Las Vegas Calls Generational Families to the Strip!

Photo Credit: deals.bestkidfriendlytravel.com

So, you say the kids are keeping you from venturing off to Las Vegas.  Well, not anymore.  If Disney can expand its brand by offering entertainment to those beyond their adolescent years, then Vegas can do the same thing in the opposite direction.  And so far, they have been doing a pretty good job!  

To assist in planning your Las Vegas family vacation, I compiled accommodations and attractions for you and your loved ones in the big city! Check out my expert list and contact me to initiate your planning process right away!

• Mandalay Bay – Shark Reef Aquarium.  They offer a Dive With Sharks Program.  The Mandalay Bay Theater is famous for its phenomenal shows, including Michael Jackson’s One.  The outdoor beach-themed pool offers a lazy river.
• Luxor – The Luxor connects to the Mandalay Bay.  The Egyptian pyramid resort is the new home of the incredibly talented, Jabbawockeez.  These talented dancers crazed audiences internationally with their Michael Jackson’s One performance. It also houses the Score Interactive Sports Exhibit and Bodies: The Exhibition.
• The Mirage Resort – They have a live lions and dolphins display as well as the famed, Siefried & Roy’s Secret Garden.
• Excalibur – Jousting anyone?!? They offer an incredible jousting dinner show.
• New York, New York – Your personal amusement park - roller coasters and arcades - outside your hotel room.  
• Paris Las Vegas – An incredible Eiffel Tour view.
• Golden Nugget – A three-story water slide running through a shark tank.  What!!!  
• Treasure Island (Buccaneer Bay) – Tell the kids wouldn't enjoy dinner overlooking a pirate battle!
• Circus, Circus – Adventure Dome (the largest indoor amusement park), the Sling Shot and Disk O thrill rides as well as the world’s largest permanent circus.
• Stratosphere – The much talked about Big Shot ride.
• The Venetian – Romantic, cultural gondola rides.
• Excalibur – Tournament of Kings dinner
• Flamingo Hotel – Nathan Burton Comedy Magic
• Planet Hollywood – V: The Ultimate Variety Show
• Dining: There are buffets galore! The majority of the resorts offer coupons/vouchers.
• Shopping: Incredible outlet shopping.
• Credible Tour Vendors: Pink Jeep Tours.  They half/full day tours of the Grand Canyon, the West Bank, and Hoover Dam.  Tours are available in helicopters and Jeeps. 
• Transportation:Rental cars, the monorail, and taxis are all available.  

And you said you had to put Las Vegas on hold.  Las Vegas will always offer non-stop fun and entertainment for the mature crowd, but they are succeeding in revamping their brand to accommodate generational families who still like to have a good time.  Let the family good times roll!

Photo Credit: tripadvisor.com

Disclaimer: This list was generated and is owned by Loren J. Adams, Destinations Reached Travel Consulting and Services.  

Travel Diva: Jasmine Adams (Italy)

Featured Travel Diva: Jasmine Adams

Featured Travel Diva Destination: Italy


Jasmine Adams, a Georgetown University pre-law graduate, defines optimism when it comes to pursuing her dreams of becoming a lawyer.  The fire within to travel abroad was sparked when she first learned about the study abroad program in Italy sponsored by the university.  When it came time to venture overseas to contribute to the manifestation of her lifelong dreams, she first hesitated.  But knew this girl is on fire lyrics rang deep within and she couldn't let anything get in the way of pursuing her goals!


Read our latest Travel Diva Q&A on how Adams conquered her fear of separation anxiety from family/friends and pursued her passion for international affairs, all while forming lasting friendships as well as getting her hands on some of the world’s best designer threads!


1. Destination: Fiesole, Italy

2. Reason for Travel: College Studies (Government and Sociology [Double Major], with a concentration in Social Justice and Peace Studies

3. Number of Travel Days: Spring Semester (approx. three [3] months)

4. Estimated Flight Time: Approximately nine (9) hours (depending on the flight schedule/connections.)

5. Any fears about traveling abroad for the first time? I was nervous about not knowing anyone in the program, traveling alone, and being away from my close family and friends.  It was ultimately about stepping outside of my comfort zone. I relied on God to get me through, daily talks with my mom, new formed friendships, and letters from family/friends back home.

6. Lodging: Villa le Balize (a villa owned by the university)

7. Cultural Experience: While I didn’t experience any language barriers, it is advised to at least know conversational Italian.  The eating habits differed.  Breakfast is light and dry, lunch is large, and dinner is once again light.  Pasta is its own course.  Local Italians do not like loud conversations.  They already stereotype Americans for being obnoxious.  They appreciate it when you try to speak their language and show interest in wanting to embrace their culture.  I didn’t experience any negativity when it came to being African American as opposed to being American.  Women, make efforts to dress appropriately to prevent negative gestures, especially African American women.  Due to music videos, Black women are sexually exploited.  There are not a lot of political/religious wars.  If any, they are held at the Piazza de Republica (main center for protests). 

8. Favorite Cities? I loved San Pietro (Breathtaking!)  The Spanish Steps in Madrid were amazing as well as the Prado Museum.  But Rome was my favorite by far!  Everything is accessible via bus, metro, and plane in Europe.  All forms of transportation are affordable.

9. Best Dining Experience: Everything is delicious!  You must try the pizza and the bellinis.  The paninis and gelato are excellent, too!  My best dining experience was at a restaurant near the Trevi Fountain in Rome.

10. What encouraged you to travel to Italy? 
When I first came to Georgetown and I learned about the program offered by the Division of Overseas Studies.


Jasmine, thank you for sharing your Italian experience with us and for paving the way for more Travel Divas to take flight!

Photos Courtesy of: Jasmine Adams