By Dinah Alobeid
Las Vegas might not be the first location that comes to mind when contemplating a great spring break getaway. But for the over-21 crowd seeking an alternative to sun, sand and wet t-shirt contests, Vegas could be the perfect choice.
Yes, Vegas is best known for gambling and strip clubs; after all it is called Sin City, but the bright lights of the famous Nevada city shine on more than just casinos. Spas, roller coasters and amazing shopping locales are just a few of the lesser-known activities in Vegas.
To get the best airfare, check out online options available from www.travelocity.com and www.orbitz.com.
Rob Lamoghe, a senior biology major spent spring break 2005 in Vegas and enjoyed it so much he and his friends decided to go back for the long Columbus Day Weekend. These online choices for finding cheap plane tickets are his secret to starting off a Vegas vacation.
“My roommate Mark researches cheap tickets all the time because he lives in Rochester (N.Y.),” Lamoghe said. “He found great prices, like $350 roundtrip, and we got together two of our other friends and just booked it.”
Lamoghe said the best idea is to book early. Once at the haven of carefree activities, the question of accommodations arises.
Students can find affordable hotel rates, such as the Stratosphere, home to one of Vegas’ coasters, where rooms go for as cheap as $49.95 a night. Comparing hotel rates doesn’t have to be a complicated task, and www.vegas.com makes booking a hotel, finding entertainment and seeing which clubs accept under 21-year-olds as easy as pulling the handle of a slot machine.
Although Vegas may not seem like a day-friendly vacation spot, there is golf, spas and more shopping than Rodeo Drive.
The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace is known for great shopping, boasting stores like Versace, Dolce and Gabbana, Harry Winston, Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade and favorites such as Gap and Abercrombie ‘ Fitch.
Coupons and discounts are offered on nearly every corner in Vegas.
“If you just ask the concierge, ‘Hey, is there a discount at the spa?’ they will probably give you one. One main thing to do is just don’t be afraid to ask. People sell coupons on the street for like $20 that gets you into about seven clubs, just to generate a crowd, so there are a lot of good deals for food and going out and stuff,” Lamoghe said.
There are also a variety of roller coasters in Vegas, like the one atop the Stratosphere, Speed at the Sahara and Manhattan Express at New York, New York. For thrillseekers looking to protect their bank accounts, checking out these rides could be the perfect ticket.
Then, of course there is the gambling. Most hotels have casinos, including everything from craps to roulette to rows upon rows of slot machines. Those who aren’t big gamblers and just want to try it for entertainment, can allot a monetary amount of their choice and play until they win big or lose it all. This way tourists can enjoy the total Vegas experience and still manage to keep their wallet heavy.
The nocturnal activities are many and varied in Vegas, from comedy acts to shows like Blue Man Group and Cirque du Soleil to clubs and bars. Some of the highest-rated clubs, according to www.vegas.com, are Rain Las Vegas at the Palms, Risque in Paris and Ice on Harmon Avenue.
This trip offers a lot to the underage crowd, but Lamoghe said he thinks it is best if you are 21 or older.
“They have random [identification] checks sometimes at the casinos. If you are over 21, definitely check it out,” he said. “And if you don’t like gambling, the weather is always in the 70s and sunny, and all hotels have pools.”
