A Worktrip that Turned Into an Adventure

If you are planning a whirlwind trip to the United States, you know that the sheer scale of the country can be overwhelming. In May 2019, Mehran’s work trip to New Jersey turned into an unforgettable 5-day adventure. From the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip to the towering skyscrapers of New York City, we packed every second with exploration.

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Navigating the Jet Lag in Las Vegas

Landing in Las Vegas after a long flight is a sensory overload. The jet lag felt like a physical blow, leaving us disoriented as we navigated the airport. One thing that immediately signals you have arrived in Sin City is the sight of slot machines right in the terminal. We arrived late, crashed at our hotel, and found ourselves wide awake at 4:00 AM the next morning.

• Public Transport: We used Uber to go around the city.
• Stay Connected: Don’t get lost without data. [Insert Affiliate Link for eSIM]
• Where to Stay: [Insert Affiliate Link for Las Vegas Hotels]

Day 1: Eldorado Canyon and Marvel Magic

UTV Adventure and Gold Mine Tour

For our first excursion, we headed to Eldorado Canyon. We booked a 7-hour guided tour for approximately $400 for two people, which included round-trip transport from Las Vegas.

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We chose a UTV over an ATV for a more intimate, side-by-side experience. The ride through the canyon was breathtaking and thrilling. Our guide pointed out various species of cacti and succulents along the trail. After the ride, we enjoyed a complimentary lunch and a 30-minute guided tour of a historic gold mine. It was worth every penny.

Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N.

Back on the Strip, we visited the Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. at Treasure Island. Being massive Marvel fans, we loved seeing the props and costumes. While this specific location has since closed, it remains a highlight of our trip.

Day 2: The Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, and Route 66

We booked a full-day guided tour for $400 for two, covering three iconic American landmarks.

• Hoover Dam: Our first stop offered stunning views and fascinating historical facts from our guide.
• Route 66: We stopped for an hour to see decorated vintage cars and grab a massive slice of carrot cake at a local bakery.
• Grand Canyon: We had three hours to explore. The scale of the canyon is impossible to capture in photos. It is truly the most impressive natural wonder I have ever seen.

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Day 3: Hunger Games and the Las Vegas Strip

Before leaving Nevada, we squeezed in a few more sights.

The Hunger Games: The Exhibition

Being a huge Hunger Games fan, I couldn’t possibly miss out on this temporary exhibition. Located at MGM Grand, this was a treat for a fan like me. We saw original movie props and even tried our hand at virtual archery.

Walking the Strip and Shark Reef Aquarium

We walked past famous landmarks like the Luxor and Mandalay Bay. We visited the Shark Reef Aquarium, but at $29 per ticket for a 30-minute walkthrough, it felt underwhelming compared to other aquariums we have visited.

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The Welcome to Las Vegas Sign

Mehran insisted on seeing the famous sign before our flight. It was a long, hot walk, and honestly, the sign felt quite small in person. It was a bit of a letdown given the crowd, but it is a classic “must-do.”

Day 4: A Fast-Paced Day in New York City

After flying back to New Jersey, we took public transport into New York City for a self-guided walking tour.

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Where to Stay: [Insert Affiliate Link for New York Hotels]

Central Park and Rockefeller Center

We started with a quick 30-minute stroll through Central Park. From there, we walked past St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which looks magnificent tucked between modern skyscrapers. The highlight was the Top of the Rock Observation Deck ($45). The three levels of decks offered the best views of the Empire State Building and the city skyline.

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Icons and Miniatures

We visited Gulliver’s Gate (now closed) to see miniature world landmarks and walked past the Flatiron Building and Empire State Building. A one-hour Liberty Cruise ($30) gave us the perfect view of the Statue of Liberty from the water.

[INSERT LINK TO LIBERTY CRUISE TICKET]

The 9/11 Memorial and Wall Street

We passed by the 9/11 Memorial before heading to Wall Street. Along the way, we found the “Rose III” sculpture, a beautiful steel rose symbolizing hope. We ended our night crossing the Brooklyn Bridge as the sun set.

Dining at Rasa

Since we were fasting that day, our meal at Rasa (a Halal Malaysian restaurant) was heavenly. The food was Michelin-quality, and the mocktails were the perfect end to a long day of walking.

Day 5: Indoor Fun in New Jersey

On our final day, heavy rain pushed us indoors. We visited Monster Mini Golf, an indoor fluorescent course. We spent 90 minutes playing golf and hitting the arcade before heading to the airport for our flight home.

Final Thoughts

The USA is vast, and while our trip was scattered, the memories of the Grand Canyon and the energy of NYC will stay with us forever. If you are planning a similar trip, be prepared for long walks, big portions, and views that take your breath away.

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