Travel Tips

Las Vegas Vacations—How to Enjoy Your Vegas Vacation Without Gambling a Cent

Contrary to popular belief and everything that buzzes inside of you at the mere thought of a desert getaway, it is possible to enjoy Las Vegas vacations without gambling so much as a single cent. You just have to have one of two things: an inherent fear of losing the shirt off your back that’s so powerful it causes you to steer clear of all hotel casinos, or a taste for good eats and good entertainment.

When it comes to those two categories, Vegas offers some of the best of both. Where else can you enjoy a world famous Pink’s hot dog and take in a Wayne Newton show in the same evening? Here are a few suggestions for some of the best value restaurants and entertainment hotspots.

• The Blue Man Group’s reputation precedes it, but the possibility that you’ll ever find yourself a bored audience member is slim to none—and if you do, that could be sign that you’re incredibly difficult to please. Blue Man Group plays regularly at the Venetian Resort and Casino and always play to packed houses, so book your tickets in advance.
• Eating at a place with a name like the Cracked Egg, you’re pretty much assured the best breakfast in town, if not a truly unique one. If you’re looking for a place to spend your morning or early afternoon in Vegas far away from the nearest craps table, you could do a lot worse.

Florida Vacation Tips: What to Pack

Whether you’re traveling to Orlando theme parks or Miami beaches, you need to prepare for unique Florida weather. Here’s a list to help you get started on your Florida vacation packing:

Shorts or Capris: Don’t worry about looking like a tourist. Sometimes it’s really hot in Florida. Shorts are totally fine during the day, especially if you’re visiting an outdoor attraction or the beach. If you’re not comfortable in shorts, wear light material and avoid heavy denim.

Comfortable Sandals: Open-toed shoes are a must, especially if you’re visiting the beach. No one wants to try to get sand out of sneakers. Try easy-to-clean shoes (such as Crocs) for kids.

Sunscreen and Sunblock Clothing: Pack your best hats, sunblock clothing and your favorite sunscreen. Even in the winter, sun protection is a must in Florida. With a healthy dose of sunblock, you can enjoy the gorgeous sunshine on your Florida vacation.

Layers: Indoor theme park attractions and shopping centers are heavily air-conditioned in Florida. Prepare for climate changes by keeping a light cardigan or sweatshirt with you for a little extra warmth, especially if you chill easily.

Umbrellas or Ponchos: Don’t get stuck in the rain or worse—stuck buying an expensive poncho at a theme park. Shop for a travel umbrella or foldable travel ponchos for those just-in-case occasions. Florida rain is generally brief but very heavy.

Tote Bags: Pack a few collapsible tote bags for quick storage on the go. Use them to drag toys to and from the beach, to carry souvenirs at theme parks, or to store wet clothes after a trip to the splash park. You can never have too many totes.

Hawaii Vacation: Insider Tips

It pays to have some insider tips when planning your Hawaii vacation. Make the most of paradise with these hints from savvy travelers:

Get the Go Oahu Card. This ticket gets you admission to over 30 attractions. If you’re planning on hitting sites like the Sea Life Park and Grand Circle Island Tour, you can save up to 55%. This is great for families and travelers who enjoy structured tours. If you’re more spontaneous, skip this deal.

Book a helicopter tour. While you’re in Hawaii, make the most of the absolutely stunning sights. Book a tour by helicopter, such as the Circle of Fire Helicopter Tour that takes you close to the Kilauea volcano. You won’t regret it.

Attend a Luau. Nothing represents Hawaii vacation fun as much as a traditional luau. Make reservations ahead of time and enjoy a full evening of entertainment and food. At the Royal Lahaina Luau, cooks present an entire roast pig for the guests’ enjoyment.

Splurge on a resort. You’re going all the way to Hawaii. Make your vacation complete by staying on a resort property. The staff will help you find the best sights, and you’ll have access to the most upscale, relaxing amenities.

Family Friendly Activities in Myrtle Beach

While Myrtle Beach hotels are perfect for simply relaxing at the seashore, the local area also provides upbeat activities and adventure for families on the go. Here are some attractions to check out on your Myrtle Beach vacation:

Family Kingdom
This water-themed amusement park is located right on the seaside. With a lazy river, thrilling slides, and smaller slides for young kids, the park offers a fun alternative to swimming at the beach. Not into getting wet? Check out the amusement park rides, including the new Freefall.

MagiQuest
If you’re traveling with preteens and teens who love adventure, fantasy video games, and stories like Harry Potter, take an afternoon to beat the heat and hit MagiQuest. The “world’s largest live action game” marries the storylines of traditional fantasy video games with the theatrics of live theater.

Wild Water and Wheels
This expansive water and adventure park gives active families plenty to do. With go-karts, big water slides, and a “not so lazy” river, it gives families a great way to spend the day in Myrtle Beach. This is also an affordable option, with tickets at less than $30 a day.

Brookgreen Gardens
Looking for a low-key activity? Visit Brookgreen Gardens, with more than 300 acres of gardens, sculptures, and educational facilities. The paths are smooth, making it a good destination for those traveling by stroller or wheelchair.