August 3, 2004 -- Nevada isn't all casinos, but it's the state where most of the action is, with Reno as fascinating in its own way as Las Vegas. While Vegas has all the glitz, it can offer only side trips to Lake Mead and the Boulder Dam, or maybe to the Grand Canyon as a diversion from the slots and tables. Reno, on the other hand, is closely linked to the entire Lake Tahoe area, the mountains and water offering plenty of sports-related activities and a cool contrast to the baked desert surrounding The Strip.
Reno & Lake Tahoe
Funjet Vacations has some neat vacations to Reno-Tahoe, with airfare, hotel room and 24-hour traveler assistance. Some samples: Out of Atlanta on Delta, you can get two nights at the Sands Regency Hotel Casino between now and September 1, 2004, for just $314.99 (Sunday-Wednesday departures). From Seattle on Alaska Airlines, two nights at the Silver Legacy Hotel from now through September 1, 2004, cost $214.99 (Sunday-Tuesday departures). From Dallas on American Airlines, two nights at the Eldorado Hotel Casino from now through September 28, 2004, cost $334.99 (Monday or Tuesday departures). And from Chicago on American, three nights at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort from September 6 through October 25, 2004, run $529.99 (Monday departures). Note that the prices are per person, two persons in a room. Contact Funjet at www.funjet.com or through your local travel agent.
Las Vegas
We've said it before, do some travel research on the Internet, and you'll be more likely to find what you want. A case in point is Orbitz again, which at time of writing was offering a room in Las Vegas's posh Monte Carlo Resort & Casino from as low as $79. Opened in 1996, the Monte Carlo cost $344 million to build. Its pool, its spa, its restaurants are all pretty good, and there's the magician Lance Burton (with a cast of 60 doves and Elvis the parakeet) to keep you entertained when you're not at the slots or tables. Check out the bargains at www.orbitz.com.
Note that none of the package prices involving air transport mentioned above include airport security fees or taxes.