My Favorite Free Las Vegas Attractions part 1

It's no surprise that I love Las Vegas. I go at least once, and sometimes two or more times, per year. I know a lot of people don't think there's much beyond gambling and expensive shows, but that's not true at all. Even if you stay on the Strip, you can save money by seeing some awesome free stuff.

Las Vegas is continually changing, which is good if you get bored, but bad if you don't enjoy change too much. I love that there's always something new to see, so even if I go three times in a year, the next year there will be different things for me to check out. Here are some of the best things that cost nothing in my opinion:

Bellagio Conservatory

I love the Bellagio. There are some great places to eat, luxury shops where I enjoy window shopping, a video of upscale fashion shows, and it just has a good vibe. The stand-out for me is the lobby and the conservatory, which both change with the season. Anytime you go, there will be a different theme than the last time you were there. Even if the theme is the same, it will probably look completely different. Master gardeners create scenes using flowers, seeds, beans and more, which are combined with buildings, walkways, aviaries, and ponds inside a huge class-ceilinged area. 

It's open 24-hours per day and is completely free. It's a fantastic opportunity to get some lovely pics, and if it's busy, you'll be competing with plenty of other visitors doing the same thing. Don't forget to walk behind the main structure, as there's always something cool to see, and this is usually where I take selfies.

Bellagio Fountains

Beginning mid-day and into the evening, the Bellagio runs their fountain show on a regular schedule. If you can find a good spot to view from, this can be a treat, as the water dances to music piped out onto the street. I always find it too crowded, but I enjoy watching it from different vantage points that isn't directly on the sidewalk in front of the hotel.

Flamingo Habitat

I love the Flamingo, the Linq and the Linq Promenade. It's one of my favorite areas of the Las Vegas Strip. If you're looking for a relaxing time just viewing some beautiful animals, head to the Flamingo's Flamingo Habitat. You'll find flamingos, pelicans (they have feeding times if you'd like to visit and watch), koi, catfish, turtles and more in a lovely little oasis, complete with flamingo fountain and waterfall.

Wynn Fountain

If you don't enjoy crowds or want to wait for the fountains to start, head down to Wynn for a smaller water show that runs 24/7. It's also right next to their waterfall, which gives a great backdrop for a photo op.

Encore Flower Garden

If you love the Bellagio Conservatory, then you'll probably equally enjoy the Encore indoor walkway that has trees, flowers and a floral carousel and hot air balloon. The scene doesn't really change, though you might see a few changes in blooms, but I noticed last time I was there that there were out of season flowers being used and realized they were fake. So, not quite as impressive, but still beautiful.

Palazzo Lobby & Canal Shoppes

Like the Bellagio, the Palazzo changes up their lobby decor based on season, as well as their decor throughout their side of the Canal Shoppes. Inside you'll also find a very tall waterfall feature and a reflecting pool. Continue through the Shoppes to the Venetian, where you'll be able to walk along Italian canals, over bridges and enjoy free entertainment, like people dressed as statues, as well as some fantastic musicians. 

The Park MGM

Don't get this confused with The Park at MGM, which is the hotel across the street. MGM Park is attached to New York New York and is a great outdoor area lined with eateries. That's not all though! There's a water walkway feature, places to sit, vendor kiosks and on some nights you can take in free local musicians or watch artists creating awesome things, like murals that are displayed downtown.

Streets of New York at NYNY

Some of the best features of the streets have been replaced with more gambling and slots, but it doesn't diminish the fact that you can feel like you're walking down actual streets in New York City and even feel like you're seeing a little bit of Times Square. Slow down and look around. Look up, because the balconies and windows have some cool details. I also love to take pictures of store fronts and myself on stoops. 

M&M World

If those candy-coated chocolates are a favorite of yours, you can view 3+ floors of merchandise, sponsored items like a racecar hood with M&M art, and candy gifts plus there's even a free movie featuring your favorite candies. You don't have to buy anything here if you don't want, and there are even some fun photo ops throughout.

Statues, Atmosphere, and Fall of Atlantis

I don't recommend gambling at Caesar's Palace, but that's a personal preference of mine since I never win anything there. I still pay a visit there, starting with a stop out front to the colorful prayer shrine, where I donate a buck or two and light a stick of incense to give me some luck (either if doesn't work at Caesars, or else I'm just giving money for my own enjoyment). Inside, there are tons of impressive Roman statues and architecture elements, and if you continue through, you'll end up in the Caesar shops, which is a big indoor shopping mall that looks like you're outside. 

