Table full of Thanksgiving food, ready for the holidays.

Having the Happiest Thanksgiving in Las Vegas

Las Vegas celebrates the holiday season just like it does everything else – with extravagance! Holiday celebrations, shows, meals, parties, and other events help visitors get into the spirit and celebrate with zeal. Many locals and out-of-towners choose to visit the Strip for Thanksgiving festivities because of the overwhelmingly delicious food options and enchanting entertainment. Why cook at home when the glittering city of Vegas is begging to pamper you?

Traditional Thanksgiving feasts, new takes on turkey classics, and gorgeous Fall decor are added into the mix of fun that visitors would normally expect to find in Vegas. The sheer number of offerings can make navigating through the city during the holiday season a little overwhelming.

Below is a guide to having the happiest Thanksgiving in Las Vegas:

Where to Eat

Family at the dinner table enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.There are plenty of options when it comes to enjoying a feast for Thanksgiving in Las Vegas. In true Vegas form, the city offers everything from traditional turkey dinners to eclectic Thanksgiving plates. Most Thanksgiving buffets will offer some holiday-themed dishes on Thanksgiving. However, lines can be overwhelmingly long so it’s best to make a reservation at a restaurant ahead of time. Some local favorites for Thanksgiving dinner include:

Aureole – This renowned Mandalay Bay restaurant lives up to high expectations on Thanksgiving Day. Beginning with a piping hot bowl of rich Pumpkin Bisque, this meal guides guests through an autumn-themed culinary journey. Traditional dishes are designed with a new flare, including roasted turkey with brussels sprouts and mushroom stuffing.

Herringbone – This restaurant located in ARIA provides guests with the perfect foundation to enjoy a holiday full of luxury and style. On Thanksgiving Day, Herringbone serves a feast complete with flavorful turkey and a mix of classic and unique sides. Fresh ingredients and innovative techniques are infused into every dish crafted in Herringbone’s kitchen.

Prime – For a more traditional Thanksgiving dinner, visit Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Prime Steakhouse. In this elegant atmosphere complete with velvet drapes and luxurious finishes, you’ll find an expansive menu full of the savory dishes that any Thanksgiving-lover craves. For an experience uniquely Vegas, try securing a table on the garden patio, which overlooks the Bellagio fountains.

Attractions to Attend

Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden, Thanksgiving theme.attribute: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15HzRzj3Wj_JgKmqQJLLRYHQJKoghOlVvS0jxWB30uaE/edit

Thanksgiving festivities extend past the big meal. Once the forks are set down, the credit cards come out and the Black Friday shopping commences, as does the world-class entertainment. Some of our favorite holiday-themed events in Las Vegas include:

Harvest Show – The Harvest Show decorates the Bellagio Conservatory with gorgeous Fall foliage. Pathways wind under archways of warm-hued leaves while intricate patterns bring the foliage to life. Visiting the Harvest Show is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the comfort of Fall with a Vegas twist. The 2017 display, Proud as a Peacock, features a magnificent explosion of flowers blanketing two towering peacocks. As guests meander through the conservatory, they are greeted with hanging silk weeping willow branches, playful scarecrows, flower-filled pumpkins, and the familiar warm colors of Fall.

Cactus Garden Holiday Lights – Though decorative lights are often associated with Christmas, Vegas is not one to limit the flashy fun. At the Ethel M. Botanical Garden, brilliant lights are displayed throughout November and December, making it a unique Thanksgiving in Las Vegas activity. The sprawling walkways are lined with thousands of colorful lights, making it a luminous spectacle perfect for couples and families alike. Cacti are draped with thousands of lights, resulting in a radiant display of desert plants like you’ve never seen. Visiting the Cactus Garden Holiday Lights is the perfect way to celebrate the onset of the holiday season.

