Memorial Day in Las Vegas

Hi Vegas fans,
Memorial Day is one of the biggest holidays in Las Vegas. This year, there are some huge pool openings, and visitation is up for the 16th month in a row. All that adds up to big crowds, which is great news for the casinos, but it may be frustrating for you. I try to stay away from Vegas on big holidays because I don't like my personal space shared with 30 gazillion of my not-so-closest friends, but I'd never shy away from a few days in Sin City. So if you are going this weekend, here are some things to do when you need a break from elbow-to-elbow contact:

Visit the outskirts. If you still want to get your gamble on, you don't have to fight for a seat at a blackjack table on the Strip or downtown. You can take a 5 - 20 minute drive (or take a taxi, limo, public transportation, etc.) to an off-Strip resort. My suggestion? The further the better. You'll get good deals, avoid crowds and still have a lot fun. Here are two that will make you feel like you are center Strip without costing you an arm and a leg: M Resort, Red Rock Resort.

Take a little trip. There's plenty to do outside of the city, and if you've never explored it because you can't take yourself away from the video poker machines, now might be a good time to try. Whether you like the great outdoors or the city streets, you don't have to go far or spend a ton of money to enjoy a vacation within your vacation. Here are some of my favorite hot spots: Red Rock Canyon, Grand Canyon, Neon Museum.

Relax. Now, the pools will be filled to the brim. A relaxing spa appointment, especially in the cool of the indoors, may be in order. It will be difficult to get one at the more popular resorts, but if you call one of the ones off-Strip, you might get lucky.

Whatever you do this weekend, whether it be in Vegas or anywhere else, please be safe and have fun. These three-day holidays don't come often enough, so give yourself some time to do the things you love best. And when all else fails, remember my motto... Go to Vegas. It's that Simple.

Viva,
Mike