Las Vegas: Offers The Unexpected

Most people know that Las Vegas offers some of the most exciting casinos in the world, not to mention world-class restaurants, a wide range of truly incredible shopping opportunities, lavish day spas, and extremely unique and entertaining shows. However, it also offers a variety of truly one-of-a-kind experiences you'll remember for a lifetime.

This week, I am in Las Vegas experiencing just some of what's new here. This is my first visit to the world famous Strip in almost five years, and I am amazed at how much things have changed...for the better!


In recent years, the Wynn expanded to include the all-new Encore, and in the middle of the Strip, City Center (featuring the Aria mega-resort) has opened. The Planet Hollywood hotel has expanded, and just this month, The Cosmopolitan (another incredible mega-resort) opened in the heart of the Strip.

Visiting any one of these properties provides for a unique vacation experience onto itself, as each offers its own theme, not to mention, it's own unique approach to guest room accommodations, hospitality, entertainment options, restaurants, shops, casinos and other amenities. All also offer incredible spas, as well as other activities and attractions - from dancing water fountain shows to exquisite art galleries.

While the Strip offers so much that's new, much of what's been here continues to provide top-notch and memorable vacation experiences. Even if you choose to visit Las Vegas and not gamble, you can find an endless assortment of activities and entertainment experiences to keep youself busy every minute of the day and night.

For example, over the years, I have seen the majority of shows presented in Las Vegas, and I can't recommend the various Cirque du Soleil shows highly enough, although my particular favorite continues to be KA. 

Over at the Wynn, Le Reve is truly one of the most breathtaking and amazing theatrical experiences ever to be presented in Las Vegas. Words can't do this show justice...It is that incredible.

However, if you're more in the mood to experience an amazing concert, Cher, Garth Brooks, Barry Manilow, and Donny & Marie are just some of the major headliners performing regularly on the Strip. Later this year, Celine Dion will also be returning with an all-new show.

Here in Las Vegas, yet another entertainment option is to catch one of the Broadway show productions, such as The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera or Jersey Boys.

Still another option is to experience one of the more classic-style Las Vegas shows, featuring music, dancing, elaborate costumes, comedy, magic and other speciality or variety-type acts. When it comes to entertainment, your choices are plentiful, and no matter what you choose, you probably won't be disappointed.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway: Home of Exotics Racing

Race A Ferrari: The Thrill Of A Lifetime!

During the day, if you're looking for a one-of-a-kind, adrenaline rush experience that you will probably remember for the rest of your life, take a 20 minute drive from the Strip, and head to the Las Vegas Speedway to experience Exotics Racing (703-405-7223, www.exoticsracing.com). 

Here, you will have the opportunity to not only test drive a current model Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porche, Aston Martin or Audi, for example, but you'll be able to take these and other cars onto the actual Las Vegas Speedway race track, and drive around the course at the highest speeds these cars can go (or that you, as the driver, can handle).

The Exotics Racing experience includes driver "training," as well as a one-on-one instructor who accompanies you in the vehicle(s) of your choice, but you are the driver, and have 100 percent control over the vehicle at all times as you take your laps.

This experience isn't cheap (prices start at $199.00), but it's well worth it, especially if you're a car buff.

Exotics Racing is the only company offering this type of driving experience in America, where you can literally race high-end cars around a professional track. The company focuses on safety, but goes out of it's way to provide an exhilarating experience for all who participate. The instructors are professional (and highly-skilled) drivers who are also extremely friendly.

My Las Vegas experience continues until Monday...Then, on Tuesday, I am headed to Orlando to experience the inaugural voyage of the brand new Disney Dream cruise ship (www.DisneyCruiseLines.com). Having heard so many wonderful things about what this new ship offers, it's a trip I am really looking forward to. 

So, please stay tuned for details about the Disney Dream and what's new at The Walt Disney World Resort and in Orlando.

Cirque du Soleil OVO: A Hit In Boston That's Headed To DC and Atlanta Next

The brilliant and creative minds behind Cirque du Soleil have done it again with it's latest touring production, called OVO. This incredible spectacle of sight and sound features amazing circus-style performances that have been re-envisioned into a totally new and original show.

Like other Cirque du Soleil shows, OVO features incredible music, colorful and imaginative costumes, unusual sets, and absolutely incredible talent. In fact, this is one of the best touring Cirque du Soleil shows ever! It's well worth the price of admission.

Every act blends together seamlessly to tell a story, and while each features extremely dangerous and incredibly difficult performances, the performers themselves make everything look absolutely effortless - like watching a perfectly choreographed ballet, for example.

Being a touring show, OVO is presented within a massive, custom-designed Grand Chapiteau (circus big top), which features a state-of-the-art sound and light system, and a circular stage that constantly transforms right before the audience's eyes.

