I simply got out voted, twice. That’s what happens when one is a minority in her own household. I’m not a sore loser. But I do enjoy trip planning and know how to compromise. Okay, the guys here call it “getting my own way” but I see it as including elements in a trip we each enjoy.

We use a democratic process in vacation planning. Each of us lobbies or campaigns for our desired trip and then we vote. Summer 2007 I lost my campaign to visit a Caribbean Island, being reminded by both Ken and Alex that we live on an island–Charleston, South Carolina. True, but if I could pitch a tent on a tropical beach and reside there permanently, I would. I campaign for a tropical location most years. It’s my dream retreat.

Instead, we headed west. The guys were enthralled with the idea of going to Las Vegas, Nevada-Sin City. Alex was 13 and not even allowed in most venues. What could be the appeal, other than their shared interest in Poker? I forced a compromise and insisted that if we headed in that direction, we needed to see the Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam, and the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona.

After playing slot machines and renting a car at the airport, we headed east to Flagstaff. The 4-hour drive was eerily quiet. Homesteads were off in the distance and service stations sparse. Silently, I repeatedly checked the map in my lap against the roadsigns to ensure we were heading the right way. We were. We checked into our hotel and were ready by 6am the next day to be picked up by a private tour company taking us and 8 others on a 12-hour tour of the Grand Canyon.

It is unlikely that we will ever visit another city or country without hiring a private tour company. Sure I balked at the cost per person, but after this experience, never again! Our guide did the driving. He took us to places unknown to other tourists; we were the only group at most stops. He packed a picnic lunch for all.  And, he had a knack for bonding this group of strangers. It was a long day and we certainly got our money’s worth. I took a lot of photos but the Grand Canyon is best seen in person, not photographically. Its vast beauty will silence you and make you realize your place in nature. Have you visited? Share your impressions.

The next day we headed an hour south to Sedona, AZ. The twists, the turns, the views…beautiful. I felt bad for Ken who was behind the wheel missing these incredible views. Right there we understood the value of a tour guide…hands off the wheel; eyes on the sights. There were plenty of pull-off locations but what we were missing were the stories and the history. We toured around Sedona and headed back to Flagstaff.

Another lesson learned on this trip was the value of planning “down time”. Alex  was very grumpy when we got back to our hotel and refused to do any more sightseeing. So we made an executive parent decision and left him in the hotel room while we went exploring. All survived.

On Day 3, with all well rested, we headed west to take the Power Plant tour at the Hoover Dam, 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas. Each was surprised by how much we learned and enjoyed during the pit stop to Sin City. We returned our rental car to the airport and waited for our Henderson, NV hotel to pick us up for the night. The next day they shuttled us to the south end of the “Strip” and for the guys, vacation officially began when we checked into the MGM Grand.

Everything I’ve ever heard about Vegas came true. All venues are super-sized and lit up at night. Entertainers are well-trained and deliver memorable performances. Streets are filled with every type of person, including those 13-year-olds should not become aware of until later in life. Surprisingly, there were quite a few family-friendly options, including a visit to the M&M store next to the MGM Grand and the ESPN center across the street. Ken tried his hand twice at Texas-Hold-Em, while I struggled to grasp the concept of slot machines. Alex had to be shooed off the gambling floor twice for being underage. We took in a musical show, saw a car museum, took the monorail, were entertained by street performers by The Venetian and wandered outdoors at night to people watch and see the fountain show at The Bellagio. We wandered in and out of hotels; each one with its own distinctive style.

Finally on the 5th day, we visited the MGM pool and wondered why we hadn’t done this earlier. We were so busy seeing all the sights, we failed to find relaxation on the trip until this last day.

Perhaps we will reverse this in November 2015 when the 3 of us again trek to Las Vegas to celebrate Alex’s 21st birthday, his choice. By now you know it’s not mine. But, this time there is no democratic process, no lobbying and no voting. A young man only turns 21 once in a lifetime! Sin City here come the Thomason’s.

Comment below. Tell us what we should not miss this time.

Copyright. May 2015. Linda Leier Thomason.