Black Friday Shopping

Woman shopping during Black Friday.The Vegas shopping scene pauses for no occasion and looks for any excuse to draw visitors. During Thanksgiving week, and especially Black Friday, the city is buzzing with shoppers in search of bargains. While most luxury retailers will offer minimal discounts, more casual shopping destinations like the LINQ promenade, Fashion Show Mall, and Las Vegas North Premium Outlets will be discounting products and services heavily. With over 300,000 out-of-towners flocking to the city for the holiday, Black Friday shopping in Vegas is sure to be an experience like no other.

Amongst the Vegas energy are brilliant displays of Fall decor and one thing is certain – a Thanksgiving in Las Vegas  is unlike any other and is not to be missed. The holidays are a wonderful time to bring the whole family together, and celebrate the end of a year and the beginning of something new. Tahiti Village is a family-friendly resort located centrally to all the mentioned excursions and we would love to host your Las Vegas Thanksgiving. Just remember to book early, as rooms are filling up fast!

Las Vegas Red Rock Canyon camping areas.

Desert Camping Deciphered: What to Bring and Where to Go

There are few things more enjoyable than taking a short drive to the desert, spending some disconnected time with family, and escaping the rat race of the city. Camping in the desert, whether in Las Vegas, Palm Springs, or Mojave, has surged in popularity – and for good reason! Camping in the desert is relaxing, affordable, and scenic.

But before you grab your tent and grill, let’s look at some of the best places to camp in the desert, as well as go through a checklist of everything you will need to make your desert camping trip one to remember.

Best Places to Camp Near Las Vegas:

The deserts surrounding Las Vegas are some of the most beautiful spots in the world, and fall is the perfect time to go camping because the weather has started to cool down, but it’s still warm enough to get outside. Below are some of our favorite camping spots near Vegas:

1. Lake Mead

Lake Mead National Recreation Area is about 45 minutes outside of Las Vegas and features a number of wonderful camping spots for the whole family. One thing that is great about Lake Mead is that although it’s in the middle of the desert, it has plenty of water activities like boat rentals, jet skiing, and more. Boulder Beach is one of the most popular campgrounds in Lake Mead and there you can rent a houseboat and enjoy the water at your leisure. This site is open year-round and takes reservations. Some sites around Lake Mead, though, are first come, first served!

Man paddle boarding on Lake Mead in Las Vegas.2. Valley of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire State Park is named appropriately as this park is home to beautiful red sandstone mountains and offers quite the view to visitors. Fall and spring are the best seasons to visit this awe-inspiring park because of their moderate temperatures (the park gets below freezing in the winter and over 100 degrees in the summer!). Atlatl Rock Campground and Arch Rock Campground are some of the best places to stay if you visit this desert campsite and come fully-equipped with barbeques, picnic tables, fire rings, and more. Expect an hour drive from downtown Las Vegas to Valley of Fire (and it’s totally worth it!).

3. Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

Just 45 minutes outside of Las Vegas is Spring Mountains, a campsite located within the Toiyabe National Forest. Spring Mountains can accommodate cars, tents, RVs and motorhomes and features beautiful biological diversity and rugged rocks that provide outstanding hiking.

4. Red Rock Canyon

For those looking for a quick weekend getaway from the city, look no further than Red Rock Canyon. A quick 20-minute drive will take you to some of the area’s best campsites that include amazing red rocks, vegetation, and more. The area has one main developed campground that is open from early September until May (the best season for camping in the desert). If you are making the trek to Red Rock Canyon, take note that unlike other campgrounds, this one doesn’t have electrical, water, or sewer hook-ups, and no showers! It’s just you and nature, camping au naturale! But it is a beautiful site regardless and perfect for the family that wants to rough it for a few nights.

