Category Archives: Trip

My First Trip To Las Vegas, Nevada

I remember my first trip to Las Vegas like it was yesterday. In 1998, my parents won a trip for two to Las Vegas, but with some negotiating, they were able to have me tag along. I was only thirteen years old, but I was ready for the Neon City.

We stayed at what was then known as the Flamingo Hilton and it was wonderful. The room was nice, the dining options were great, the shows were terrific and the pool area was like heaven. I vividly remember sitting on the edge of the bed watching the movie, “Fools Rush In” and listening to the song, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis. To this day, whenever I listen to that song on my iPod, I am transported back to that bed in Vegas. I remember eating breakfast at the buffet and loving it. That was my first experience with a Vegas buffet. Today, I still eat at Vegas buffets and love them! My parents tried to get tickets to see the show, Splash, but it was sold out. Instead, we went on a timeshare tour and scored free tickets to a show called Forever Plaid. It was in an intimate theater and we had great seats. The show is no longer around, but my memories are. The pool area is as spectacular today as it was in 1998. I recently visited the pool area to see the flamingos, as I did thirteen years ago. The gardens are as lush as ever and the flamingos march around in their pink beauty.

The Bellagio was scheduled to open the week after our trip, so we did not have the chance to see the interior, but we did see the famous Bellagio fountains. The three of us were in awe and still when I see the fountains today, I am awestruck.

I remember my first visit to the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. Caesars Palace was fabulous then and they have done a wonderful job keeping it fabulous. The Forum Shops look the same today as they did in 1998. I loved shopping then and I love shopping now.

Our family trip to Las Vegas left an impression on all of us. My parents spoke of it for years. I still feel emotional when I walk by the Flamingo. Even though I have not stayed there since then, it will always have a special place in my heart.

4 Ways High Performers Are Challenged on a School Trip

Every school features high-performers. These students are typified not necessarily by a greater intellect or natural ability than their peers, but rather by a greater intensity of commitment. They wish to perform at the top of their class at all times, consequently they have an inordinate amount of energy, focus and drive to excel at each task they are given.

Excursions can seem like a chance for these students to rest on their laurels. In actual fact, many tours are designed in such a way that high achievers can not only excel, but can also be challenged.

Maths

For some students, maths is a nightmare; for others, the lure of numbers, shapes and algorithms is irresistible. While high-achievers in math tend to be quite comfortable in the classroom, a school trip can afford a stellar opportunity to understand the origins of theorems, develop knowledge of more complex formulae through engagement with experts, and practically apply what they have learnt in real yet complex situations. For example, students who have the chance to visit the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh will be able to consider the achievements of famous Enlightenment mathematicians.

English

The love of letters of develops at a young age, and a school trip provides a unique chance for students to engage with the connection between real places and the words they have read on a page. The study of English demands not only a contextual understanding of the provenance of literature, but also the capacity to write under the inspiration of real circumstances and places. Hence high-achievers will be delighted to explore the worlds of their favourite authors and be challenged to compose works in homage. Any motivated student will relish the experience of visiting the birthplace of Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon.

History

High-achieving students on a history school trip are commonly eager to explore the neglected nooks and crannies of their favourite epochs. Keen for details, they delight in a chance to go beyond the overview of textbooks and impress teachers with an in-depth understanding of the contextual issues behind historical events. Hence they will be pushed by an excursion to Berlin, where museums, tours and exhibitions will unravel the city’s tumultuous modern history.

Performing Arts

The study of Performing Arts requires great drive, talent and discipline, and hence high-achievers on a school trip expect a superior experience when they travel. Whether they are devoted to music, theatre or dance, they expect to be exposed to the best in venues, experts and performances when given a chance to demonstrate and hone their skills outside the classroom. They will, of course, be challenged if they have the chance to spend time in a high-quality resort focused solely on developing their craft. Here they will not only be exposed to new skills and methods, but also have the chance to demonstrate their achievements without distraction.