When my trip to the U.S. was finalized for work, I could hardly believe it. Visiting America had always been a quiet dream of mine, and it was incredible to see it coming true. It just goes to show—be mindful of what you imagine or dream about, because it might just come true. Mine certainly did!

I was originally scheduled for a two-week official visit to the U.S., but I extended my stay by another week for personal time off and headed to the West Coast. Fortunately, I had a friend in Denver who let me store my big suitcase at her place, so I could travel light with just a small bag. When traveling within America, it’s important to know that most airlines don’t include baggage in the ticket price, and you’ll need to purchase it separately. One piece of luggage typically costs around $30, so it’s best to pack light.

I carefully planned my entire vacation. After finishing my work in Dallas, I flew to Denver to drop off my luggage. From Denver, I took a flight to Las Vegas, where I had paid for baggage. I then traveled from Vegas to Los Angeles by bus and continued from LA to San Francisco by bus. Finally, I flew back to Denver from San Francisco. I flew United Airlines from SFO, which included a carry-on bag, so I didn’t have to pay for baggage on that leg of the journey.

When traveling by bus in the U.S., one luggage and one personal item are included in the ticket, and bus fares are much more economical compared to flights. If you have time, bus travel is a great option. The bus ride from Vegas to LA took about 5 hours, and from LA to SFO, it was 8 hours. I didn’t mind the road trips, as I wanted to experience the scenic beauty, especially the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean on the drive from LA to San Francisco.

Buses are quite comfortable, with spacious seats and onboard restrooms. I paid an extra $5 or $10 to reserve a seat at the front, and I ended up having the entire row to myself as no one sat beside me! It seemed like I was the only one traveling solo.

DAY 1

WHERE to STAY in LAS VEGAS

As we all know, Vegas is famous for its casinos, so you’ll find plenty of casino hotels. It’s best to book a hotel on the Strip, which stretches from the South to the North end and features all the iconic hotels. I booked a stay at Excalibur, located at the South end, and when my Uber driver dropped me off, I was blown away by the grand entrance. It felt like I had been transported to a completely different world—I felt like a princess! Even though I arrived well before check-in time, I was fortunate to get an early check-in. After leaving my bag in the room, I headed to the lobby.

The casino was enormous, with people playing everywhere. I’ve never played cards, so everything was new to me. The air was filled with a mix of cigarette smoke, weed, and alcohol. It’s worth noting that marijuana is legal in Vegas, so that strong smell is something you’ll encounter everywhere, even on the streets. Everyone was playing and smoking, and I couldn’t help but wonder how much money people have! Since I was in Vegas, my brother insisted I try my luck, so I played some random game and quickly lost $20. I decided that was enough—losing my hard-earned money wasn’t for me. 😢

The hotels in Vegas are mostly interconnected, so you don’t even need to cross the street to visit another hotel. From Excalibur, I could easily walk into New York-New York and several other hotels. As for the Strip, it’s about 6.8 km long, and I probably walked its length twice, if not more, in a single day. Vegas is incredibly lively, and the Strip is the place to be. People are everywhere, singing, dancing, and just having a great time.

THINGS TO DO IN VEGAS

Night Tour & Fremont Street

On the day I arrived in Vegas, I explored the Strip hotels and booked a night tour for about $50. It was an open bus tour with a guide, and we had a designated pick-up point. The tour departed around 7 PM. The guide provided interesting commentary on what we were seeing and shared the history behind it. We passed by notable sights like the “Wedding Chapel” and the famous “Las Vegas Sign,” but we didn’t stop at these spots—just drove by. We did make a stop when we reached Fremont Street.

Fremont Street was an experience that’s hard to describe. It felt like night didn’t even exist there. The street was alive with concerts, and people could freely enjoy drinks while walking around. The area featured performers in minimal clothing, and some individuals offered paid interactions. I saw both men and women taking photos with them. One man without a shirt approached me, placed his hat on my head, and offered to take a picture with him for $10. I chose to keep my distance. Would you be willing to pay for a photo with them?

I was so immersed in the atmosphere of Fremont Street that I lost track of time. When I finally made it back to the pick-up point, I saw the bus pulling away without me. I ended up stranded, which was quite frustrating. I felt the tour guide should have done a head count before leaving, as it seemed a bit unprofessional. I reported the issue to the tour company, and they instructed me to take an Uber back, refunding the entire amount I had paid. So, a word of caution: make sure not to be late, as they won’t wait even for a minute.