What to Bring:

When camping in the desert, preparation is essential. There’s nothing worse than getting stuck in the middle of nowhere without the right shoes or cooking equipment. Below is a comprehensive checklist of desert camping necessities:

-Water, water, water! Bottles, filters, purification systems, you name it! Water and the desert are best friends.
-Food (plan your meals ahead of time to make sure you have all the ingredients)
-Backpack and day pack
-Tent and all needed equipment (stakes, pools, weather-proof guard, etc.)
-Tarps
-Rope (just in case!)
-Sleeping bags and sleeping mats
-Knife/Multi-purpose tool
-First-aid kit (remember to double-check it before you go!)
-Flashlight
-Matches
-Cooking equipment
-Sunscreen
-Sunglasses and hat (the desert sun means business!)
-UV-protection clothing, like long-sleeved shirts
-Lip balm with UV-protection
-Hiking boots
-Jackets, both warm and waterproof
-Bug spray
-Hygiene items
-Toilet paper
-Shovel

If this list has your head spinning (digging a hole for, um, what exactly?), desert camping might not be the vacation you are looking for. Instead, why not book at night at Tahiti Village? You don’t even have to bring your own toilet paper!

Enjoy an a-maze-ing Halloween at Tahiti Village!

Oct. 28 marks the start of a festive Halloween season at Tahiti Village with the opening of our Haunted Maze, where there’s a friendly fright around every turn. The maze will be open daily in Manihi Isle right through Halloween night, Oct. 31, when we raise the curtain on our third annual Haunted Carnival.

The Carnival is from 5-7 p.m. in the Island Courtyard and includes trick or treating and a costume contest. Please visit the front desk in the main lobby building starting at 4:30 p.m. to pick up trick-or-treat bags, maps, and goodies. The costume contest is slated for 6 p.m. back in the Island Courtyard, where we’ll also have music and games.

Unlike other Halloween attractions that try to stop your heart with terrifying shock tactics, our wholesome Haunted Carnival offers a fun time for the whole family. We hope to see you here!

NHL Golden Knights logo.

Get Ready for the Golden Knights

The 2017-2018 NHL season is officially underway and this year brings new excitement to residents and visitors of Las Vegas because it’s the inaugural year for the Vegas Golden Knights, the city’s professional ice hockey team. Although hockey games aren’t new to Sin City (there have been several games played here before), the Vegas Golden Knights is the first major professional sports franchise to call Las Vegas home. Their debut only adds to the ongoing activity and thrill of life in the desert.

Las Vegas Golden Knights Schedule Overview

The Vegas Golden Knights NHL 2017 season schedule includes play on multiple nights during the week, every week, which gives visitors a chance to catch a game, possibly two depending on their travel plans. It’s also perfect as part of a stay-cation itinerary with plenty to do in and around the venue.

The team is hosting the San Jose Sharks the day after Thanksgiving, which is a great way to spend family time or get out of the post-turkey daze from the day before. Play continues into the first week of April leaving plenty of opportunities to see the team take the ice.

T-Mobile Arena Seating for Golden Knights Games

If you’ve never been to a hockey game before, the speed of the skaters and energy of the crowd is an experience like no other. And you can see it firsthand in one of the premiere venues on the Strip. The fairly new T-Mobile Arena has had a rotating number of events since its opening in April 2016 and is also the official home of the Vegas Golden Knights.

There are several seating and pricing levels to accommodate all ticket needs. They range from Upper Bowl Seating starting at $25 and goes all the way up to Premium Seating VIP Glass Seats beginning at $350. When selecting seats, it’s up to just how close you want to be to the action. Right next door is The Park, an outdoor venue with a mix of bars, restaurants, and live entertainment to complete the experience either before or after the game.

Las Vegas T-Mobile Arena, home of the Golden Knights.Gameday Hotspots

There is no shortage of places to satisfy hungry appetites or grab a few drinks. Beerhaus is a popular, casual spot that has $4 select draft beers and hot dogs from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM every day. Enjoy a local brew like Big Dog’s Brewing Las Vegas Lager or Sin City Say Hello to Amber and load up on bar snacks such as pretzels and beer cheese dip or the Beerhaus Brat, an IPA chedderwurst topped with smoked bacon and onion jam!

800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria, which is part of Blvd Plaza, is also a popular place because you can’t go wrong when ordering one of their specialty pies. They also have small hot and cold plates with options such as meatballs, baked goat cheese, caprese salad, and more.

