Las Vegas Trip Report: Day 1 Crazy Horse and Joe's Seafood
Jun 1st, 2010, 10:18 AM
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Las Vegas Trip Report: Day 1 Crazy Horse and Joe's Seafood
The Scene: Hardworking 40-something aged couple w/kids decides on an adults-only trip to Vegas. Brings along another hardworking 30-something aged couple (w/kids) and a middle-aged Dr. w/no kids/no wife for a fun-fllled Friday thru Memorial Day trip. All kids are left safely home w/grandparents. The Dr. friend flies out a day early to test out the poker room.
Day 1: We leave Omaha on Southwest Airlines for direct flight to Las Vegas. Pay an extra $20 each way (for both of us) for priority boarding (to get in the A lineup--first pick of seats--would probably do it again). Our friends fly non-stop on Delta from MSP. Dr. has flown out of Sioux Falls via Allegiant air.
We took the $6 per person shuttle (must pay cash) to the hotel (it stops along the way at other hotels). Got into the hotel around 9ish in the am.
Hotel: The Venetian. Whoever says the economy is hurting the Las Vegas scene and that rooms are dirt cheap, well they aren't during the weekends and on on holidays. I think our rooms were $189 a night. I had wanted to stay off the strip to save money, but since the other parties wanted on the Strip, I was voted out. Never stayed here (previous visits were at the Tuscany and Mandalay Bay), but I was quite happy w/the room. I did a $20 "room upgrade" request. I read on the Internet somewhere when checking in, give the hotel clerk a $20 tip to check if there are any complimentary upgraded rooms. I volunteered we were celebrating our anniversary (which we were) and she gave us a room on the 23rd floor overlooking the pools and the strip. Our friends who didn't do this got the other side of the hotel (the view of the other building--not so nice). She said our room was usually $20 more per day. So I was happy w/the $20 investment.
Had breakfast at the Venetian: Grand Lux Cafe. The corned beef has breakfast was fantastic--not the corned beef you'd think about in a can, but the real deal meat. The breakfast buffet looked fine--I think $15 and it included drinks. The Spicy Bloody Mary was ok---$9. I've had better though.
Now it was time to walk the Strip. A few things to consider:
>wear really good walking shoes
>take sunscreen/hat
>take a bottle of water
>consider buying a bus pass
The RTC Transit has 2 different buses: The Ace and The Deuce (a double decker bus). Grab a map and consider purchasing a multi day pass. We didn't consider this option till day 2. The Deuce makes frequent stops at most of the Strip hotels/shopping places. The Ace stops at about 1/2 of them. There are some stops that are shared by both so you can easily get off and wait for the other. A 24 hour pass was $7. A great investment. Don't rely on cabs since they only stop at hotels (they don't stop on the Strip--at least) and most of the time there are long lines for cabs. Now to be fair, the cab lines run fairly smoothly/efficiently but consider the traffic can really increase the rates.
Our group walked from the Venetian all the way to Circus/Circus and back. Then back to the hotel for naps and pool time.
The pools at the Venetian are fairly crowded. It was easy to find a chair for one person at any given time but if you have more to your party, probably better to stake them out earlier in the day. There were at least 3 pools (not counting the Party Pool where you have to get on a waiting list/special VIP) and the connecting hotel the Palazzo had a few more. Pool wait service is bad. Still a 20 min. wait for a drink when you go to the bar. They could stand to hire a few more bartenders.
They will check for hotel keys or wrist bands when entering pool area. Now what if I kept my room key and came back on another trip to hang out at the pool (If I stayed at another hotel)? Would I get caught??? Is that naughty???
The Venetian/Palazzo pools are nice. I like some of the pools had chairs submerged in the shallow end to facilitate better tanning cooling off. Though, there was nothing "fantastic" about either of them.
Dinner: Joe's Seafood Prime Steak and Stone Crab. http://www.joes.net/
We had a wide assortment of food from stone crab appetizers, to scallops, oysters on 1/2 shell, king crab legs, steak, drinks. With the tip, we dropped $500 on the table. Our friend Anna almost had a heart attack. We all vowed to not tell Anna the price on any of the upcoming meals for the remainder of the trip. Every last morsel of food was devoured (had to right--we were paying a butt-load!) and savored. This is a great place to visit for a special occasion. On a side note, while we didn't have any random sightings of celebrities during this trip, but dining at the table next to us were 2 men who were featured on HGTV's "House Hunters: Las Vegas." These fellows were looking at buying a 2nd home in Vegas when they weren't in LA.
