegas!


Here's a link to the Vegas4Visitors.com article that details the changes to some of my "Vegas haunts" as well as some other changes around the town:  http://vegas4visitors.com/column/comingsoon.htm


Looks like I need to get my "to do" list updated!

Link to article: Video Poker Do's and Don'ts

From videopoker.com comes a good - albeit brief - article on the most basic video poker do's and don'ts for the beginning poker player.  Read these basic rules before you even think about playing in a casino for real money.


http://www.videopoker.com/learn/do_and_dont/


Friends often ask me HOW to pick a video poker game to play.  Where should they start?  I say to use the free online sites (like videopoker.com) to practice before you even get to a casino.  If you don't know what you're doing, you'll end up losing money quickly, and the experience will not be a satisfactory one.  


Also, there are so many good tutorial video poker games for sale that will help you make the right choices for holding cards, and you can get a feel for the different types of games available.  Bob Dancer's selection of videos are especially good for this purpose.


If I had to give one piece of advice that's NOT included in the article, what would it be?  Never ask the gambler sitting next to you how to play a particular game.  Most serious video poker players find it offensive and annoying (it's just the way they are, don't ask me why).


Have fun and good luck!

Link to article: Vegas' best bets for late-night dining (Vegas.com)

A recent blog entry from Vegas.com gives their list of favorite late-night eateries for visitors with the munchies.
Hungry?


The restaurant at the top of their list, Carnegie Deli (at The Mirage), is on my list for late-night dining as part of my upcoming solo trip.  I'm looking forward to trying their Shrimp Salad Sandwich - YUM!


Of the others on their list I've only tried Grand Lux (at The Venetian), and I have to say they certainly do have a widely varied, delicious selection of appetizers and entrees.  They are owned by Cheesecake Factory, so expect giant portions just like you'd get at CF.  It definitely makes sense to share if you can.


Bon apetit!

Link to article: Airfare Expert: How to save on Las Vegas flights

A recently posted article in USA Today by "Airfare Expert" Rick Seany outlines some great ways to save on airfare to Las Vegas:
Expert opinions here


Of course, this advice could be used for ANY airfare purchase.  I know I do a lot of research before booking my flights to Vegas, and I did the same for each of our family's Disney World trips, too.  Mr. Seany's comment about Tuesdays being the cheapest day to fly to Vegas applies to Disney World and other destinations, as well; apparently people don't travel as much and the airlines are trying to get us on board...literally.


If I were to add anything to the article, I would say that, especially when booking with Southwest, book your departure and return flights separately so that you can re-book one (or both) of the flights if the prices happen to go down, which is likely to happen with Southwest because they are always changing prices.  Another benefit of Southwest: no re-booking fees, which is a HUGE benefit with all the other airline fees these days.  The only caveat is that you must use your flight within one year of the original purchase date, so if you re-book a flight or have to cancel for any reason, you have one year to use the flight before it expires.  I think that's a win-win situation.


Happy booking!

Vegas in Motion: Time lapse of Las Vegas favorites by the Las Vegas Review-Journal (link)

I found a wonderful new thing on the Las Vegas Review-Journal's website: time-lapse photography taken in some of Vegas' most wonderful parts of the city! I just had to share it here:

http://www.lvrj.com/vegas_in_motion.html

Now this is a channel I could watch all day long!

Link to site: McCarran Airport

Thanks again to Bonnie from LV4E for finding a link to the McCarran International Airport site: http://www.mccarran.com/

The site includes separate sections for flight information (international and domestic), a guide to the airport, and ground transportation, among other things. Great idea to check things out before you head out on your next trip, eh?

Link to site: Airport Wireless Internet Access Guide

If you've ever wondered which airports have wireless Internet access available for their passengers, here's a link to TravelPost.com's Airport Wireless Internet Access Guide:
http://www.travelpost.com/airport-wireless-internet.aspx

It lists the access areas by terminal and/or area and what fees, if any, the airports charge for connections. It also includes the time limits that may apply for each usage, so be sure to check before you connect!

Thanks, Bonnie, for finding that link.

Link to article: Saving a buck in Sin City

Vegas.com recently added a page to their blog titled "Saving a buck in Sin City". The page contains links to quite a few money-saving ideas for Las Vegas visitors, including Deals (dining and other stuff), Bargain Hunting, Free Attractions and a list of 20 Deals under $20. Here's the link to check out THEIR links:
Save $$$


Six weeks until my next Vegas trip!