Additionally, if you’re staying at Tahiti Village, it’s only a 10-minute drive to the T-Mobile Arena. Stop by 17° South Booze & Bites, which offers plenty of tasty eats for a pre- or post-game celebration, including the 17 South Burger with bacon, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, and house spread, specialty pizzas, appetizers, salads, and entrees. We’re also conveniently located by Town Square, a place with several restaurant options that will feed any craving. Our complimentary shuttle service will take you directly there, only a short, five-minute drive away.

Getting to Know the Golden Knights

The team has recruited plenty of young talent, plus veterans who have come from other NHL teams. Right wing James Neal was part of the Nashville Predators’ first Stanley Cup Finals appearance and was an alternate captain during his time with the team. His leadership makes him a great fit to guide the Golden Knights.

Left wing David Perron was a top scorer for the St. Louis Blues with 159 career goals, which definitely should help boost the Golden Knights in their first year. Shea Theodore, Marc-Andre Fleury, and Deryk Engelland are all also touted to be top performers for the team. However, time will tell who will rise to the top as fan and league favorites.

Finally, Chance the Gila Monster made his official debut as the team mascot and will appear as a regular at the rink to build a community and fan base around the NHL’s newest hockey team. The addition of the Vegas Golden Knights makes a visit to the city even more alluring than before. Are you planning to attend a game during this inaugural season?

Carved pumpkin in front of the Welcome to Las Vegas sign.

When It Comes to Halloween, Vegas Knows What It’s Doing

Las Vegas has its fair share of interesting characters; even more so during October’s Halloween season. Fall is a wonderful time to visit Sin City because the temperatures have become milder and tourist season has started to subside. However, visitors from all over still head to Las Vegas during this time of the year to take part in the Halloween events in Las Vegas that pop up around the city. For a night of fun (or fright), Sin City has you covered across the spectrum with things to do.

Freakling Bros. Trilogy of Terror

Scary terrors for the brave abound at all three Freakling Bros haunted houses. Choose from Coven of 13, Castle Vampyre, Gates of Hell, or get admission to all three, if you dare. Each interactive experience follows its own theme and is sure to elicit plenty of screams. If you think the haunted house experience is a breeze, test yourself at The Victim Experience, suited for only the most extreme of thrill seekers. Reading the rules is required before signing up for this one-of-a-kind haunt because it’s definitely not a Halloween attraction for the faint of heart.

Haunted Harvest at Springs Preserve

For a more family-friendly haunt, Haunted Harvest provides an evening of fun for all ages with carnival games, a petting zoo, a “haunted” train, and hay maze among its various activities. There are also plenty of treats to keep the kids satisfied and costumes are encouraged by everyone in attendance. Out of all the Halloween events in Las Vegas, this specific one runs for three weekends starting on Friday, October 13th and running through Sunday, October 29th from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM.

Fright Dome at Circus Circus

Prepare for a little bit of everything at Fright Dome at Circus Circus, now celebrating its 15th year anniversary. This Halloween-themed event is more than just a haunted house but rather a full experience complete with scare zones, live shows, and other scary areas inviting you to enter at your own risk. Tickets are on sale now through October 31st. Fright Dome covers 250,000 square-feet of space with six haunted houses, four scare zones, 4D theaters, and rides. Find out what the fright is all about here.

People dressed up as zombies for Halloween.

McKee Ranch Pumpkin Patch

Switching gears, another option suitable for all ages is a visit to the McKee Ranch. There is a petting zoo with goats, donkeys, horses, bunnies, and chickens. There are also hayrides and other pumpkin and fall themed events for the kids to enjoy. There is a $20 requested donation per family for a day full of fun. Pack a picnic lunch or dine out of the onsite food truck. And of course, leave time to pick out the perfect pumpkin.

Fear the Walking Dead Survival

Fans of the Fear the Walking Dead show or zombie fanatics, in general, can seek out this newest thrill adventure located at the Fremont Street Experience. There is an escape room, maze, and other multisensory features to this zombie outbreak attraction. The experience opened over the summer and isn’t limited to only Halloween, but is still a great way to celebrate the holiday. Following your trip through zombieland, make your way down Fremont Street and check out the ongoing activity always happening in downtown Las Vegas.