Entertainment: MGM Grand's Crazy Horse Paris Cabaret. http://www.mgmgrand.com/entertainmen...orse-show.aspx
It was ok...kinda tired. The robot dance was interesting. Wouldn't recommend spending the money on this. Cost: $57 each.
Day 2: Wayne Brady.
Day 1: We leave Omaha on Southwest Airlines for direct flight to Las Vegas. Pay an extra $20 each way (for both of us) for priority boarding (to get in the A lineup--first pick of seats--would probably do it again). Our friends fly non-stop on Delta from MSP. Dr. has flown out of Sioux Falls via Allegiant air.
We took the $6 per person shuttle (must pay cash) to the hotel (it stops along the way at other hotels). Got into the hotel around 9ish in the am.
Hotel: The Venetian. Whoever says the economy is hurting the Las Vegas scene and that rooms are dirt cheap, well they aren't during the weekends and on on holidays. I think our rooms were $189 a night. I had wanted to stay off the strip to save money, but since the other parties wanted on the Strip, I was voted out. Never stayed here (previous visits were at the Tuscany and Mandalay Bay), but I was quite happy w/the room. I did a $20 "room upgrade" request. I read on the Internet somewhere when checking in, give the hotel clerk a $20 tip to check if there are any complimentary upgraded rooms. I volunteered we were celebrating our anniversary (which we were) and she gave us a room on the 23rd floor overlooking the pools and the strip. Our friends who didn't do this got the other side of the hotel (the view of the other building--not so nice). She said our room was usually $20 more per day. So I was happy w/the $20 investment.
Had breakfast at the Venetian: Grand Lux Cafe. The corned beef has breakfast was fantastic--not the corned beef you'd think about in a can, but the real deal meat. The breakfast buffet looked fine--I think $15 and it included drinks. The Spicy Bloody Mary was ok---$9. I've had better though.
Now it was time to walk the Strip. A few things to consider:
>wear really good walking shoes
>take sunscreen/hat
>take a bottle of water
>consider buying a bus pass
The RTC Transit has 2 different buses: The Ace and The Deuce (a double decker bus). Grab a map and consider purchasing a multi day pass. We didn't consider this option till day 2. The Deuce makes frequent stops at most of the Strip hotels/shopping places. The Ace stops at about 1/2 of them. There are some stops that are shared by both so you can easily get off and wait for the other. A 24 hour pass was $7. A great investment. Don't rely on cabs since they only stop at hotels (they don't stop on the Strip--at least) and most of the time there are long lines for cabs. Now to be fair, the cab lines run fairly smoothly/efficiently but consider the traffic can really increase the rates.
Our group walked from the Venetian all the way to Circus/Circus and back. Then back to the hotel for naps and pool time.
The pools at the Venetian are fairly crowded. It was easy to find a chair for one person at any given time but if you have more to your party, probably better to stake them out earlier in the day. There were at least 3 pools (not counting the Party Pool where you have to get on a waiting list/special VIP) and the connecting hotel the Palazzo had a few more. Pool wait service is bad. Still a 20 min. wait for a drink when you go to the bar. They could stand to hire a few more bartenders.
They will check for hotel keys or wrist bands when entering pool area. Now what if I kept my room key and came back on another trip to hang out at the pool (If I stayed at another hotel)? Would I get caught??? Is that naughty???
The Venetian/Palazzo pools are nice. I like some of the pools had chairs submerged in the shallow end to facilitate better tanning cooling off. Though, there was nothing "fantastic" about either of them.
Dinner: Joe's Seafood Prime Steak and Stone Crab. http://www.joes.net/
We had a wide assortment of food from stone crab appetizers, to scallops, oysters on 1/2 shell, king crab legs, steak, drinks. With the tip, we dropped $500 on the table. Our friend Anna almost had a heart attack. We all vowed to not tell Anna the price on any of the upcoming meals for the remainder of the trip. Every last morsel of food was devoured (had to right--we were paying a butt-load!) and savored. This is a great place to visit for a special occasion. On a side note, while we didn't have any random sightings of celebrities during this trip, but dining at the table next to us were 2 men who were featured on HGTV's "House Hunters: Las Vegas." These fellows were looking at buying a 2nd home in Vegas when they weren't in LA.
