Las Vegas was never really high on my travel wish list.
I enjoy playing the slots, but beyond that, Vegas just wasn’t a place I felt drawn to. That changed last April, when I had to travel to Las Vegas for a work conference — and I was lucky enough that my husband was able to come along.
What started as a work trip quickly turned into one of the most fun and surprising trips we’ve taken.
Late Nights, Early Mornings & A LOT of Steps
While we were in Vegas, our schedule was… intense.
We were up late most nights exploring, walking, and soaking in the energy of the city. Then I was up early for work, which meant long days and even longer nights. Somehow, I still averaged 15,000+ steps a day — and honestly, it never felt boring.
Vegas truly never sleeps, and there is always something happening.
Vegas Surprised Me (In the Best Way)
Even though Vegas had never really interested me before, I quickly realized there is so much more to do than gambling — and we didn’t even come close to doing it all.
There were shows we didn’t see, restaurants we didn’t try, experiences we didn’t have time for… which is exactly why we’re already planning to go back within the year.
Vegas With Kids vs Adults
Vegas can be family-friendly — but for us, and in our opinion, it’s much more suited for adults.
That said, if you’re traveling with younger kids (or teens), there are still great options:
- Meow Wolf — immersive, interactive, and fun for all ages
- Family-friendly casino attractions, like Excalibur and New York-New York
- Select shows and experiences that work well for kids
For adults or older teens, though, my favorite area by far was Fremont Street.
Fremont Street: My Favorite Part of Vegas
Fremont Street was a true blast.
Every time we were there, there was:
- Live music
- Street performers
- Zip lining overhead
- A fun, energetic atmosphere that felt completely different from the Strip
It felt lively, exciting, and honestly — just fun.
A Quick Note on Cost
One thing that surprised me?
Vegas hotels can be very reasonably priced, depending on where you stay.
Where we spent the most money:
- Eating out
- Taxis and ride shares
Knowing this ahead of time makes a big difference when planning a Vegas trip — and it’s something I’d absolutely help factor in when planning.
Why We’re Going Back
Vegas changed my mind.
What started as a work trip turned into an experience full of laughter, energy, and memories — and we barely scratched the surface of everything the city offers.
Whether you’re planning:
- An adults-only getaway
- A couples trip
- A friends’ weekend
- Or even a carefully planned family visit
Vegas has more variety than most people expect.
If Las Vegas is on your radar and you’d like help figuring out where to stay, what to do, or how to budget, I’d love to help.
Using a travel agent costs you absolutely nothing.
— Gretchen Leneaye
