Travel Agent - October 1, 2007 - (Page 55)

THERE’S NOTHING ELSE ON EARTH quite like the artificial splendor of the Las Vegas landscape. It’s a place where extreme design has taken root, transforming a seemingly barren desert landscape into a multitude of highly individualized small cities. These mega-resorts all sport everything under a single roof. Gambling, fine dining, shopping, entertainment, meeting facilities and more are all on site, so it’s very possible to enter the building upon arrival and never get a glimpse of the Great Outdoors until the ride back to the airport. But sticking with man-made excess belies the true Las Vegas story. Believe it or not, but some of Mother Nature’s greatest hits are out there just past the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas Strip. OK, some of these natural wonders have actually been tweaked by human ingenuity, but it’s still a great respite from the city’s over-the-top excess and makes for a refreshing, balanced getaway. Nearby highlights include Red Rock Canyon, Lake Mead, Mount Charleston and Valley of Fire. The Grand Canyon is a little farther away, but makes for a special day or side trip. Of course, seeing past the neon will require a car, but fortunately 54 percent of all visitors arrive by ground transportation, says the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. For those without a car, most of the hotels and casinos rent them on site. That makes getting a vehicle for a day trip or longer as easy as calling the concierge, or booking it for your client through traditional channels. ABOVE: Much of Mount Charleston’s six million acres are suitable for family hiking LEFT: Getting out on the water at Lake Mead Recreation Area is a refreshing respite from the desert heat frequently to check out many of the unique land formations and plant life. A daily vehicle pass is only $5 and the scenic drive is open from 6 a.m. Closing times vary depending on the time of year, with the drive closing at 5 p.m. from November through February, 7 p.m. during March and October and 8 p.m. from April to September. Pets are permitted. Call 702-515-5350 for more information. Valley of Fire Nevada’s oldest and largest state park, Valley of Fire is about an hour’s drive (55 miles) from Las Vegas. Highlights here include swaths of petrified wood, as well as petroglyphs created Red Rock Canyon Located just 17 miles (about a 30-minute drive down West Charleston Boulevard, route 159) from the Las Vegas Strip is the stunning Red Rock Canyon, Nevada’s first National Conservation Area. It’s a great destination for experienced hikers and climbers, as well as nature novices who simply want to take a drive surrounded by beautiful scenery. Of course, there are red rocks aplenty, a signature of southwestern United States rock formations. There are more than 30 miles of wellmarked hiking trails and picnic areas and many great places to set up the camera to capture fabulous vistas. There’s a 13-mile scenic drive here, too, which is a great way to see the highlights of the park, especially if the mercury pushes past 100 degrees. Be sure to let your clients know that this drive can take several hours, especially if they get out of the car AGENTADVICE Anthony Gagliano of Travel Planners International in Orlando was recently in Las Vegas and recommends Bobby Flay’s restaurant Mesa Grill, which specializes in Southwestern cuisine. “It is a good place to go if you like spicy food, and I suggest going there hungry. I had the NY strip steak and those in my party had the pork loin—both were good. When I’d watch the Food Network, Flay always stood out to me. His restaurant is in Caesars Palace, which is also a good hotel. With the combination of Caesars Palace, Flay’s restaurant and the property’s nightclub, Pure—you’ve got it!” by Native Americans 1,000 years before the birth of Jesus. Start at the visitor center, which is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., to learn more about the park’s history and geology. Staff there can also suggest particular hiking trails that match your clients’ skill level and amount of time they wish to explore. Then be sure they also check out the sights that are accessible via car. Atlatl Rock features myriad petroglyphs, while the Arch Rock scenic loop highlights many of the park’s unique rock formations. At Fire Canyon, clients can take in views of rich red sandstone formations, as well as Silica Dome, one of the more unique features of the park. Suggest a stop by the Rainbow Vista for photographers looking to capture a wondrous view of multicolored sandstone. Tell your clients to pack a picnic lunch and suggest the Seven Sisters area for a backdrop of many red rock features that seem to come straight out of the movies. It’s only $6 per car to enter and $14 to camp, on a first-come, first-served basis. Pets on leashes are welcome. For more information, call 702-397-2088. Lake Mead Created upon the completion of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead National Recreation Area is much more than a reservoir. It’s a watery oasis in the middle of the desert attracting water worshippers looking to enjoy swimming, fishing, boating or simply lolling about under the scorching sun. CONTINUED ON PAGE 56 October 1, 2007 TravelAgent | 55

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Online Now From the Editor From the Publisher Contributors Caribbena: Porta Caribe, Puerto Rico, an Unspoiled Retreat Carribbean Deals Mexico: Insider Tips: Hotels, Dining and Shopping in Cancun Mexico Deals Las Vegas: Tell Clients About Day Trips Into the Great Outdoors Europe: Budapest: Off-Season Promotions Pacific/Asia: Korea Expands its Offerings Seoul Primer: All the Info You Need For a Smooth Trip Pacific/Asia Deals Hawaii: Captivating Kauai: Enhanced Resorts, Natural Beauty Cruises: Building Revenue with Themed Cruises Cruise Deals Hotels: London: The Lanesborough’s New Guest Rooms Tours: Gutsy Women Travel’s New Morocco Itinerary Tour Deals Spas: Escape to Tranquility: Three Spa Havens Spa Deals Cover Story: Donna Flora Agent Profile Podcasts Offer a New Way to Give Your Clients Added Value Car Rental Navigation 101: Shift Profits into High Gear with These Tips Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Cruise: Commission Cutting, Hurricanes Pitch Colombia, Impress Your Clients Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism New Alaska Products for Families In the Spotlight Editorial Index Advertising Index Classified Marketplace Trendwatch

Travel Agent - October 1, 2007

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