John Wilson interviewed at “Simplifying Las Vegas”
Aug/100
by John Wilson
Head on over to Simplifying Las Vegas blog ran by Mike Attisano. Mike interviewed me about my experiences in Las Vegas, whether or not it’s a good idea to rent a car, how a baby changes the vacation, and several other topics.
Mike’s a Vegas expert and the first guy I go to anytime I’m headed out to the City of Sin. Mike helped me find Red Rock Canyon and the Hoover Dam as great places to visit while visiting Vegas. He also talked me into getting a car in Vegas while I was there.
Make sure you buy his book – tell him John sent you for a free luggage tag when you purchase a Kindle copy of his best-selling guide: Simplifying Las Vegas (A Travel Guide for Everyone).
8 Tips for Driving Around Las Vegas as a Tourist
Jul/101
by John Wilson
Here are some tips I have after a week of driving around Las Vegas as a tourist for 7 days this Summer:
- Take your GPS – everyone has one, and they are expensive from the rental service
- Don’t take the gas option – gas just off the Strip is cheaper than airport gas
- Get familiar with the following North and South running streets:
- Paradise Rd gets you from the Hilton to the airport with not too many stop lights
- The Strip – besides 8p to 2a, this is a fun and exciting way to get around
- Koval Road – this is the entrance road to most of the casinos on the Eastern side of The Strip
- S. Valley View Road – a little more “seedy” but still useful for travel on the West side of the strip
- Get familiar with the casinos on the strip and utilize the roads named after them including: Sahara, Desert Inn, Flamingo, Harmon and Tropicana
- Be sure to pay close attention to the “self-park” signs for each casino, most are behind the casinos, but a few (like the Wynn and City Center) are right off of the strip
- Stay in your lane – unlike in most cities, Las Vegas does not use paint to divide lanes, instead using round reflectors – this took me a day or so to get used to
- Remember that half a mile from the strip, Las Vegas is a normal city. Make use of the restaurants, gas stations, Walmarts, Walgreens, etc.
- Take your rental car back early. The complex is a bus ride away from the terminal and can take as much as 45 minutes to return your car and get to the airport.
Renting a car is a great way to see all that Las Vegas has to offer. I highly suggest renting one on your next trip.
Don’t Eat THIS on the Plane
Jul/105
by John Wilson
(Edit on July 23): Chow (dot) com took my comment down linking back to this article. Very nice and community like.
I just read an article about “What not to eat at work” (previously linked) at chow (dot) com. This article explains discusses all the of the pungent and bothersome foods your colleagues heat up and consume in cube farms across the country. This article inspired me to recount two stories about folks and food on my recent travels:
Watch your coffee: I was sitting in the bulk head of an MD88 on the aisle to the right as you’re walking back to your seat. A lady, blabbing with her telephone jammed on her shoulder, was carrying a Starbucks coffee in her left hand (away from me) and dragging her bag with her hand closest to me. Sure enough, as soon as she hit the economy section her bag jammed into my knee causing her hot coffee to spill all over the guy in the row across from me. He was ticked – and the girl apologized, barely, and kept right on yammering on the phone. Had it been me, I’m not sure how I would have reacted, but it probably wouldn’t have been pretty as I’m typically headed to a client meeting.
Raining Sprite: Yesterday morning, on the way to Philadelphia, a woman set her 20oz bottle of Sprite in the overhead bin while she rummaged through her bag for a magazine. As she went to put her overstuffed bag in the bin she must have tipped the bottle (I didn’t see this, I’m assuming). She also must have not cleaned it up because as we began to take off, the gentlemen sitting in the aisle seat a few seats behind where she spilled her bottle received a Sprite shower. This was easily the maddest I’ve ever seen anyone on an airplane that hadn’t been sitting on the tarmac for 3 hours.
Either of the two incidents above could have been avoided had the passengers followed a few of my airplane etiquette rules… or just some common sense.
Visiting Red Rock Canyon
Jul/101
by John Wilson
During our family trip to Las Vegas, we took a side journey to Red Rock Canyon. This park is only about 30 minutes from “the strip” and is well worth the journey there, especially if you have a rental car. You can see the canyon from the strip if you know which direction to look.