Entertainment: MGM Grand's Crazy Horse Paris Cabaret. http://www.mgmgrand.com/entertainmen...orse-show.aspx
It was ok...kinda tired. The robot dance was interesting. Wouldn't recommend spending the money on this. Cost: $57 each.
Day 2: Wayne Brady.
Jun 1st, 2010, 10:51 AM
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Day 2: Wayne Brady and Sushi Samba
Everyone sleeps in a little. I get up around 8:30 and the Dr. friend and I head downstairs to share a breakfast croissant.
I am still not used to the smoking inside the casinos. Even though there are places where smoking isn't allowed, the air still stinks of it. I am also amazed at the amount of children that are in the casino. Parents are bringing strollers of various aged children in and around the casino/hotel. It would freak me out to have my infant around that smoke. I shouldn't judge but why are parents sheparding their kids on the Strip at 1 and 2 am?
We all meet for lunch for dim sum at Red 8 at the Wynn. http://govegas.about.com/od/wynnlasvega1/a/red8wynn.htm
Good restaurant. The Dr. didn't like it though.
We all split up, I take on the pool, the Dr. goes and gambles and the husband/other couple go take naps. I also do some shopping in the "Canal Stores" at the Venetian. Some shops are still out of this world in pricing, others aren't too bad due to the Memorial Day sales. I get a great pair of shoes, jeans, 2 shirts for $79 at Kenneth Cole. Kept eyeing a handbag in the $200 price range, but even with 30% off I can't do it. Every day of the trip I go in and look at them and the same salesman laughs at me and threatens to not sell it to me if I ever make a decision.
Dinner: Sushi Samba at the Palazzo.http://www.palazzolasvegas.com/sushisamba.aspx
Excellent dinner. Had tuna tataki, a sashimi platter, men had sake, Anna had an awesome salad. Per not telling Anna the cost of the meal, I'm not sure how much it cost. But every item consumed was worth the price. I was considering the Kobe beef, but at $27 an ounce, it seemed unrealistic, plus husband said we've had plenty of outstanding steak/beef options back in Iowa.
Entertainment: Wayne Brady at the Venetian. He only plays certain days and we were lucky he was available during our trip. All stand-up--similar to the "What's My Line" theme. Awesome show--very funny worth the price at the $69 we paid. http://www.venetian.com/Pages.aspx?id=360
Afterward we took the bus down to Fremont Street. Along the way the area ("Artist Area"?) looks really sketchy at night. Would not walk there. During the day didn't look quite as intimidating. But there are numerous places boarded up along the way and cheapie hotels/living areas.
Fremont Street Experience http://www.vegasexperience.com/has the interesting light show. More interesting to go here at night than day.
Cheaper tables ($5 Blackjack vs $15+ on the Strip) as well and the famed .99 shrimp cocktail.
After doing the walk through, it's around 1:30-2am. The Strip traffic is so blocked, that the bus is at least an hour behind. The couples decide to split up (rather we all leave the Dr. behind to fend for himself) and take a $20 cab ride back to the Venetian. Since we had sushi at 7:30, we were hungry so we decided to visit the Denny's next to the Venetian. Finally an inexpensive meal. But but by the time we rolled out of there, with bellies full, no one wanted to have anything to do w/food.
The next day we learned the Dr. waited another 40 min for the bus. He decided to hang out in the Poker Room at the Venetian and won $600. While he lost some money his first night there, by the time he was done I think he was only down $60 and this was including the cost of his hotel/meals.
Day 3: "O" and Lawrey's Prime Rib.
Everyone sleeps in a little. I get up around 8:30 and the Dr. friend and I head downstairs to share a breakfast croissant.
I am still not used to the smoking inside the casinos. Even though there are places where smoking isn't allowed, the air still stinks of it. I am also amazed at the amount of children that are in the casino. Parents are bringing strollers of various aged children in and around the casino/hotel. It would freak me out to have my infant around that smoke. I shouldn't judge but why are parents sheparding their kids on the Strip at 1 and 2 am?
We all meet for lunch for dim sum at Red 8 at the Wynn. http://govegas.about.com/od/wynnlasvega1/a/red8wynn.htm
Good restaurant. The Dr. didn't like it though.
