Planning
Planning Your Vacation around a Special Event

Melanie Loewen enjoyed her trip to the 2009 NASCAR race in Las Vegas so much she decided to take a group with her this year. The trip was a huge success thanks to Melanie's years of experience as a Travel Agent with insider knowledge. Participants thoroughly enjoyed a combination of organized activities and free time during the race weekend. Melanie has a lot of good advice for those interested in arranging their vacation around a special event.

Experiencing a Special Event

"There's nothing quite as exciting as attending a NASCAR race in person. It is positively electrifying. You might see more of the race on TV but you do not get the thrill of actually being there. This is something which can be said about any world class event. Being there is a completely unique and exciting experience."

"Another wonderful part of travelling to a special event is the camaraderie you feel with the crowd. Even on the plane to and from Vegas there was a special bond between the passengers. You're there for the same reason and it brings you together with a really warm feeling. Friends in Vancouver remarked on having this same feeling during the Winter Olympics in February."

"It is a busy time in the city hosting the event and you'll no doubt have to deal with crowds at some point. Prices for accommodation and meals will also be more expensive than usual. However, it is worth it to be a part of something special. After all, it is probably a once in a lifetime opportunity."

NASCAR Race Las Vegas

"My personal experience is with NASCAR in Las Vegas. I organized and escorted a group of 23 to the race in February and it was great. Our group had a full package including the WestJet flight, hotel and weekend ticket package. We stayed at the Flamingo which is central on the Strip. For transfers to the race, about 20 minutes from the Strip, there was the option of a coach transfer from the hotel or a car rental."

"The ticket package included a Neon Garage Pit Pass which allows you to walk along pit row and see the cars being worked on. This was an extraordinary opportunity to really feel involved in the race. Some members had a chance to actually meet the people who work on the race teams. One group member's son met his idol and had pictures taken with him. This certainly made it a memorable, even life changing experience. He was thrilled!"

"200,000 plus people attend the race in Vegas. The crowds are handled very well getting to and from the track and the city has no problem accommodating and entertaining this large number."

"Group members were very happy with having lots to do outside of race time. There was time for things like shopping, gambling, dining and taking in a show as well as attending the race events."

"Arranging your vacation around a special event is certainly a very exciting and uplifting experience. It may take more work to get the trip arranged but the experience cannot be duplicated."

Tips & Recommendations

Plan early for the best selection of accommodation and transportation. I began planning my NASCAR trip a year in advance.

Work with an experienced agent who can help you with the ins and outs of the event and the destination.

Consider joining an organized group with an experienced leader. There is a comfort factor having someone who knows the ropes to navigate you to, from and around the venue and all aspects of the event and destination.

If any behind the scenes passes are available be sure to take advantage of them. This really amplifies the experience and makes you feel more a part of the action.

Be sure to plan a balance of free time around the organized event to give you a chance to relax and enjoy other aspects of the destination.

For more on this type of travel, see the Special Event articles

By Susan Milne

Planning Planning Your Vacation around a Special Event

Experiencing a Special Event

Tips & Recommendations

Planning
Planning Your Vacation around a Special Event