Fun Costume Ideas and Snacks for Halloween

If your idea of a good Halloween time is less about where you go and more about what you wear, there is an endless number of costumes to choose from. Elvis is a popular costume regardless of the time of year but other popular choices include superheroes, mummies, ghosts, and family-themed costumes like The Addams Family or the Flintstones. Get creative and host your own party right in the comfort of your own Tahiti Village suite, which come equipped with a kitchen and dining area. Easy food ideas include:

  1. Mummy Hot Dogs – Simply wrap readymade dough “mummy-style” around a hot dog and bake.
  2. Bones ‘n’ Blood – Use store bought breadstick dough, cut the end of each strip, and roll down to create the bone shape.After baking, use marinara for dipping for a fun and spooky snack.
  3. Dirt ‘n’ Worms – This easy dessert has always been a party favorite and is well-suited for Halloween. Create layers in a glass, alternating between chocolate pudding and crushed Oreos as the “dirt.” Top with gummy worms and plastic spiders and you have a creepy, sweet treat.

You can also serve a buffet-style of finger foods and decorate the table with festive decor in orange and black for a fairly inexpensive cost. The ways you can celebrate Halloween in Las Vegas is only limited by your time and imagination. There is plenty to do but also see when it comes to fall in the city. Enjoy exploring Las Vegas during this extra festive time of the year!

Paint a pumpkin all this month!

October is a great time to visit Tahiti Village, and not just because of the mild fall weather. Like everywhere else we’re gearing up for Halloween, and here at Las Vegas’ tropical resort retreat that means pumpkins figure prominently in the seasonal celebration.

Throughout the month we’re holding a pumpkin decorating activity every Friday from 12:30-1 p.m. in the Skyview Lounge (Tower 5, 10th floor). Here you can join our activity coordinators for a great time transforming an ordinary pumpkin into a wild creation sparked by your own imagination. Paint, glitter and markers are provided.

We hope to see you here!

Las Vegas exit.

Most Interesting and Unique Businesses in Vegas

When you think of Las Vegas, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Gambling? Shows? The Las Vegas Strip? While these are all synonymous with the Vegas vibe, Sin City has several sides to it; many of which you may not have seen.

Tucked inside the historical casinos and in buildings off the busy Strip are hidden gems, unique businesses, and interesting places to visit that will allow you to experience Vegas on a different level, the Las Vegas business side of the city. If the Strip is what Vegas looks like all made up in full costume and makeup, then these places are what it looks like when its being its natural self. Or as “natural” as it gets when it comes to the Entertainment Capital of the World, that is larger than life.

Las Vegas exit.

The Mob Museum

Back in its heyday, Vegas was a hubbub of gangster activities as the casino-centric mecca we all know and love was first being formed. The Mob Museum was once a federal courthouse and post office until it was sold to the city of Las Vegas for $1 in 2000. Twelve years later, the museum opened on Valentine’s Day and now gives ticket holders a chance to learn about the ins and outs of early Las Vegas and the mob bosses that ran it. Locals get $7 off admission and every Tuesday, Nevada residents get buy one get one free admission after 1:00 PM.

The Hydrant Club

Humans aren’t the only ones who can experience the VIP treatment in Vegas. Pups can get extra special attention as well, if they’re part of The Hydrant Club that is. This Las Vegas business is a place where your dog can go to be social and roam free. There are training classes, boarding stays, and plenty of off-leash play to keep your four-legged friend happy. To receive full benefits, dog owners must submit an application to see if their pet is chosen. Once approved, they get as many puppy perks as they can handle.

Two dogs resting at the dog park.

The Space

Locals unite in this art complex that was created for and used by members of the Las Vegas art scene. The Space houses performance space, a recording studio, rehearsal studios, and a piano bar and lounge, all which supports the creative community. Every Monday night event is devoted to raising money and awareness for local causes and charities. Whether you want to entertain, create, or simply spectate, The Space is the Las Vegas business location for any and all creative minds.