We all split up, I take on the pool, the Dr. goes and gambles and the husband/other couple go take naps. I also do some shopping in the "Canal Stores" at the Venetian. Some shops are still out of this world in pricing, others aren't too bad due to the Memorial Day sales. I get a great pair of shoes, jeans, 2 shirts for $79 at Kenneth Cole. Kept eyeing a handbag in the $200 price range, but even with 30% off I can't do it. Every day of the trip I go in and look at them and the same salesman laughs at me and threatens to not sell it to me if I ever make a decision.
Dinner: Sushi Samba at the Palazzo.http://www.palazzolasvegas.com/sushisamba.aspx
Excellent dinner. Had tuna tataki, a sashimi platter, men had sake, Anna had an awesome salad. Per not telling Anna the cost of the meal, I'm not sure how much it cost. But every item consumed was worth the price. I was considering the Kobe beef, but at $27 an ounce, it seemed unrealistic, plus husband said we've had plenty of outstanding steak/beef options back in Iowa.
Entertainment: Wayne Brady at the Venetian. He only plays certain days and we were lucky he was available during our trip. All stand-up--similar to the "What's My Line" theme. Awesome show--very funny worth the price at the $69 we paid. http://www.venetian.com/Pages.aspx?id=360
Afterward we took the bus down to Fremont Street. Along the way the area ("Artist Area"?) looks really sketchy at night. Would not walk there. During the day didn't look quite as intimidating. But there are numerous places boarded up along the way and cheapie hotels/living areas.
Fremont Street Experience http://www.vegasexperience.com/has the interesting light show. More interesting to go here at night than day.
Cheaper tables ($5 Blackjack vs $15+ on the Strip) as well and the famed .99 shrimp cocktail.
After doing the walk through, it's around 1:30-2am. The Strip traffic is so blocked, that the bus is at least an hour behind. The couples decide to split up (rather we all leave the Dr. behind to fend for himself) and take a $20 cab ride back to the Venetian. Since we had sushi at 7:30, we were hungry so we decided to visit the Denny's next to the Venetian. Finally an inexpensive meal. But but by the time we rolled out of there, with bellies full, no one wanted to have anything to do w/food.
The next day we learned the Dr. waited another 40 min for the bus. He decided to hang out in the Poker Room at the Venetian and won $600. While he lost some money his first night there, by the time he was done I think he was only down $60 and this was including the cost of his hotel/meals.
Day 3: "O" and Lawrey's Prime Rib.
Jun 2nd, 2010, 01:05 PM
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Enjoying this cammci34 - would you mind elaborating on the $20 tip at the Venetian? Did you offer the money as you asked about the complimentary upgrade? Or did you give her the tip after she upgraded you?
Thanks,
Jim
Thanks,
Jim
Jun 2nd, 2010, 01:35 PM
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It's a fun place, isn't it. Too bad the economy nixed our trip this year.
Just a thought: DH and I fly Southwest all the time. But just one of us usually (not always) pays the $20 priority boarding fee, then that one saves a seat for the other. Not much, but maybe that extra $$ in a slot machine could make the difference.
Anxious to see what you thought of "O"
Just a thought: DH and I fly Southwest all the time. But just one of us usually (not always) pays the $20 priority boarding fee, then that one saves a seat for the other. Not much, but maybe that extra $$ in a slot machine could make the difference.
Anxious to see what you thought of "O"
Jun 2nd, 2010, 04:11 PM
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rncheryl: Saving the $10 extra each way on the Southwest Priority Boarding is a clever tip! Never thought of that--will try that next time!
JJBhoy: When I did the $20 at the Venetian, I asked her "Are there any complimentary upgrades for rooms available? We're celebrating our anniversary. Here is $20 for taking the time to look." I figured what the heck if it didn't work. I didn't try to hide it or wrap it around a credit card or ID. I guess if it's a ploy lots of people try, why bother to hide the cash.
I just followed suit from all the advice I found here:
http://www.thetwentydollartrick.com/FAQ/#WhatIs
JJBhoy: When I did the $20 at the Venetian, I asked her "Are there any complimentary upgrades for rooms available? We're celebrating our anniversary. Here is $20 for taking the time to look." I figured what the heck if it didn't work. I didn't try to hide it or wrap it around a credit card or ID. I guess if it's a ploy lots of people try, why bother to hide the cash.
