Hello Vegas I Pre Contiki

TRAVEL IN STYLE
My adventure started as soon as I left little London and boarding ultra fabulous Virgin Atlantic Airways. I had to mentioned this as it was such an awesome start to the holiday. If ever travelling and can, choose this airline. There was so many amazing movies to watch, a never ending supply of snacks and the comfy seats set my trip off to a top start, I didn't sleep a wink with excitement.

When I landed in Las Vegas it was around 5pm and it was humid and hot. So hot, I swear I burnt waiting for the taxi, in the shade.

Straight onto my hotel the taxi took me straight down the strip. Paris, New York, Venice...wait, I thought I was coming to America? It was like I entered Sims world, a theme park or just the earth had shifted and put all these countries in one place. It was incredible and definitely had me snapping away from the get go.

I arrived at my hotel and as much as I tried to protest, fell into a heap on my bed to the deadly cause of jet lag. Took me a few days to adjust but I thought it was ok considering I had to be up at 5am for the Grand Canyon. I had arrived a few days early to my Contiki tour starting, I really wanted to squeeze in the Grand Canyon and have some time to get myself into USA time zone ( 8 hours behind the UK).

THE STRIP
First things, walking up and down the strip is not for the faint hearted. Stretching 6.759 km make sure you have comfortable shoes, water and plenty of sun cream. I think i actually tackled it over 2 days, both day and night and still didn't see it all. 

Everything has your eyes popping. If you are a movie geek like me, you will spend lots of time figuring out which hotel I had seen in which movie and imaging myself in my own blockbuster whilst wondering the streets. The way I'd sum up Vegas is it is excessive. The buildings are larger than life, glitter and gold smothers every other sign and glamour is galore. Its so surreal I don't think you can try to rationalise it, there is simply no place like it.

Of course, the one thing and probably the first you have to do is visit the sign and get your tourist snap. There is a que and a few 'helpers' on the side (they are not supposed to ask for money) but I just asked a family behind me to get the official shot. This would be great with a group to get your pre-Vegas photo. I didn't have time in the Contiki tour (they did it before I joined) but i was determined to get one for the album.

At this end is Egypt; pyramid hotels and Cleopatra statues.  It was incredible to see it brought to life in Las Vegas. EVERYTHING in Vegas is excessive and Egypt fits in perfect with its gold and ancient faces. 

I flew past New York and took to brunch in Paris under the Eiffel Tower, as you do. It was a little expensive but I didn't mind and I needed the shade from the heat that had got a little too much that day.

I made myself most comfortable in Greece. Strolling through Ceasers Palace and its beautiful gardens which is refreshing to the concrete and blinding gold. Ceasers shopping mall hosts the famous sky ceiling which offers a nice shade from the sun. I spent some time here taking in the excessive architecture and of course, making the most of the shopping. If you are a shopaholic US brands like Nike, Vans and MAC are cheaper stateside so I made good use of this. 

By night it is a must to check out the Bellagio water fountain display. Seeing water dance to Elvis, Viva Las Vegas was definitely a highlight - magical and memorable.

I spent the rest of my evenings watching the street artists and taking in the lights by night. There is so much to see I'd defintely recommend 3 or 4 days. Contiki had a night out planned for us so I got ready to explore the clubs once I met them. Until then, next stop, Grand Canyon!