How I "Let Loose" In Vegas

Yes, I tend to "let loose" in Vegas, and what I mean is how I relax when I take a Vegas vacation. Las Vegas can be about the casinos and the night-life but there is more to this hustle and bustle town. Since April is National Stress Awareness Month, take a look at how I take my "typical" relaxing Vegas vacations.

When I visit Vegas it is usually for a girls weekend or for a wedding. The first thing I hit is the spa at the hotel. I really want to check out their fitness equipment and then their spa service line. In the past, I would have paid extra for fitness center access; now, I search for hotels whose fees include that amenity. The Aria Resort and Casino has that package and when I return to Vegas, that resort will be my first choice.

After checking out the spa and checking into my room, I usually make a beeline to the concierge desk to see if there are any hiking or biking tours offered by the hotel. You don't have to spend a lot of money to have a great fitness experience in Vegas. Opt for hiking; there are free trails within 15 miles of the city. A good one is Las Vegas Overlook; it is located within 7 miles of the city and offers views of the Las Vegas Valley and Red Rock Canyon.

The pool is next on my list. This is where I spend my special afternoons, away from the temptations of the place. I catch up on reading my fitness journals and various materials of particular interest. Lunch typically is a salad by the pool or indoors at one of the hotel restaurants. Sometimes, I indulge a bit but I keep an eye on the calories.

After a quick nap, it is time for a restaurant with the group. We meet-up for dinner because I usually don't get many opportunities to see my friends since they have spent the afternoon shopping. Shopping may be relaxing for some, but not so for me. Relaxation for me translates into swimming and lounging by the pool, hiking, exercising, or getting a treatment at the spa.

Following dinner, it's showtime! I usually go for the shows I can get a deal on, no deal, then it is a people watching bar lounge. On my next trip, I would like to attend a Cirque du Soleil performance especially Cirque duSoleil’s Zarkana or a music concert by one of my favorite performers.

If I don't feel like going out, I would settle for a nightcap at the bar or dessert in my room via room service or the hotel bakery.

People ask me how does one kick back and relax in Vegas. The answer is simple: Vegas is all about how you design your itinerary and your priorities. Approached sensibly, Vegas can constitute an excellent escape that brings your life back into focus. To find out about deals, restaurants, nightlife, hotels, etc, check out Vegas.com and start planning your next trip.

Have you ever been to Las Vegas? Assuming that you share my Frugal Exerciser philosophy, how similar or different would your trip to Las Vegas be?