I just followed suit from all the advice I found here:
http://www.thetwentydollartrick.com/FAQ/#WhatIs
Jun 2nd, 2010, 05:00 PM
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Day 3: "O" and Lawrey's Prime Rib
Sunday started early--around 9 for me with the rest of the party still sleeping. I decide to use my bus pass and head to the Las Vegas Premium Outlets (if going Northbound--it's at the end of the RTC bus/ACE line), real easy to get to. Outlet opened at 10 on Sunday, but has nice shops from traditional outlet stores like Carters, Nike to high end like Dooney & Burke and Nine West. It doesn't seem like I got any real "steals," a pair of Nike flip flops cost the same $22 as from a regular store back at home. Many of the stores were doing Memorial Day sales from 20% to 30% off clearance/marked down prices. I give the Outlet Stores a thumbs up.
Back at the Venetian I discovered a mini-bakery shop called Bouchon (located before the elevators/by the Phantom booth). I think this sub-shop was off of the regular Bouchon restaurant. This is where I discovered the macaron: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macaron.
It was heavenly. I had read/heard how others (especially on the European forums) just rave about them, especially those from Laduree in Paris. I had the raspberry and vanilla---they were the best. I later tried the green ones (mint and pistachio I think) and the chocolate--not quite as tasty. I highly recommend trying one if you are able.
We took a cab ride to Lawrey's http://www.lawrysonline.com/
(could have taken the bus and walked the 2 blocks, but we didn't feel like it). We all had the prime rib, with Anna eating the salmon meal.
Lawrey's cuts your prime rib at your table, from these crazy "air-stream" like meat containers. The standard Lawrey's cut is plenty big. I had the spinach, but it was pureed so much it tasted like baby food (didn't like it). The spinning salad trick is fun to watch and the dressing tasted like thousand island-ish. Good salad. This restaurant is great on the ambience, food was delicious, another great place to recommend for a special event.
Bellagio: "O" at 10:00 pm/Sunday.
Have always heard exclusively positive reviews about this show. We had Sec. 102, row H, seats 1-5. Awesome views of the stage, we were out of the "splash" zone. Other than the upper, upper balcony, I think all of the seats were good. We paid $165 for each of our seats.
Surreal. Lovely. Sad. Sometimes scary. Funny. Unbelievable.
These are only some of the words I can use to describe the show. All I can say is it is a must-see. Now I know why it's been in production for over 10 years at the Bellagio. It's that good.
There were so many vignettes going on during the show, sometimes I lost track of the actual storyline. The show certainly keeps your attention.
FYI...We purchased our tickets online, and an hour before showtime showed up at the "will call" line. I don't know why, but there was a long line for people to claim their tickets. Maybe they were buying them and collecting them at the same time. To avoid those lines, if you're interested in going, consider going online to purchase instead. Just went to the Bellagio website and purchased them. http://www.bellagio.com/o-cirque-du-...du-soleil.aspx
Day 4: Departure
Got a 5am wake up call. If you have to leave this early don't be surprised to see EVERYONE still out. I think the clubs get done at 4, and all the inhabitants are still milling about either trying to find an after-party or a spare room key.
I think the shuttles at the Venetian don't operate till 6am, so we took a cab. While a long line (because of all the party-goers), the Venetian did a great job hustling everyone out. The staff saw DH and I with our bags, so they pulled us out of the crowd and gave us first priority for a cab.
Departed on time and was home w/in a few hours.
A couple of tips:
Downloaded a few fun apps for my iPod (they are good for the iPhone too):
>> Urbanspoon (shake it to get restaurant recommendations---this is how I found the few we went to)
>>Starbucks (shows you where the closest one is)
>>Free Blackjack game (to get me in the mood)
>>Frommers (the free one) and looked up the Las Vegas guide.
I love fun technology--but my iPod touch only has internet when it's connected to a free source. So sometimes, access to info was restricted. However, I did forward my show/meal schedules to my iPod, so I did use it frequently to remind myself where things were/what times for shows, etc.. This system replaced my old paper handouts I used to carry around in my shoulder handbag. Plus, I downloaded a movie "Up in the Air" and watched it during the flight. That kept me entertained, plus having access to music when I was at the pool.
If you haven't embraced something like an iPod touch, I'd recommend it.
Husband just purchased an iPad. He loves it. While he still carried his laptop, he mainly used the iPad to keep in communication w/everyone and the outside world. I could consider borrowing the iPad when I travel just because it's so darn light!
Thanks for viewing my trip report. Once again, I had a great time and appreciated all the Fodorites opinions and sage travel advice!