From what I could see, there are three main activities to do in Red Rock Canyon for the typical tourist:
1. Drive the 13 mile scenic road – This relatively flat, 13 mile drive is an excellent way to see the entire park with little effort. Along the way there are several stopping points or parking lots, to get out and take pictures. The road is one-way and plenty wide enough to let those folks who are driving a little to fast, or a little too close, to drive around you.
Chasing white-tailed antelope squirrels around the roads and parking lots was my family’s favorite park activity. These chipmunk-looking creatures hang out near the parking lots and the roads, and are very skittish of humans and cars. We had a hard time getting a good photograph of them, even with my zoom lens, because they are so quick to run off the road. With that being said, we saw more than one squished one, probably thanks to the idiots we let pass us driving too fast earlier on the road. As you drive the road, be sure to watch out for these little guys.
The white-tailed antelope squirrels photographed below were the only ones of the hundreds we saw that would sit still long enough for a photo.
The only one that would pose for us
Squirrel running down the road
2. Hike/Bike the trails – The day we toured Red Rock Canyon, it was over 110 degrees in Las Vegas. Despite this, we saw several folks bicycling and hiking the trails. There are over 35 guided hikes a month and miles of bike trails to explore. For the extra adventurous tourists, there are several rock climbing paths as well.
To see the upcoming tours check the Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association’s website.
For a list of hiking trails see the wiki on Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area web site.
3. Visitor’s Center – The visitor’s center is small and mostly a souvenir shop. When we were there, however, there were two folks sitting at a desk answering questions about the park. They were well informed, seemed mostly bored, and answered all of my questions. They also stamped my son’s State Park Passport book (even though she informed me RRC isn’t really a state park).
View from the Visitor’s Center
It is well worth your time to visit Red Rock Canyon while in Las Vegas. Admission is only $7 or so per car and you can visit the town of Summerlin while you’re there.
Lizard at Red Rock Canyon
A broken “Shaq-tus”
To see additional photos from Red Rock Canyon, see my set on Flickr.
Trip to Hoover Dam from Las Vegas
Jul/102
by John Wilson
We made a quick day trip out of going to Hoover Dam. The drive is only about 45 minutes (tops) and you get to see a lot of Las Vegas off “the Strip” including a great view of Henderson from Highway 515.
We went very early in the morning and were literally the first car in the parking lot. NOTE: We drove directly into the parking lot from the road that takes you into Hoover Dam, however, as we were leaving that afternoon there was a very long line, 200 or more cars deep, waiting to get in. I highly recommend you get up early so you don’t have to wait. If you go early in the week of your trip, you may still be on EST. Be careful on the drive in as their are several sharp turns, poor visibility and no guard rails.
We walked across the top of Hoover Dam first, since the museum/tour didn’t open until 9a. On the walk across you will see the memorial to the 112 people that died during the construction of the dam (one was a visitor). You will also see the divide between Nevada time and Arizona time, as well as a great view of both sides of the dam. the It’s a relatively short walk, and if you go far enough you can walk into Arizona. I thought the state line was actually on the bridge, but the sign made it seem as if it was actually a good 200 yards on the other side of the river.
The $11 tour of the dam was not the most informative tour I’ve ever been on, but worth taking since you’re already there. It explained some of the history of the bridge through a short movie then walked you through the caves to the power plant. You literally walk through carved-out caves to get to each part of the tour, so if you are at all claustrophobic, you should probably take a pass on this tour. One lady in our tour turned around because so many people were crammed into the elevators, and because the caves are a tight fit (the pathways are probably 10×10.
The Hoover Dam is incredibly difficult to take competent pictures of because it is so big and you can only get so far from it. Be sure to go to the top of the Visitor’s Center to have your best chance of a good photograph.
The last piece of the tour worth noting is the near completion of the Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. When that bridge is complete, you will no longer be able to drive across the Hoover Dam. This project has been in action for years, but was accelerated by the events of September 11. On the top floor of the Visitor’s Center there is an entire section devoted to the bridge.
Parker waiting in the “caves” for the next part of the tour
On your way back to Las Vegas, be sure to stop and take a look at Lake Mead on the left just a quarter-mile past the guard post.
Below are a few pictures from the visit. You can see the remainder of the set on my Hoover Dam picture set on Flickr.
The Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam Bypass near completion.
