travel
connection
The city
of cities
DAVID W. SCHNEIDER
ByT.FosterJones
THEREARESOMEFIRSTSyouneverforget.
Your first kiss. The first time you walk into a
Costco. And the first time you visit Las Vegas.
To step into Las Vegas is to step into
another country. Several countries, actually.
From your hotel room you can see an Egyptian
pyramid, a medieval castle, the Eiffel Tower, a
Roman coliseum and the New York skyline—
complete with the Statue of Liberty. Surreal
hardly describes it. Las Vegas is the city Walt
Disney might have come up with if he’d created a play land for adults.
Las Vegas represents the truest democracy of travel. People of every size, shape and
color, representing every possible age, gender,
financial and fashion demographic from all
over the United States and around the world,
come pouring into the city throughout the
year. When you get tired of checking out the
amazing architecture along the Strip, simply
standing on one of the busy sidewalks and
people-watching is entertainment in itself.
In regard to the architecture, they say if
you haven’t been to Las Vegas in the last couple of years, you haven’t been, as it is in a constant state of evolution, forever remodeling,
imploding and rebuilding.
One of the latest additions to the Strip is
the Trump International Hotel and Tower
Las Vegas. Across the road from Wynn resort,
soaring high above the Strip,
the Trump rises 64 stories (645 feet) to offer
panoramic views of the city against a majestic backdrop of surrounding mountains.
The building, which is wrapped in 24-karat
gold glass (yes, real gold), houses 1,232 suites
and 50 penthouse suites, complete with
floor-to-ceiling windows, an extensive spa
and fitness center, exceptional dining and
well-appointed amenities.
Although gambling remains its core, the
city has continued to build its reputation in
every aspect, appealing to shoppers, theater-goers, art lovers and gourmands. As evidenced
by the Trump, the hotels have gotten bigger
and more glamorous—becoming destination
sites in and of themselves. Many, including
Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, New York New
York and Bellagio, house enormous theaters
and contract long-term runs with world-renowned performers, such as Bette Midler,
Cher, Blue Man Group and Cirque du Soleil.
Others have brought in high-end retailers
such as Faberge, Saks and Godiva and opened
world-class art museums.
And the food! Bellagio, Skylofts at MGM
Grand, the Wynn and the Venetian each
house award-winning restaurants that rival
anything in the world. (Bellagio has two restaurants—Picasso and Le Cirque—that have
received top ratings for seven and five years in
a row, respectively.)
The range of excitement that Las
Vegas holds means that even if this is
your 50th visit, you will find
something to make it feel
like the first time, all
over again. C
The Costco Connection
Costco Travel offers Las Vegas packages through US Airways Vacations that include just about
every major hotel on the Strip. To book online, visit costco.com and click on “Travel,” or call
Costco Travel toll free at 1-877-849-2730. Members can also check costco.com for discounts
on Cirque du Soleil and Blue Man Group shows by typing “events” into the search box.
BLUE MAN GROUP
Three-Night Vacation Includes:
• Round-trip economy class airfare
from Seattle on US Airways
• Accommodations in a
One-Bedroom Suite City-View
• One free night (reflected in price)
• Airfare and hotel taxes
From $627per person*
Valid for 7/21/08 departure.
Other departure cities are available. Price will vary.
Executive Members receive
a $65 resort credit per stay
in a One-Bedroom Suite
City-View and above with a
m inimum three-night stay.
B ookonlineatcostco .como rcall Costco
Travel toll free at 1-877-849-2730.
*Flights may be provided by US Airways Express (operated by Air Midwest,
Air Wisconsin, Chautauqua, Colgan, Mesa, Piedmont, PSA, Republic Airways,
Trans States), or on America West, America West Express (operated by Mesa
Airlines) or United. ® Price is per person, based on double occupancy, is subject
to change and may not apply to group travel or during other holiday/convention
dates, as specified by the hotel. Price is based on July 21, 2008, departure from
Seattle (SEA). Minimum 3-night stay required. Seats are limited and may not be
available on all flights. Additional nights, other hotels, dates and destinations are
available, but prices will vary. Some restrictions apply. Price includes September
11th Security fee of $2.50 per flight segment, up to $10.00 per itinerary federal
segment fees of $3.40 per flight segment (a segment is defined as a takeoff
and a landing) and Passenger Facility Charges of $9-18, depending on itinerary.
Cancellation and change fees may apply. No changes are allowed within 24
hours of departure. For each ticketed customer, US Airways will transport 1
checked bag free of charge and 1 bag as a carry-on. A second checked bag will be
assessed a $25 fee. Prices and inclusions are subject to change without notice.
Seasonal surcharges, availability, blackout dates and restrictions may apply.
Executive Member offer is valid for primary cardholder only. Travel purchases are
not included in the Executive Membership 2% Reward program. Costco Travel
disclaims liability for any inaccuracies or typographical errors.
Costco Travel is registered as a seller of travel in each of the states
listed: California registration number: CST 2054248-50 · Florida registration
number: ST 32555 · Hawaii registration number: TAR 5595 · Iowa registration
number: TA 620 · Nevada registration number: 2007-0060 · Washington
registration number: 602042600. Registration as a California Seller of Travel
does not constitute approval by the state. 08TR0806 4/08
