21 Again?
After my official trip was over on October 24, 2019 - 4 other travelers, my 4 buddies joined me at Ceaser's Palace. Well, I can't complain about the Vegas Hotel, Casino, Mall, Strip, Night Life - but having them beside me after so many years - I was over the moon. Infact, all of us went to our old days of college and completed a 3 days epic trip. Oh, 3 of them joined me from the UK and the other one, from Australia.
Vegas : Reunion
The first leg of our journey took us to Las Vegas, where I was joined by my friends from the UK and Australia. We stayed at Caesar’s Palace, one of the most iconic hotels on the Strip. With its lavish design, luxurious amenities, and vibrant atmosphere, it set the tone for our three-day stay. While the glitz and glamour of Vegas were certainly captivating, what made this experience truly special was having my friends by my side.
We spent our days revisiting the best parts of Vegas: the casinos, the famous fountains of the Bellagio, and of course, the strip. But it wasn’t just the flashing lights or the extravagant shows that made the trip memorable. It was reconnecting with my friends, sharing laughs, and reminiscing about our college days. We hadn't been able to travel together for years, so this trip felt like a celebration of friendship, the kind of adventure that bonds you for life.
Zion Park
After our time in Vegas, it was time to hit the road and venture out into the natural beauty of the American Southwest. We rented a van and set off early in the morning for Zion National Park, which was about a three-hour drive from Las Vegas. Along the way, we made a few scenic stops to stretch our legs and take in the breathtaking desert views.
Zion National Park, with its towering red rock formations, was a dramatic contrast to the bright lights of Vegas. We hopped on a shuttle bus to the furthest point in the park, where we began our hike. The trails in Zion are known for their challenging terrain and stunning vistas, and we were eager to experience the park up close.
Unlike the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, where you stand on the edge and peer down at the vast expanse, Zion offered a more intimate experience. As we hiked through the park, we were surrounded by giant red cliffs that seemed to rise up from the earth itself. It was awe-inspiring to be beneath those massive rocks, knowing that the views from the top were likely as breathtaking as the ones we were enjoying at ground level.
After a fulfilling hike, we made sure to catch the last shuttle bus back to the parking lot, before driving towards our next stop—Los Angeles.
Break at Barstow – A Night to Remember
Our journey to Los Angeles was long, and we decided to take a break in Barstow for the night. We arrived at around 3 a.m. and quickly realized that finding a place to stay wasn’t going to be as easy as we thought. We drove from hotel to hotel, waking up the superintendents in search of a few rooms for the night. None of the booking apps would let us secure a reservation, and we were all getting a bit weary.
After some persistence and a few more attempts, we finally managed to find a hotel that had rooms available. We were exhausted but happy to finally crash into bed and get some rest before continuing our journey.
Hollywood – A Classic Finish to the Road Trip
The next day, we drove into Los Angeles, a city known for its heavy traffic but also its vibrant atmosphere. Hollywood was everything we had imagined—busy, lively, and full of iconic sights. One of our main goals was to get a perfect shot with the Hollywood sign, and finding the right spot to do that wasn’t as simple as we thought. We spent some time Googling the best spots before heading out, and once we arrived, we were finally able to capture the moment.
As we strolled down Hollywood Boulevard, we made our way to the Walk of Fame. It was crowded, but with a little patience, we found a great spot to park and walk among the stars. The energy of the city, combined with the excitement of finally being there, made it the perfect ending to our road trip.
This road trip was more than just a vacation—it was a reunion of old friends, an opportunity to reconnect with the past, and an adventure that brought us closer together. From the flashing lights of Las Vegas to the serene beauty of Zion National Park and the bustling streets of Hollywood, every stop along the way had something special to offer.
It was a reminder that the best moments in life are often shared with the people who mean the most to us. Whether you're hiking through the red rocks of Zion or snapping a picture in front of the Hollywood sign, it's the memories you create along the way that truly make the journey unforgettable.