Up and about fairly early (5:00 AM) this morning, for a 7:00 AM flight departure time to Toronto and eventual connections to Las Vegas. We had most everything we could do prior to arrival accomplished, so it was an easy walk across the pedway with one bag each. With a swipe of the phone and the saunter through security, we were through what looked like a busy March Break YHZ. Nice little feature available now where you can book a security time online (YHZ Express) and avoid line ups (thanks Maria 👍). In this particular instance there was, in fact, no line, but I could see it being an excellent option should a school trip or tour group be arriving!
The flight from Hlfx to Pearson departed close to on time and held no surprises. With an 1.5 hr layover, we didn’t waste any time pursuing signs that directed us to our Las Vegas connector flight ✈️. Pearson is sprawling and can eat up time quickly! Security process was easy. Saw a couple of families making their way through. I forgot about those kind of challenges 😂. Shoes off, belt off, liquids & gels… should start exploring Hinchey’s recommendation on Nexus!
Then through US Customs 🛃 ! This time around we utilized the US Customs Mobile Passport Control App, which we downloaded in Halifax. Basically, the app allows you to submit your customs declaration ahead of time and grants you access to a dedicated lane for more seamless customs processing. Then to our gate… I relied on Air Canada App, only to double check on departure screen and see another Gate. App was wrong but the other gate was close and a good reminder to look twice!
I’m reminded today of how disadvantaged someone that doesn’t readily utilize technology must feel travelling these days. We used multiple apps on Day 1, including online chat, iMessage, email, Google Maps & Sheets, WordPress, Airalo e-Sim… all to accomplish items such as security & customs, boarding passes, food & accommodation reservations, flight entertainment, payment, blogging, event tickets, Uber, photos, and itinerary. We have passports and a one sheet itinerary… that’s it for paper. I used to depart with a veritable book 📕 of necessary documents! It’s been a revolutionary change in this industry… but, I’m sure, tough on travellers without the tech savvy!
The Vegas leg of the journey left ahead of schedule. It was an AC Rouge flight, which are pretty bare bones 🦴! I did enjoy free texting in-flight, which is a perk for Aeroplan members. You are basically on your own though for meals / entertainment… although some things are accessible through the Air Canada App. Janie had some snacks and she managed a movie while I wrote and planned for arrival. Also enjoyed the views, especially crossing Colorado & Utah during our flight. Getting to Vegas puts the key portion of travel behind us… if we’re late coming back so be it… but always nasty to have a chomp taken out of the first part of the trip!
Our arrival plan was to fire up the eSIMs at Harry Reid International and hail an Uber to our accommodations for storing bags / or even an early check in. The Airalo app went exactly as planned… although I did have to make a couple of adjustments on the fly. Uber ride was lickety split… Janie nailed that! Within minutes we had an early check in at the Elara Hilton Grand Vacations… really in the heart of the strip with close proximity to some of the best attractions in Vegas! We accessed our room, dumped our bags, and were on our way to experience the bling 🤑!
First stop… Earl of Sandwich, among the Miracle Mile Shops. Great reviews and looking like a “healthier” option after 7 hrs in the air. Couple of yummy wraps quickly righted all the wrongs. Then off to explore the immediate couple of blocks. Let the steps begin (ended the day with 20,000)!
We began with the Miracle Mile shops and Planet Hollywood. Nice little tour and we located spaces (especially for eating) that we will be tumbling back to. Lots of shops and, as we were to quickly realize, the obligatory Casino in each building! Then to the strip, heading north to Paris Las Vegas. Eye candy everywhere in this themed resort… from replica Arc de Triumph and Eiffel Tower to Casino and eateries. Things were hopping there… everything looking busy and folks enjoying the out of doors.
Next up we walked about the Horseshoe, checking out the sounds, sites and smells there. We saw a ramen joint I think we’ll be returning to for sure! Then crossed the street to check out the Bellagio, taking in the casino, shops and conservatory (wow). Of course, on our way out, we stopped for the famous Bellagio fountain show. All in, pretty swanky around those grounds. Then a quick walk through the Cosmopolitan (holy chandeliers) and home to regroup. Did manage a quick stop for waters and veg chips on the way!
Speaking of “food”… as in many of our most recent travels, while blogging we select an item (we have put everything from tropical fish all the way to Newfoundland sayings under the microscope) to highlight each trip. This time we’re going to do a “foodie” experience a day 🤞! Which brings us to supper, it was something special. I had watched a David Chang show where he and friends had gone out for Korean BBQ that absolutely caught my attention. Fortuitously, I had eyed (on Google Maps) an option close by. Caution to the wind, we landed at an “All you can eat” named Gen Korean BBQ and settled in to a 1 1/2 hr experience that I think we “rocked”. After a couple of expert lessons from our excellent waitress, we went to town. There were definite favorites, but it was all so much fun! Pricey… but an event unto itself and our Foodie Highlight for Day 1.
Our accommodations are about a 20 minute walk from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. In an attempt to work off what was too much supper, we marched there for a Vegas Golden Knights vs Detroit Red Wings NHL match up. Last year’s Stanley Cup winners versus a proud original six team. Known for its great fan atmosphere we expected the hometown crowd wouldn’t disappoint. Holy pregame! Entirely unsure how much they know about hockey, but darn, they know show 😂. We were treated to a great game… a 5-3 home victory that was only decided in the last few minutes. A decent hockey game, but a spectacular evening!
We hustled home, after what was nearing almost 24 hrs from wake up to catching the elevator to Floor 50. The pillow felt great, after a first day that went without a hitch 👍! Goodnight from us… as we rest up to tackle Day 2 in Vegas.
Safe travels Lumsden’s! ✈️
Thnx so much Leah! Just landed in TO so first leg of the journey complete! Wet and soggy here… so we don’t need to feel like we’re the only folks around that have had bad weather 😂! Wonderful that you checked in!
You folks did it …. Again!!! You packed as much into Day 1 as most would in a week. Well done. Love the area you are staying in. So much to see and do… right at your doorstep. Loving the food approach and especially like checking the menus of the spots you visit. The BBQ looks amazing. Go get’em.
Whoa… full on here Mike! The infrastructure is beyond. Accommodations, food, drink, service… somehow themed and full Americana at the same time! We’ll hit the wall and need a break at some time Sunday, but so far so good. Will keep the foodie samplings headed your way. Hope all is good at home… we’re usually following a snow storm of some sort over March Break, but this year, not so much. Thanks for following along!
What a day !! I thought I had somehow moved to reading about day two, until I arrived at the hockey game comments. A great start to your week.
It was a busy one alright. It’s a city that moves at quite a pace… lots of bells and whistles! The hockey game was over the top… so far lots of folks that have been treating us well! It’s a city designed around customer service!
Just getting to reading about your excursions ! So much fun!!
Hey… welcome aboard! We’re just gathering our belongings for the trips homeward. Hope that you all had a great break and are squeezing every last drop out of your time. Ms Lumsden says see you on Monday ☺️
I’m a bit behind the schedule but wow!! Day 1 really was a week of entertainment. 😊
We keep pretty busy 😂! Hope that the writing will at least paint a bit of a picture for you. Also want to hear about your adventure as well. We’ll chat soon 👍