Tips for smart travel: A link and some personal thoughts

Blonde, web mistress and good friend from LV4E, found an article on airtran.com titled "Tips For Smart Travel" and shared it with us recently. It's got some great ideas for making your packing work FOR you when you're headed through Security at the airport, as well as information on packing your suitcase in layers to make it easier and quicker for the TSA agents to view and handle. Here's a link to the article: http://www.airtran.com/simplyfly.aspx

I have a few other ideas to add to the list that will help make your trip through Security a little quicker, less stressful, and easier on the TSA agents and other travellers around you:

Wait to put on jewelry until AFTER you're through the security checkpoint. You'll save time because you won't have to remove anything that causes the sensors to go off and be re-scanned, and keeping it secured in a bag or jewelry pouch will keep it all in one place safely.

Wear comfy clothes with easily removable shoes. Clothes that don't have a lot of belts, ties, or other accouterments are best. Also, shoes that don't have a lot of buckles or straps are best, and slip on shoes are ideal. I always carry a pair of socks to put on as I take off my shoes and head through the checkpoint because the thought of walking through there with nothing on my feet just doesn't sound very sanitary to me.

Put any items you think will alert the TSA agents in a separate container. Anything from round-tipped scissors to electrical cords for all of your personal devices should be placed where the TSA can readily identify them. If they have to repeatedly stop the belt to review something in your luggage, it holds up the line. I bundle my charger cords with a rubber band and place them in separate baggies; if they become unbundled somewhere along the way, they won't get tangled with everything else in my case.

Separate items like magnets and special soaps and advise the agent before you walk through. I sometimes pick up souvenir magnets for friends, and they could set off the alarm because of their density. I let the TSA agents know what I have and make sure I place it on the belt FIRST so that they can see the items I'm referring to.

Use a new 1-quart baggie for each trip to avoid contamination. If you travel frequently, changing out your previously used 1-quart bag for a new one will keep old contaminants out and get rid of any residue that may remain from previous TSA handling.

Link to article: New TSA screening policies in place after Dec. 25th incident

Due to the Christmas Day terrorist bombing attempt aboard an Amsterdam-to-Detroit flight, new TSA screening rules have been added to ALL flights for the foreseeable future. Here is a blog article from Yahoo! regarding the rules and some updates that have already been made to those rules:
http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/patterson/63092

While the rules are vague at best, I'm sure that an attempt at basic streamlining will come along at some point. Remember the variations from airport to airport after 9/11? Some locations were stricter with their 3 oz. liquid rule when it applied to gifts of wine that they didn't want to check in their luggage, while others were more apt to throw all bottles in the nearest trashcan if you came anywhere the security checkpoint.

Either way, expect longer lines to get through security for a while.

Link to article: Government imposes 3-hour limit on tarmac strandings

If you've flown to or from anywhere that's prone to really bad weather, or if you've been stuck in a notoriously bad airport that has extreme delays and cancellations, you might be happy to hear that the government is now imposing a limit on how long the TSA can force travelers to remain aboard stranded planes.

Here's a link to the article outlining the effective date and rules for tarmac stranding:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Govt-imposes-3hour-limit-on-apf-715843484.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=5&asset=&ccode=

After a rash of really bad situations over the past few years in which hundreds of people were forced to remain in airplanes left parked on the tarmac for more than 10 hours - and unable to fly due to weather conditions or other factors on one side or the other - the government has finally seen fit to act on this. Good for them...good for the travellers, too.

Can you imagine being stuck on a plane with ANY crying babies, overflowing airplane toilets (horrors in their own right), no snacks, or a lack of medication? For the record, you should never pack any medication you may need in your checked luggage, so shame on you if you do that in the first place.

It's about time some rules were put into place to give guidance in these situations. There may be more delays due to stranded people being allowed to disembark the plane in these situations, but allowing people off the planes in order to make their own decisions - and take care of themselves and their families when necessary - is the ethically and morally correct thing to do.

But that's my opinion.

Link to article: Bellagio Conservatory's Christmas display is now open (video)

If you don't already know this, the Bellagio Conservatory is changed and decorated by the seasons, plus one: it is decorated for Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, and the Chinese New Year.

Over the past couple of years they seem to have started re-using many of the same design elements in their decorations from season to season, but I'm a fan of recycling, so I don't mind at all. What I do mind is when they don't add enough elements in their designs, because Vegas is supposed to be over-the-top. More is better in this case, in my opinion.

The Las Vegas Sun just posted a video with an overview of Bellagio's Christmas display for 2009. Click the link to view some beautiful stuff, including a softly falling snowstorm:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/videos/2009/dec/14/3338/

I've seen the Spring, Summer, and Fall displays repeatedly, but never the Christmas or Chinese New Year displays. I'm going to have to make a point of making a wintry trip to Vegas to see them both someday!

Keep in mind when you visit the Bellagio Conservatory that they DO have a change-out period between seasons, so there's a chance that you may see a work in progress during your trip, or not be allowed in at all. Check out a Vegas website like Vegas.com, for an overview of when the current display will be up before your next trip to make sure you won't miss a thing:
http://www.vegas.com/attractions/on_the_strip/bellagioconservatory.html

Take your camera - lots of photographic opportunities!