The fact that Las Vegas is flooded with artistic talent is interesting and unique, but Sin City has always been a performance/showcase type of city with the art scene growing stronger every day. Rather than seeing another show on the Las Vegas Strip or losing your money at the casino slots, pay a visit to The Space, or another local arts space and support the talent we have right here in our local neighborhoods.

Shark Reef

Despite the fact that Las Vegas is a desert landscape, there are still ocean waters within the walls of some casinos on the Strip. The Las Vegas business, Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay gives visitors a chance to view sharks up close and personal (Nevada residents get $3 off admission). If that’s not thrilling enough for you, take a dive with the sharks if you dare. The Dive with Sharks exhibit is open to certified divers with a purchased reservation who can then dive in and swim with over 30 exotic sharks. Definitely not something you get to do every day, especially in the desert!

View of sharks from below.

A Local Look at Las Vegas

Beyond the bright lights and busy streets, there are over 600,000 residents who live, work, and play in the Las Vegas arena. Local business is what keeps the area thriving even in the pockets set away from the Strip. Take time to visit some of these points of interest or the hundreds of other local haunts throughout the city. Las Vegas is not only a great place to visit but also a wonderful place to live.

On your next trip to Sin City, think about supporting a few Las Vegas local businesses and getting to know the city on a different level. And for residents who want to play tourist for the day, schedule a staycation and see just how much is available right in your own backyard.

Another big luau season is coming to a close this Sunday. See you again in May!

Sept. 3 marks our final Summer Sunday Luau of the season at Tahiti Village, and what a great summer it has been! Gorgeous dancers, wonderful music, and a brave fire twirler – to say nothing of a delicious island buffet – brought fun in the sun to our owners and guests each and every Sunday starting Memorial Day weekend.

This year’s luau was very well received and drew consistently large crowds all summer long. The fact that it’s ending this Labor Day weekend is no reason to mourn; it’s reason to rejoice in the knowledge that it will return in nine short months! To purchase tickets to our last luau of the year (Island Courtyard, 7 p.m.), please call our concierge at (702) 440-6915.

We look forward to another great luau season in 2018 and hope to see you here!

7 Items You Should Always Pack for Your Family Vacation in Vegas

Ready for your summer family vacation? The budget is set, the itinerary scheduled, all that’s left to do is pack your bags. While it may seem like you can throw a few days’ worth of clothes in the suitcase and call it good, when you’re traveling with your family, you know you’re always one meltdown away from a forgotten item.

To avoid such mishap, make sure you have your family vacation packing list ready to go a few days in advance, so you don’t forget a thing in your rush to officially begin your vacation. While the below items may not represent the complete list, here are essentials to pack on your family vacation to Las Vegas, where the temps are skyrocketing and the pools are calling your name.

  1. Bathing Suit

Nothing’s worse than getting ready to cannonball into the pool or float lazily in the shallow end and realizing you’ve forgotten your bathing suit. Yes, Vegas has stores, but who wants to spend time shopping for a swimming suit when on vacation and settling on one that doesn’t quite fit right and is probably far more expensive than the one you have forgotten at home? Pack your suit; better yet, pack two.

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  1. Hand Sanitizer

Keep a travel-size bottle in your carry-on bag for the flight. Sickness is easily passed via plane passengers since everyone is cooped up in one space. This makes hand sanitizer necessary for those tight spaces. If you’re road tripping to Las Vegas, it also comes in handy when you take a rest stop break and don’t trust the cleanliness of door handles or other surfaces that don’t seem up to your sanitary standards. Stash some in every bag you carry to ensure you have it when on the go.

  1. Cash

Some travelers like to set aside a certain amount of cash per day as part of their vacation budget. For Vegas, it’s particularly smart to set aside any cash you plan to spend on gambling, tipping, and valet. That way you always have dollars readily available for those who don’t take debit or credit cards; plus, you don’t go overboard on your game playing budget when the cash runs dry. Money tip: Also, make sure to alert your bank of your travels, so they don’t put a hold on your card for what look like fraudulent charges to them. If this happens to you and you’re out of cash, it may be one uncomfortable vacation.

