For the the second year in a row Matt & were fortunate enough to attend the annual WPPI convention in Las Vegas for professional wedding photographers (hey thats us with Fornear Photo!) We took a bit different of an approach to taking in Sin City and photographing it than we did last year.
Look at this view!! Last year we stayed at MGM Grand which was awesome, this year we stayed at the MGM Signature Suites an extension of MGM, which was equally as great plus a few steps closer to the convention area which was nice. We also got a balcony suite over looking The Strip complete with a kitchen (we love getting grocery delivery because it saves on eating out every meal hence our budget) and a whirlpool tub to boot!
I can't recommend Vegas enough for an inexpensive vacation, especially direct flights from Midwest cities like Minneapolis (which we do), Milwaukee or even Chicago. Some people think that it won't be fun because they don't gamble but honestly you don't need to gamble to enjoy Vegas! There are SO many things to see from The Strip itself to the beautiful casinos or pools, plus it's a foodies paradise with tons of fantastic bars and restaurants to choose from. We aren't gamblers, last year we didn't even gamble a dime and this year we gambled about $50 which at least resulted in a few free cocktails so it wasn't a complete loss and we budgeted for it so no biggie. We also took a chance on what I thought might be a tourist trap (which it really wasn't) The High Roller. The High Roller is the largest observation wheel, aka Ferris wheel, in the world and it overlooks Las Vegas. We opted to get the Happy Hour pod and it was totally worth it! Considering prices of cocktails can be a bit steep on The Strip this pod has an open bar for the whole 30 minutes of the ride and it's built into the cost of the $30 ticket so between the drinks and the view it was an absolute win-win.
Like last year we saw a show which as far as I am concerned is a MUST in Vegas. We saw the Cirque du Soleil show Mystère which was OK compared to Beatles Love. The performers were awesome but the show itself is a bit dated... a big old man baby crying "papa" throughout it... um creepy, no thank you! We also rented a car again which probably is our favorite thing to do so we can get out, explore and shoot (more to come on our adventures in other posts!)
(Ugghhhh.... Blurry cell phone pictures... sorry! Below are better taken by Photobooth Supply Co. though note our "awkward" faces in both lol!)
We had a blast in Vegas and can't wait for the next time we go back, heck we might be even planning another quick weekend away there this fall, thats how much we love Vegas! Have any questions or looking for further tips? Let me know I love sharing our travel experiences!
Credits | Author: Krista & Photography (unless otherwise noted): Fornear Photo
looks like you had lots of fun!
ReplyDeleteamazing
xx,
http://www.mycupofbeauty.com
Thank you we did! Can't wait to share more of the "natural" side of our vacation too aka some of the great parks outside of Vegas. We love it there but after a few days of the hustle and bustle it's nice to see there is more to the area than flashing lights!
DeleteOh my gosh I want to see a show in vegas so badly!!! My husband saw circe du soile one year and he raved about it. I agree--vegas has much more to offer than just gambling. I have only been once (last year) and I enjoyed being able to sit outside at a pool in the middle of may. It was perfect. I really like how you photographed the city. Very unique.
ReplyDelete--Sam
http://www.BesosFromAmerica.com
I think shows are the best part about Vegas!! They aren't cheap but if you can plan for one it's awesome... I really want to see Ka or O on our next visit! Thank you for stopping by!!
DeleteLooks like a lot of fun! I enjoy Vegas and I don't gamble at all. I never want to stay on the Strip for more than a few days, but it's a fun place to explore. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree, a few days on The Strip are just enough for me! We are talking about maybe checking out one of the hotels on Fremont or even trying the Airstream hotel once it opens too!
DeleteLooks good, love the night pics not sure I'd like the gambling though, I only buy a lottery ticket on special occasions lol
ReplyDeleteI agree gambling isn't for everyone... I have a sister that LOVES it (mostly because she is lucky and wins 90% of the time) but we really aren't into it at all. If you bypass that, there is so much to do!
DeleteLooks like you guys had a blast! Loving all the pics and would love to visit Vegas again!
ReplyDeleteThanks Chrissy!
DeleteIt looks like you two had a blast! I'm planning a cheap trip to Vegas hopefully in the next few months so reading some of your tips and tricks was nice! Our one hefty price tag purchase is going to be Cirque du Soleil - what were your thoughts on Love since it sounds like you enjoyed it last year?
ReplyDeleteIf you love The Beatles than you would LOVE, LOVE! Lets put it this way, I felt like it was almost an emotional experience, I mean both my husband and I both were in tears. To help save on the cost though book a seat in the front row of the upper level (which is were we sat) and they were amazing seats because the theater isn't all that big. Also, even though hotels on The Strip are more that too is worth it not only from the maze you need to walk to to get there if you are not but also convenience or money because you will save on cabs too.
DeleteAlso, be sure to do the $20 trick! What you do put a $20 bill between your id & credit card when checking in and ask if there happens to be an complimentary upgrades or better views available. This has worked every time for us and last time we were even offered the penthouse! It feels a bit awkward to ask but no one minds at all!