The theme of OVO is insects, and when you attend a performance, you'll be transported into a three-dimensional, colorful and almost magical world that comes to life around you. But don't be fooled. This isn't a show designed for kids (although kids and teens will love it.)

Cirque du Soleil has multiple touring shows being presented concurrently throughout the world, plus a handful of resident shows in Las Vegas, as well as Orlando (plus in a few other cities abroad). Each show is totally different and extremely unique, as is OVO. So, even if you've seen other Cirque du Soleil shows, you can still plan on being utterly amazed and thoroughly entertained when you experience OVO.

In just a few words, OVO can best be described as imaginative, original and absolutely brilliant. OVO showcases incredible acrobats, gymnasts, contortionists, dancers, and other talented artists who have created original performances (circus acts), the likes of which you won't see anywhere else. This is anything but your run-of-the-mill circus, and it's a show that people of all ages will truly appreciate.

Over the past decade or so, I have had the privilege of seeing over a dozen Cirque du Soleil shows, including those which reside permanently in Las Vegas and Orlando, plus several of the touring shows. Every show I've seen, without exception, to has left me entertained and in awe of the incredible talent, the originality, and wonderful creativity behind each of them. Again, OVO is no exception. This show is truly breathtaking, and offers non-stop thrills and entertainment that's visually stunning.

According to the show's producers, "The cast of OVO comprises 54 performing artists from 16 different countries. OVO features many acrobatic acts, including a stunning flying trapeze act: six flyers sour 40 feet in the air, making this act the biggest of its kind ever presented under a big top by Cirque du Soleil. It combines many circus disciplines...The final act features 20 artists running, jumping and leaping up a 24-foot vertical wall."

OVO made its U.S. debut in San Francisco back in November 2009, and has been touring across America ever since, presenting shows to typically sold-out audiences.

Whether it's in Boston, Washington, DC or Atlanta, for example, a typical performance schedule throughout the week includes shows Tuesdays through Thursdays at 8:00pm; Saturdays at 4:00pm and 8:00pm; and Sundays as 1:00pm and 5:00pm. There are no performances on Mondays. On certain dates, however, performance times vary, so check the Cirque du Soleil website for details.

On Sunday, August 29th, OVO has its last performance in Boston, but continues its tour in Washington, DC on Thursday, September 9th, where it will remain until Sunday, October 24th, before heading to Atlanta.

Next year, OVO will be presented in several additional cities, including Dallas, Houston, Cincinnati and Seattle. So, if you happen to be in any of these cities during show dates, make a point to reserve tickets in advance and catch a performance!

Within the bright yellow and blue Grand Chapiteau, all of the seats offer an incredible view of everything. However, the Premium seats ($130.00 adults, $91.00 children, $117.00 seniors/students/military) put you front and center. Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 seats are also available at lower prices, starting at $55.00 (adults), $38.50 (children), $49.50 (seniors/students/military). These prices are for Washington, DC performances and may vary in other cities.

For ticket information, as well as show times and dates, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/ovo or call (800) 450-1480.

During the past 26 years, Cirque du Soleil (which is based in Montreal, Canada) has entertained more than 90 million spectators in over 200 cities on five continents. It all started as a 20 person French circus troupe, and has since evolved into a worldwide phenomenon.

All photos in this article are (c)2010 by Cirque du Soleil.

Las Vegas Offering Incredible Travel Deals This Summer

The current economic condition is impacting cities and tourism across the U.S., but it seems that Las Vegas is getting hit extra hard. Conventions and business meetings that would typically be held in Sin City have been cancelled, scaled-down or moved, and vacationers don't seem to be shelling out the money for Las Vegas trips like they did in the past.

To combat the reduction in visitors, the Las Vegas resorts, hotels and motels are all offering incredible deals throughout the summer, with guest rooms at three-star resorts going for as low as $31.00 per night, and rooms at the most luxurious properties along the Las Vegas Strip going for a nightly rate around $100.00 per night (sometimes less).

To find the best accommodations rates, first visit the websites operated by the popular resort hotels located along The Strip, and search for online deals and promotions. Next, check out the special promotions offered online by TravelZoo.com. Finally, compare those prices with what's being offered by the popular online travel services, like Hotels.com, Travelocity.com, Orbitz.com and Kayak.com, for example.

I checked the current Las Vegas promotions being offered on TravelZoo.com, and here's just a sampling of the great deals I found:

• Excalibur Hotel & Casino (Three Stars) - $31.00 to $36.00 per night. Available Sundays to Thursdays throughout August.
• MGM-Grand (Four Stars) - $55.00 to $63.00 per night on select dates throughout July and August.
• The Mirage (Four Stars) - $81.00 to $99.00 per night. Available on most Sundays through Thursdays, between now and late-August.
• Caesar's Palace (Four Stars) - $90.00 to $100.00 per night (mid-week, throughout July and August).

