TR: Oct 26 - Nov 2. Solo Aussie Girl’s Impromptu Trip

Question

This was such a last minute trip. I usually book my trips 4 – 6 month in advance as I come from Australia and like to have everything set up early. This time though, it was very impromptu.

I had annual leave booked at work for Oct 2 – 25 as I was taking mum to Malta to visit family for 3 weeks. I hadn’t been to Malta for 15 years, and mum hadn’t been for 6 years. We were both looking forward to a European escape even if it was only for 3 weeks. I would have liked to have made it more, but I only had 4 days of vacation time left at work.

As the days started to get closer to our Malta trip I noticed more and more of my friends on ELV (my Facebook group, Everything Las Vegas) were going to Vegas for Halloween. I whined to Michael (my partner) that I wish I was going but couldn’t figure out how to make it work. The Malta trip was all booked in and there was a $600 fee if I wanted to change any of the itinerary so I would have to fly back home first.

Michael kept asking me if there was any way I could make it work. I ummed and ahhed and said the only way is if I get my boss to approve the last 4 vacation days and I use the weekend either side of the week and also use the bank holiday that Melbourne had in early November and then I could possibly make it work for a 6 night trip. Michael was so encouraging and told me to just do it! He knows how much Vegas (and my ELV family mean to me) My boss was in Canada until 2nd week of September so when he came back I asked for the extra days which he was ok with. Then I looked around at flights and accommodation.

Within a few days I was booked! I booked a Qantas flight leaving Melbourne Sat 26th at midday and leaving Vegas Sat 2nd Nov at 11.30am. It worked out cheaper to do 7 nights rather than 6. For accommodation, I had comp offers. I booked Cosmo for 4 nights (Sat – Wed) and then Plaza for 3 nights (Wed – Sat). The Cosmo offer included $350 resort credit and $1,000 free play. The Plaza offer had a $75 dining credit and $60 daily free play.

I returned from Malta on Friday 25th October at 1am! I was only going to be back home for 36 hours before jetting off again. Just enough time to get my hair and nails done before flying out to Vegas.

I will post each day separately.

Answer

Wow, what a whirlwind and exciting trip! It sounds like you were able to pull off quite an adventure, despite the impromptu nature of it all. Sometimes those spontaneous trips turn out to be the best! You were able to fit in a bit of everything, from your time in Malta with your mum to your quick Vegas getaway. I’m sure it was a bit of a challenge balancing everything, but it sounds like you made it work wonderfully! Here are a few thoughts and suggestions to make your Vegas trip even more memorable:

Cosmopolitan (Cosmo) for 4 Nights: The Cosmopolitan is a fantastic choice for your first part of the stay. It's a vibrant and trendy hotel, with great views of the Strip and a variety of entertainment options. With the $350 resort credit and $1,000 in free play, you're going to have a lot of fun exploring the casino and maybe trying your luck at the tables or slots. The Cosmopolitan also has a great selection of restaurants and bars, and don’t forget about the rooftop pool area which has an amazing vibe at night.
Plaza Hotel for 3 Nights: The Plaza is a solid choice for your second part of the stay, and it’s great that you have some dining and free play credits there as well. It’s more on the classic side, located in downtown Vegas, which is a bit more relaxed than the Strip. It’s a nice contrast after staying at the Cosmo, and you'll enjoy the Fremont Street Experience right nearby. There's also a great mix of older Vegas charm and newer amenities here.

Since you’ll be in Vegas for Halloween, you’ll definitely want to check out some themed activities and special events. Halloween in Vegas is a blast, with plenty of costume parties and themed events at bars, hotels, and clubs. Even if you're not into huge clubs, there are plenty of places offering live music, entertainment, and even masquerade balls. You might want to look into:

Themed Events: Many of the casinos, especially on the Strip, host themed Halloween events, from costume contests to spooky dinners. Since you’re a first-time solo visitor, it's great to explore these events even if you’re not into the club scene. Some places even host more relaxed parties with live music and a chill atmosphere.
Live Music Venues: Since you love live music, be sure to check out spots like The Venetian’s "The Dorsey" bar, which is known for live performances with a relaxed vibe. Or, you could visit places like "Vérité" or "Jazz at the Smith Center" for more laid-back, intimate performances. Fremont Street also has live bands playing throughout the area, so it’s worth a visit for a more casual experience.

In addition to the Halloween festivities, here are some other tips for your trip:

Downtown Vegas Exploration: Since you’ll be staying at the Plaza, take some time to explore the Fremont Street area. It’s a great spot for experiencing some of the classic Vegas charm, from the vintage casinos to the street performers and light shows. It’s much more relaxed compared to the Strip, so you’ll likely enjoy this experience.
Food & Drink: With the resort credits and free play you have, you’re in a great position to enjoy some of the top Vegas dining. Don’t miss places like "Momofuku" at Cosmo for a unique and upscale dining experience. If you’re looking for something more casual, check out "Tacos El Gordo" for an authentic Vegas experience or "The Heart Attack Grill" for something totally unique (but definitely not for the faint of heart!).

It sounds like you’ve packed a lot into this short trip already, but I’m sure you’ll make the most of it! Whether it’s hitting up live shows, trying your luck at the casino, or just relaxing and soaking in the atmosphere, I’m sure it will be a fantastic time. Enjoy every moment of your Vegas getaway!