Link to article: Five Foods to Avoid Before Flying

My friend Bonnie found a great article that encompasses a lot of mistakes people usually make when traveling: eating and drinking the wrong things before flying.

Here's a link to the article from IndependentTraveler.com:
http://www.independenttraveler.com/resources/article.cfm?AID=1000&category=1

The only thing I don't really agree with is #5 - EVERYTHING. I say that because eating nothing at all - especially before a long flight (or any flight, for that matter) - can make you feel worse. People with diabetes shouldn't necessarily fast before or during a flight, nor should anyone taking certain kinds of medication. I would say that, depending on the length of the flight and your personal medical circumstances, you might want to have a light meal or a snack before you fly. Check with your doctor about what is best for you given your health and medical needs rather than avoiding food and drink altogether.

For me personally, drinking carbonated drinks (or even alcoholic ones) before or during a flight is limited to one drink MAX before or during a flight. I try to stick to apple juice or orange juice if the flight is over three hours long, because I dislike using airplane restrooms, too. Sodas and coffee don't go over well with me for flights with a long duration. Too much information, I know.

Try to find a healthy dining alternative in the airport before you leave. They are out there, but you may have to look around.

Happy traveling!

Link: Bellagio review by Vegas Tripping (and my own comparison)

I previously posted my own review, video, and photos on my blog after a delightful stay at Bellagio in July of this year. I just received the December newsletter from Vegas Tripping and saw their somewhat critical review of a recent stay and thought I'd share the link with all of you:
http://www.vegastripping.com/features/feature.php?feature_id=185&page=1

Bellagio is the nicest Las Vegas hotel room I've stayed in to date. In my experience with the hotel, I found nothing to criticize or fault; the room was fantastic, it was well-appointed and beautiful, and I had a very nice view (even though it wasn't a lakeview room, sadly).

Maybe I'm not picky enough. Maybe others are too picky. You be the judge.

I personally had no trouble finding plugs for my cell phone charger without having to rearrange furniture or become a contortionist. Apparently my room was a little different from the one featured in this article, though, so maybe that's a concern I just didn't have to deal with. I found no stains, burns, tears or scuffs anywhere in the room, either. Also, the amenities were all provided above the bathroom sink, below the mirror, exactly where I've found them in every other Vegas hotel room. I had no problem picking up what I needed to take into the shower with me. I guess I've never been in an extremely fancy-schmancy hotel where I would find extra amenities near the sink, the shower, AND the bathtub. Seems a little bit like overkill to me. Most people either shower OR take a bath, but not both. Why waste the stuff? (I'll end up taking it, anyway, and the maids will replenish everything when they come in for turn down service. Oh, how I loved Bellagio turn down service...)

Maybe he had a room that hadn't been checked or renovated recently. My room appeared to be in tip-top shape. But I also feel that if you're used to staying in 5-star hotels all the time, you're going to look at things a little differently. Me? I was just happy to be there at a very big discount (and equally happy to spend some of Bellagio's money), so maybe I just had too many stars in my eyes. I hope to visit Bellagio again. It was certainly THE MOST comfortable night's sleep I've ever had in Vegas.

Oh, Bellagio...please send me another fantastic offer so that I may once again partake of your lovely hospitality. You were very gracious hosts from beginning to end. I'll be checking my mailbox daily until I hear from you.

LasVegas4Ever recognized with a Vegas Trippie nomination and kudos on a popular blog site

LasVegas4Ever, created by my good friend Bonnie (aka "Blonde4Ever") almost 2 years ago, was recently recognized for a 2009 Vegas Trippie award on the Vegas Tripping website. The nomination was announced by the site and voting just wrapped up last week. Not quite sure when the winners will be announced, but I'll be sure to share the details here.

This is LV4E's second nomination in a row - not bad for an itty bitty site created on a whim by a mad blonde woman!

Vegas Tripping:
http://www.vegastripping.com/

Vegas Links blog:
http://vegaslinks.blogspot.com/

Be sure to sign up for e-mail notifications on the Vegas Links blog site for some great weekly deals.

Congratulations to Bonnie for single-handedly taking on the big boys with her great little site - lots of good Vegas info shared among people with common interests...and a bit of great social networking thrown in for good measure!

Best of luck, B!

Link to article: Las Vegas Review Journal's "Holidays in Las Vegas - 2009"

If you're planning a trip to Vegas during the next month or so, I found the LVRJ's guide to the holidays for visitors has now been posted on line. Take a look and see if you can find something to tempt you during your trip this holiday season:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/events/holidays/

There are separate categories for dining, lights and displays, shopping, photos with Santa and much, much more. Why not celebrate the holidays when you're traveling? I know I would!