In addition to these discounts, it's easy to find inexpensive flights to Las Vegas from most major U.S. cities on the "discount" airlines, like JetBlue, AirTran and Virgin America.

When shopping for the best rates on accommodations and airfares, you'll have the best luck if your travel dates are somewhat flexible. For example, try arriving on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday (as opposed to on a Friday), and try departing on a Monday (instead of on a Sunday). On return flights from Las Vegas back to the East Coast, the overnight flights are always the least expensive and most readily available.

Once you arrive in Las Vegas, leave time in your schedule and budget to see some of the amazing shows, like Le Reve at The Wynn. If music is more your thing, the Barry Manilow show is incredible, as are the Bette Midler's The Showgirl Must Go On and Cher shows.

You know you'll have an amazing evening of entertainment if you experience any of the mind-blowing and visually amazing Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas, which include:

• Mystere (Treasure Island)
• "O" (Bellagio)
• Zumanity (New York, New York) - This show is for open-minded adults only.
• KA (MGM-Grand)
• The Beatles Love (The Mirage)
• Chris Angel Believe (Luxor)

Note: Cirque du Soleil is currently offering a 35% discount off of ticket prices for all of its shows to students, as well as a discount to seniors.

If you're planning a business trip to Las Vegas, be sure to first order a copy of my Entrepreneur Magazine's Business Traveler Guide to Las Vegas ($14.95, Entrepreneur Press) travel guide. You can order it from Amazon.com or BN.com. This book will help you save hundreds of dollars on your next business-related trip, plus insure you'll be as productive as possible, especially if you'll be attending an important business meeting or convention.

Kooza: Cirque du Soleil Visits Boston & DC

Now a worldwide phenomenon, Cirque du Soleil has been experienced by more than 80 million spectators to date. This year, the Quebec-based organization is simultaneously producing 17 extremely unique shows, including several resident shows in Las Vegas, one in Orlando, plus multiple touring shows that are currently visiting U.S. cities (as well as cities abroad).

During your next visit to Las Vegas, treat yourself to at least one incredible night of entertainment by experiencing KA, Love, Zumanity, "O," Mystere or Criss Angel Believe. These shows are all performed in theaters that were custom-built to house the multi-million dollar productions, all of which are truly breathtaking. When visiting The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, don't miss La Nouba (the Cirque du Soliel resident show presented within a custom-built theater in the Downtown Disney area.)

One thing to understand about Cirque du Soleil is that while many of the shows are family-friendly and feature incredibly entertaining and often extremely unusual circus-like acts, these shows are designed to appeal to adults. Each resident and touring show is extremely unique and offers a vastly different entertainment experience.

Currently in Boston (its next stop is Washington, DC, starting on October 30th), Cirque du Soleil Kooza is a touring show that's presented within a massive circus tent. 

This show returns Cirque du Soleil to its roots. It expertly combines state of the art lighting and sound effects with original music (performed live), spectacular sets (which become part of the show), unusual and colorful costumes, plus breathtaking acrobatic performances, classic clowning, juggling and plenty of non-stop thrills as nine unique acts are presented.

When you think of a circus, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus or The Big Apple Circus might come to mind. These are wonderful shows for kids, teens and adults, but Cirque du Soleil's Kooza can best be described a collection of traditional circus acts on steroids...In other words, you've probably never seen anything like the amazing acts that are presented, even if you've seen many of the other Cirque du Soleil shows. The performers are world class and what transpires before your eyes will keep you on the edge of your seat. Yes, it's that amazing!

Tickets for Kooza range in price from $55.00 to $125.00, plus special VIP seating is available for $215.00. Discounted children's tickets (for kids, ages 2 to 12), as well as student and senior citizen tickets are available. However, in my opinion, Kooza is not suitable for kids under the age of 10.

If you're looking for an amazing and memorable night of entertainment to celebrate a special occasion, to impress an important business client, or to spend quality time with your loved ones, reserve your Kooza tickets online or call (800) 678-5440. The show's length is two hours and 40-minutes (including a 30 minute intermission).

Over the years, I've had the opportunity to see most of the different Cirque du Soleil shows, including those in Las Vegas and Orlando, and several different touring shows in various U.S. cities. I must admit that Kooza is as spectacular as all of the other Cirque du Soleil shows, but this one has a more traditional (albeit extremely incredible) circus feel that I strongly recommend seeing firsthand - not on DVD. 

If you've never experienced a Cirque du Soleil show in-person, and you happen to be in Boston or Washington, DC, check out Kooza...You won't be disappointed!!!