Head to the very end and witness the free animatronic show The Fall of Atlantis. It's not good, but it's fun to see at least once. Hopefully, they will either revamp this show or repair the animatronics, because the people are in terrible need of it. Don't forget to check out the aquarium, which you'll find on the backside of this round and see what sort of sunken treasure you can spy while enjoying the marine life.

Not everything can be seen on The Strip. Sometimes you need a car or to catch an Uber. I'll cover those things in the next blog post, because I feel like I've already given you enough to work with in this one.

What are your favorite free things to do in Vegas?

Review: 2-in-1 Convertible Crossbody Duffel from Travelon

Do you ever find yourself lacking in space when you return from a trip? I have several packable bags that just aren't all that practical if I'm traveling with my husband and need that space for actual necessities. As a carry-on packer, I use space strategically, and usually this doesn't leave me much space for souvenirs, but Travelon knows all about people like me. In fact, their staff are full of people like me who want double-duty products, and that's where the 2-in-1 Convertible Crossbody Duffel came from.

Many times when we travel, we pick up gifts for family for birthdays or Christmas, but then we have to find a place to put them on our way home, or ship them back. On bigger trips that take us out of the country, shipping stuff is just not feasible, but I also like to know where my belongings are. This new convertible duffel is both a duffel bag, but also a crossbody purse. 

I had the first variation of this and used it when we went to Colonial Williamsburg, but when it was packed, it was a bit unwieldy. Could be that I stuffed it too full. LOL! This new version is pretty perfect, in my opinion. It allows you to put the same amount of things in it, but in a taller, rather than longer, bag. It also has handles and a shoulder strap, which improves any bag in my eye.

When you don't need it as a duffel, you can zip the main bag inside, giving you a crossbody bag with a large zippered compartment and a smaller zip pocket on the outside, perfect for going out for the day and holding your necessities. Once your trip is over, you can unzip the main bag (still using the other part that you were using as a purse), stuff all your purchases into it, and it easily fits under the seat on the plane or in the overhead if you prefer. 

We took this bag with us to Las Vegas, because we always come back with more than we come with, usually from family, but not always. Not only did it hold as much as our main weekender, it was just as heavy duty. Eric was able to keep his battery back-up, phone cords, book, and all his pocket stuff that he took out at security in the front as well. And it has a pass-through strap to add it to your wheeled bag, which is a huge plus to all Travelon bags over a certain size.

The nylon body is durable, but lightweight, and the straps are wide and comfortable for your hands. You can also use the shoulder strap, which is adjustable, to carry it more comfortably if it's heavy. Because it doesn't have ridged structure, it really conforms to whatever you want to put in it. You could easily use it as a weekender or a gym bag as well. 

If you take this as your main bag, but don't want to carry a second bag as a purse, you don't have to. When you get to your destination, you can unpack it, zip the duffel inside, and go about your trip with just a purse. If you don't care about an anti-theft bag, this one is a perfect size and light to carry. The strap is multifunctional, meaning you can wear it any length, for whatever your wearing style is. I notice more people are wearing crossbody bags closer to their bodies with the strap shorter, and this works for that, but also as a traditional crossbody, or even a regular shoulder bag.

If you plan to bring along your credit cards and/or passport with you, make sure you're taking them in an RFID-blocking wallet or stop by your bank and ask for some of of their credit card sleeves, or purchase some online. This will keep your info safe while out and about and keep you looking sporty with your crossbody bag. 

I love the look of this bag all the way around. It's great for men and women, has a classic look, is water-resistant, and can be packed in a really small space if you aren't using it as a purse. This is going in our packed bag, then will come back with us on the plane ride home. It's basically the perfect carry-on, shopping, and back-up bag. If you're heading out for your trip with gifts, you can bring it in this, then pack it down when you arrive, or swap it with the gifts you received. 

More details:

Where can I buy it? On the Travelon website

How much do they cost? $28 - Use code SHEREENTRAVELS20% to get my exclusive discount.

What colors do they come in? Black (shown) | Grey | Navy

Other specs: Polyester ripstop, Size: PACKED: 10" x 7" x 2.5", Strap Drop Length: 17"-27.5"

Show Travelon the love by following them on their social media channels: 

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Where would you take this bag?

Disclosure: Travelon sent me the 2-in-1 Convertible Crossbody Duffel for the purposes of this review, but all opinions are 100% my own.