Day 2

Grand Canyon & Hover Dam

The next morning, I had booked a trip to the Grand Canyon, and witnessing this wonder firsthand was an incredible experience. The pick-up was early, around 7:30 AM, from near Treasure Island, and the trip cost $110. The Grand Canyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking places on Earth. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in Vegas. The tour included visits to Eagle Point and Guano Point.

At Eagle Point, you can also experience the Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped bridge with a glass walkway. Cameras and phones aren’t permitted on the Skywalk, but photographers are available to take pictures for you, though there is a fee for their services. If you prefer to skip the Skywalk, you can purchase a ticket just for the Grand Canyon itself.

You can use a coupon to enjoy a meal at the restaurant, as lunch is included with the tour. You’ll receive a standard meal with a drink, but if you want anything extra, you can purchase it on your own. After finishing your lunch at Eagle Point, you can board a shuttle that will take you to Guano Point.

Many people spend so much time at the first point that they end up neglecting the second. Personally, I found Guano Point to be more impressive. The breathtaking views and the short trek to the highest point were truly remarkable. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes for the climb.

Climbing up the rocks to reach the highest point and taking in the 360-degree view of the Canyon was breathtaking. I felt like I was on top of the world! After spending a good amount of time there, I took the shuttle back to the pick-up point. Our guide had allotted us 4 hours to explore these two spots, which I felt was more than enough.

Once everyone was back on the bus, we headed to the Hoover Dam. Located on the border between Nevada and Arizona, you’ll need to climb some stairs to reach the viewing point where you can see the Dam.

We had a 30-minute stop at the Hoover Dam before heading back to Vegas. We returned in the evening, and fortunately, the bus had a final drop-off point at Excalibur, the hotel where I was staying, so I got back easily and without any hassle. After a full day of adventure, I was exhausted, but being in Vegas, where the city never sleeps, I decided to visit the famous Chinatown for dinner.

However, I wasn’t impressed with Chinatown. Despite visiting several restaurants, I couldn’t find anything that appealed to me. I took a taxi back to the hotel and, feeling quite tired, decided to dine at the hotel and call it a night.

DAY 3

I finally got a good night’s sleep! After waking up early for the past two days, I enjoyed a leisurely start on the third day. I slept in, then walked to Starbucks for a hot cup of coffee and a bite to eat. Returning to Excalibur, I headed to the pool. It was incredibly refreshing—just what I needed. I spent some time swimming and sunbathing until I was completely relaxed before heading out of the hotel.

MUST VISIT HOTELS

There are a few must-visit hotels in Vegas, and Bellagio is definitely one of them. You should make sure to see its famous Fountain show, which takes place daily at 3 PM—it’s a visual delight. Accessing any of the Vegas hotels is easy; you can walk in and out freely and even try your luck at the casino if you’re interested in gambling. Bellagio also features high-end brand shops, perfect for window shopping if you’re not in the mood to buy. Don’t miss the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden; they’re both absolutely free and definitely worth a visit.

Another hotel you should definitely visit is Caesars Palace. It has been featured in numerous films, including the famous “Hangover.”

Don’t miss the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, a luxury shopping mall featuring high-end brands and fine dining restaurants. Entry is free, and so is window shopping! You can browse and enjoy the ambiance for as long as you like.

As you walk along the Strip, you’ll pass by many extravagant hotels, such as “Paris,” which features a restaurant modeled after the Eiffel Tower where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Another hotels worth visiting are Treasure Island and the Venetian Hotel. The Venetian, true to its name, is themed after Venice. Keep in mind that with hundreds of hotels, it’s impossible to see them all.

While in Vegas, don’t miss the chance to take a picture at “The Famous Las Vegas Sign.” There’s usually a long line of people waiting for their turn to capture that iconic shot. Despite the wait, I struggled to get a good picture of myself.

I ended the night with dinner at Hard Rock Café, which offers a great view of the Strip. It was an unforgettable trip in the city that never sleeps, and I can honestly say I had the time of my life. As the saying goes, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” !!

Hope you enjoyed the read..

Cheers!