Sunday started early--around 9 for me with the rest of the party still sleeping. I decide to use my bus pass and head to the Las Vegas Premium Outlets (if going Northbound--it's at the end of the RTC bus/ACE line), real easy to get to. Outlet opened at 10 on Sunday, but has nice shops from traditional outlet stores like Carters, Nike to high end like Dooney & Burke and Nine West. It doesn't seem like I got any real "steals," a pair of Nike flip flops cost the same $22 as from a regular store back at home. Many of the stores were doing Memorial Day sales from 20% to 30% off clearance/marked down prices. I give the Outlet Stores a thumbs up.
Back at the Venetian I discovered a mini-bakery shop called Bouchon (located before the elevators/by the Phantom booth). I think this sub-shop was off of the regular Bouchon restaurant. This is where I discovered the macaron: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macaron.
It was heavenly. I had read/heard how others (especially on the European forums) just rave about them, especially those from Laduree in Paris. I had the raspberry and vanilla---they were the best. I later tried the green ones (mint and pistachio I think) and the chocolate--not quite as tasty. I highly recommend trying one if you are able.
We took a cab ride to Lawrey's http://www.lawrysonline.com/
(could have taken the bus and walked the 2 blocks, but we didn't feel like it). We all had the prime rib, with Anna eating the salmon meal.
Lawrey's cuts your prime rib at your table, from these crazy "air-stream" like meat containers. The standard Lawrey's cut is plenty big. I had the spinach, but it was pureed so much it tasted like baby food (didn't like it). The spinning salad trick is fun to watch and the dressing tasted like thousand island-ish. Good salad. This restaurant is great on the ambience, food was delicious, another great place to recommend for a special event.
Bellagio: "O" at 10:00 pm/Sunday.
Have always heard exclusively positive reviews about this show. We had Sec. 102, row H, seats 1-5. Awesome views of the stage, we were out of the "splash" zone. Other than the upper, upper balcony, I think all of the seats were good. We paid $165 for each of our seats.
Surreal. Lovely. Sad. Sometimes scary. Funny. Unbelievable.
These are only some of the words I can use to describe the show. All I can say is it is a must-see. Now I know why it's been in production for over 10 years at the Bellagio. It's that good.
There were so many vignettes going on during the show, sometimes I lost track of the actual storyline. The show certainly keeps your attention.
FYI...We purchased our tickets online, and an hour before showtime showed up at the "will call" line. I don't know why, but there was a long line for people to claim their tickets. Maybe they were buying them and collecting them at the same time. To avoid those lines, if you're interested in going, consider going online to purchase instead. Just went to the Bellagio website and purchased them. http://www.bellagio.com/o-cirque-du-...du-soleil.aspx
Day 4: Departure
Got a 5am wake up call. If you have to leave this early don't be surprised to see EVERYONE still out. I think the clubs get done at 4, and all the inhabitants are still milling about either trying to find an after-party or a spare room key.
I think the shuttles at the Venetian don't operate till 6am, so we took a cab. While a long line (because of all the party-goers), the Venetian did a great job hustling everyone out. The staff saw DH and I with our bags, so they pulled us out of the crowd and gave us first priority for a cab.
Departed on time and was home w/in a few hours.
A couple of tips:
Downloaded a few fun apps for my iPod (they are good for the iPhone too):
>> Urbanspoon (shake it to get restaurant recommendations---this is how I found the few we went to)
>>Starbucks (shows you where the closest one is)
>>Free Blackjack game (to get me in the mood)
>>Frommers (the free one) and looked up the Las Vegas guide.
I love fun technology--but my iPod touch only has internet when it's connected to a free source. So sometimes, access to info was restricted. However, I did forward my show/meal schedules to my iPod, so I did use it frequently to remind myself where things were/what times for shows, etc.. This system replaced my old paper handouts I used to carry around in my shoulder handbag. Plus, I downloaded a movie "Up in the Air" and watched it during the flight. That kept me entertained, plus having access to music when I was at the pool.
If you haven't embraced something like an iPod touch, I'd recommend it.
Husband just purchased an iPad. He loves it. While he still carried his laptop, he mainly used the iPad to keep in communication w/everyone and the outside world. I could consider borrowing the iPad when I travel just because it's so darn light!
Thanks for viewing my trip report. Once again, I had a great time and appreciated all the Fodorites opinions and sage travel advice!