12 Affordable Fall Vacation Destinations

I’ve been reading your survey responses and I’m listening. Some of you wanted more newsletters and posts on what destinations are budget-friendly during the upcoming months. Well, this next newsletter will talk about long weekends, microcations, and budget winter destinations, so you can plan better. Since that’s covered, I’d love to talk about budget fall destinations, for those of you hoping to take a trip sooner, rather than later.

As you know, destinations have on, off and shoulder seasons, where on season is the most expensive and busiest, off season is the cheapest and least crowded, and shoulder being somewhere in between. We tend to travel in September and October, which is shoulder season for a lot of destinations. Because there are smaller crowds and kids are in school, the limited opening hours aren’t that annoying, since we aren’t waiting in endless lines. I also feel like it gives me a built-in excuse to go back early, relax and get some good sleep. Not just that, but then I have time to do laundry when necessary.

So, what destinations are budget-friendly in the coming season change? Let’s look!

September

If you’re looking for a getaway that doesn’t include the typical beach setting, set your sights on Cape Cod, where the rates are cheaper and the seafood is still amazing, and there aren’t crowds of tourists, because it’s not summer. September still has great weather (highs in the 70s), though if you’re hoping to leaf peep, you’ll need to go later in the year and pack some warmer clothing.

If you really want to get away from it all, Bali sees a drop in summer crowds. You might have to deal with a bit of rainy weather, but generally the rainy season doesn’t start until November. Explore temples and beaches and save at resorts. Pretty much, you’re just looking for a good deal on airfare.

Chicago is another destination that swarms with tourists in the summer, but once the kids go back to school and the temps drop, you’ll be free to visit without fighting crowds and easily explore attractions like the Field Museum, Navy Pier, and Millennium Park. You might even get a picture of yourself at The Bean without a thousand people in the shot. Just avoid the weekend of the Chicago Marathon.

Hoping to visit Europe, but can’t quite swing the cost? Go to Montreal instead. Not only are the flights faster (getting you there much quicker), but it has an interesting old-world and modern city mixed vibe that you won’t find anywhere else. Skyscrapers and cobblestone streets, beautiful parks, amazing museums and even an Underground City where you can escape the cold.

Oddly enough, September is when you will find SanFrancisco at its warmest, yet also its cheapest and less crowded. You’ll still want to bring a jacket, but this is your chance to really take in the city’s attractions like all the cool things at Golden Gate Park, Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf and also stuff yourself full of seafood.

October

New Orleans is great to visit all fall long, but it’s still very warm in September, so waiting until October to visit can make it much more comfortable weather-wise. The high temps are still in the 70s, so you can pack your shorts and t-shirts, making it easier than ever to travel with just a carry-on. You will be contending with hurricane season, but as long as you keep tabs on the weather, you should be fine.

The Bahamas aren’t teeming with tourists during the fall, since September and early October is hurricane season, and most people wait until winter sets in to get away  to somewhere warm, so if you wait until late October or even November, you’re going to miss a lot of the rain and the tourists, but you’ll still get great deals and a chance to wear your swimsuit, too.

If you’re interested in watching the leaves turn, and you love outdoorsy activities like hiking, lighthouses and waterfalls, then the Upper Peninsula in Michigan is right up your alley in early October. You’ll need to bundle up, but there’s so much to see here. When the cold gets to be too much for you, you can hang out in one of the area’s handful of casinos and awesome restaurants.

Orlando sees a drop in visitors, since most of them are coming for the theme parks and it’s hard to do that when your kids are in school. If you can get away during October or November, you’re still going to be able to soak in some warm weather, while also getting bargains on hotels and finding shorter lines for park rides. Be aware though, if you are relying on hotel shuttles, they will be few and far between for theme parks. I’d recommend renting a car or using Uber/Lyft.

November

Take a tropical vacation without the fear of hurricanes in Aruba, Bonaire, or Curaçao (also known as the ABC Islands). You may still get rain, but you’ll also find temps in the 80s. Hit up Aruba and Curaçao for resorts, casinos and architecture, and Bonaire if you’re into scuba diving and snorkeling.

Instead of the arid landscape of Aruba, hit up Barbados during this time for a more lush, green escape. You’ll face short bursts of showers, but also cheap hotel rates, British-Caribbean culture fusion, and awesome tropical rum drinks.

If you can handle the cold weather, Washington, DC can be an excellent fall getaway. There are so many free museums and landmarks to break from the chill, plus there are tons of delicious restaurants where you can spend the money you’re saving on activities.

If you're planing a budget getaway, where are looking to go?