We stopped at Tony’s Pizza in Boulder on the way back to Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Day 1: Cabana at Hilton Las Vegas Pool
Jul/100
by John Wilson
On our first full day in Las Vegas, Parker, Amanda and I spent a good deal of the day at the pool at the Las Vegas HIlton. We rented a cabana to avoid some of the heat (it was 106 degrees). Here are some benefits of renting at cabana at the Las Vegas Hilton:
- Avoid the direct sun light (especially if you’re as pale as me). There are other cabana like structures, but none with the sun blocking ability of the cabanas.
- Flat-screen tv in the cabana for watching sports, catching up on the news or to provide noise to nap to.
- Twenty free non-alcoholic drinks are including with choices of Coke, Diet Coke, Cranberry and Apple Juice, Sprite, Diet Sprite and water. It was hot, and we still ended up bringing some back
- Soft couches to sit on including a few lounge chairs to drag out into the sun
- Privacy to pull shut the cabana door if you need to change
- A ceiling fan to blow around all that hot air
- Plugs for your computer or cell phone
- A lockable safe to protect your stuff
All of this for $125. For a few bucks extra you can rent a cabana that overlooks the strip with more of mesh walls to let the breeze flow through.
After spending the day in the pool, the three of us ventured down to the MGM Grand Casino to eat a the Rainforest Cafe. We figured Parker would love it – unfortunately, he slept through the whole thing.
Below are some more pictures from Day 1. You can see the whole set by visiting my flickr page here.
Pool at the Hilton Las Vegas
Parker going for a swim
Parker sleeping with the fishes
Sunset at MGM Grand Casino
Sunset on Day 1
Airplane Etiquette
May/102
by John Wilson
This post (for the most part) is being written at about 18,900 ft on a flight to Atlanta. We’re flying through a storm and this is keeping my mind off of the turbulence. Typically, I use my Jedi mind tricks to keep the flight smooth, but the Claritin is blocking the pathways.
There has been a lot of talk lately about the air traveler’s bill of rights (protecting passengers from airlines), and new legislation surrounding wait times on the tarmac. Below is my manifesto on airplane etiquette (protecting passengers from each other). If everyone would follow these simple ten rules, no one would mind a little extra wait on the ground.
- Know how to go through security – This is the fastest way because it lets you put everything back together (from the ground up):
- Shoes on the belt first
- Then carry on
- Then liquids in a bag, in a “hat bin”
- Then your computer bag
- Then your computer in a bin
- Then your jacket, sweater, etc.
- Security applies to you, too – Yes, you have to take your shoes off, no we don’t care that you have to completely unpack to remove your liquids. Have you been living under a rock for the last nine years? Just do it.
- Carry-ons – A few simple rules here:
- if you can’t lift it over your head, and you’re less than 70 years old, leave it at home.
- It’s called carry on because you need to carry it on to the plane. Your roller board will not roll down the aisle, and you will hit me with it.
- Put your computer bag under the seat in front of you. I don’t care if it is your only bag, no one wants to have to put their luggage behind them or have to check it.
- Personal Music – I appreciate that you purchased headphones that are loud enough for me to enjoy, but I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t. Simply remove your headphones and if you can still hear the music, it’s probably too loud.
- Head Phones as a Signal – If I’m wearing headphones, I don’t want to talk to you unless I have to. I’ve probably had a long day, I’ve probably been on multiple flights, and I’m probably trying to avoid listening to your music. Don’t bother trying to talk to me, I’m ignoring you.
- Please don’t touch my seat – Use the arm rests to stand up and the overhead bins to balance yourself in the aisle. And, for the love of God, please tell your kid to stop kicking me.
- Stay in your seat – If you don’t fit in your seat, buy two or sit in first class. You can also call the airline and ask which flights are partially full and then you can typically sit by yourself (I call this “Poor Man’s first class”. If you do fit, stay off of my side.
- Get out of your seat – Be ready to deplane as soon as possible when it is your turn. Have your under-the-seat-bag ready and have a light enough carry on to be able to pull it out on the move. We all have connections to get to.
- We all have connections – Don’t bother asking to get in front of me in the aisle as we deboard. One – you don’t fit. Two – it will save you about 12 seconds. Three – I have a connection, too. Four – the guy in front me of is going to ignore you.
- Have a nice day – All the above rules aside, just be nice to your fellow passengers, and treat them the way you expect to be treated, and we’ll all get there with our sanity. (Also, don’t take your shoes off and pick your toe jam – the guy beside me is doing that RIGHT NOW.)