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  1. ID

When packing, it’s common to shift wallets to other bags, meaning that certain things like IDs can be left behind without realizing it. It doesn’t hurt to double check your packed bags before you walk out the door to make sure you have the proper identification. Otherwise, your vacation may end before it can even begin.

  1. Entertainment

IPads, headphones, books, toys – whatever your family needs to help make the time pass as you travel to Vegas will make it a lot easier on everyone. Being in a cramped space during travels can make everyone a little grouchy and bored. While you don’t want to go overboard with how much entertainment you pack, the essentials like movies downloaded on your mobile device, a good book, or a favorite toy will help make the travel part of your vacation go more smoothly.

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  1. Sun Protection

You’re headed to Vegas in summer, which means you’ll be directly in the sun every day for several hours a day. Make sure you have what you need to keep your family properly covered when out and about. Travel-size sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and possibly light scarves should all make the packing list. While you can buy these items once you get to your destination, it’ll be cheaper to use what you already have, since these high-demand items most likely will be marked up for tourists who forgot theirs at home. Plus, they barely take up any space, so it won’t compromise the rest of your packing list.

  1. Sense of Adventure

Yes, this last one may seem corny, but it’s true. The great thing about Las Vegas is there is no shortage of family fun activities. Whether that’s attending an authentic, Tahitian-style luau, hitting up the nearest water park, or marveling at the natural wonders Vegas has to offer, your family should be ready to dive right in.

Of course, there are other essentials that should be on every family vacation packing list, but this will get you started when going over everything that needs to make it in the suitcase. Planning will help you feel like you have what you need to make your family’s Vegas vacation one they’re not soon to forget.

Goodbye. Adios. Au Revoir. Auf Wiedersehen. Heippa. We bid a fond farewell to Mike Rounds, our multilingual (English, Spanish, French, German, Finnish) general manager.

Mike Rounds’ tenure as general manager of Tahiti Village encompasses virtually the entire existence of the resort. He arrived in August 2006, six months after the grand opening, and has played a vital role in its greatest growth.

He was here for the lazy river. He was here when Tower 5 went up. He was here for the parking garage. He was here for the opening of the Island Courtyard, of the adult hot tub, of Manihi Isle. And most recently he was here for the multimillion-dollar guest unit renovation of 2016.

When he leaves tonight he’ll take the same route home he always has, out his sixth floor office, down the Tower 5 elevator, and up to the fifth floor of the parking garage where a jet black Acura in space 566 awaits his return.

The difference is, on Monday morning, he won’t follow the same route back. Today is Mike’s last at Tahiti Village, to the detriment of the many friends he has made these past 11 years – coworkers, owners and visitors who will miss his engaging personality, disarming demeanor, and amusing analogies that cannot be shared in a family blog. Just know that his face turns red with laughter at their telling, like mercury racing up a thermometer.

“I’ve really enjoyed being a part of a great team, and helping Tahiti Village become what it is today,” he said on July 31, the first day of his last week on the job. “What I’ve been able to accomplish is because I had the support of everyone in the company.”

Walking the property with him in search of a suitable portrait location was to witness Mike in microcosm: Warmly greeting guests, picking up discarded trash, and presenting an image of pure professionalism that has done our resort proud.

“I know this may sound cheesy, but I when I walk through the lobby, around the pool area, and down the hallways, I get a great deal of personal satisfaction knowing that we are providing a great family vacation experience for people,” Mike said. “We’re bringing people closer together. That’s what I will miss the most.”

His acceptance of the general manager position at another Las Vegas resort effectively brings to a close his career at Soleil Management, which began in 2001 as resort manager for Club de Soleil. He remained there for two years before taking the general manager’s job at Tahiti Resort in 2003.

We wish him all the best in his new job. It won’t be the same around Tahiti Village without him.