Like my rules above? Think I’m ridiculous? Put your own stories or additions to the rules in the comments below.
Travel Tip #6: Wrinkled Suit Coats
Oct/090
by John Wilson
This tip and picture comes from my friend Matt who travels way more than I do.
No more crumpled coats
If you aren’t riding in first class, and you’re on the way to your destination, chances are there is no where to put your suit coat. Your options are to either wear it, (try to) fold it neatly in your bag or the overhead compartment, or beg the flight attendant to take it. None of these are great options and have led to several embarrassing meetings with semi-wrinkled dress clothes… but with Matt’s tip, the whole game changes.
Assuming your coat has the tag intact on collar of the collar of the coat, use the hook (as shown in the picture) on the tray table in front of you. This prevents the coat from getting crammed in an overhead compartment, and makes it possible for you ride comfortably, coat-free.
Other ways to keep your suit looking fresh:
Travel Tip #5: Don’t Steal Gas in Florida
Aug/090
In my unsuccessful trip to see the cancelled Aerosmith concert in Tampa I noticed the little orange sticker seen to the right on all of the gas pumps. These stickers indicate the last time that particular pump was investigated to make sure it was safe and that it pumps out the amount of gas it says it is. Every gas station in Florida has to be inspected every 12 to 18 months.
For example, here’s a list from a few years back of all the faulty gas pumps in Hillsborough County, FL.
With Charles Bronson as the new Commissioner of Agricultural and Consumer Services I can’t imagine this ring of gas skimpers will continue.
Note: Thank you to all the people who have sent funny travel pictures. I’m going through them all now and they are very funny. I will try to get some of them up soon. Please keep sending your examples to whereisjohnwilson@yahoo.com.
Travel Tip #4: Arm Rests
Jul/093
by John Wilson
Always put down the arm rests.
Seriously?
In all fairness, I’m not skinny. I have to be cognizant of staying on my side of the seat and have a tendency to take up more leg room than I really should. I understand it sucks to be heavy and I get how hard it is to lose weight. Therefor, if you sit beside me on the plane, make sure you follow these rules:
I strongly suggest, before anyone sits down beside you, you immediately put the arm rests to their lowered and locked position. Here’s why:
On a recent trip back from San Diego, I got stuck in the middle seat. This is never a good thing, even if two members of the Swedish Bikini Team are on both sides. You can’t stick your feet in the aisle, and you can’t lean or look out of the window. It’s just bad.
In this case, I was stuck between a self-proclaimed “big man” coworker and a gentleman who was no less than 400 pounds. I’m not kidding, this guy was not only in his seat, the aisle, and my seat, but he was also taking up all of the leg room in my section of the “under-seat area.” It was so bad the flight attendant felt bad for me and asked me several times if I needed any extra water, a pillow, and shot me the knowing – I’m glad I’m not you – glance.
Normally, I’m a pretty easy to get along with nice guy. But seriously, this guy was 100% invading my space, no matter how many times I huffed, sighed, elbowed him, wiggled or moaned. When he wasn’t snoring loud enough that the people around me were laughing, he was bouncing his leg hard enough to cause the people in the aisle across from us shoot me dirty looks.
About two hours into the flight, I decided my only defense was to put down the arm rest and at least get him kind of off of my side. I looked down at the arm rest but there was absolutely no way I could lower it on to this guy’s leg which was nearly 50% under the arm rest. I did the only thing a self-respecting business person could do, I lied about work.
When the guy woke up and noticed me kicking his leg to get to my computer stowed beneath the seat, I said warmly, “Hey, sorry to bother you but I need to get this report done before we land. I don’t want to elbow you so I’m going to lower the arm rest.”
Scales in the terminal?
The dude literally had to move completely off the seat to give me room to put down the arm rest. When the arm rest finally reached the full down position, it was like I moved directly to First Class. I could feel my legs again, I could reach the magazine pocket and my lungs could fully expand.
The guy got mad.
To rub it in, I powered up my computer, opened a Word document, sighed a big loud sigh, closed the laptop and muttered, “I guess this can wait until my layover” closed the computer, spread out in the seat, and drifted off to a warm nap, comforted of the rhythmic leg-bouncing all the way to Atlanta.