Las Vegas, Nevada

This is truly a party destination where time is not an issue. You do what you want, when you want--no exceptions--and EVERYONE wants to party.

Yes, even the living statue at The Venetian wants to party. (Photo cred. Jiwon Kim)

I spent three days and two nights on The Strip with a total party of 8. It is a miracle we even got there. Our car spun out on the freeway! That was nuts man. Needless to say, having gone through a near-death experience, we were expecting a lot from Vegas. Vegas never fails to deliver.

If you go with a big group, basically you are only going to do three things:
1) Eat
Grand Lux Cafe is delicious and open 24 hours for that late-night, after clubbing, fourth meal (reservations welcome). It's run by the owners of Cheesecake Factory.The dish below was really savory and satisfying. Their burgers, though I don't have a photo, are TO DIE FOR! Huge, juicy meat patties on toasted buns with just the right amount of crunch.

 

Miso Salmon and Caramel Chicken combo plate $19

 The Carnival World Buffet at the Rio is also a good choice. Highlights: Cost ($24.99/person for dinner), crab legs, prime rib, $2 drinks. It has a late crowd, so be sure to get there around 6-7 PM to avoid waiting.

2) Dance and party
Clubbing is easy for a group of girls. It's a three-step process. 1. Get fancy 2. Walk to the club 3. Get approached by a promoter. At the third step, you'll be escorted in to the club, get at least one drink on the house, and the rest of the night is as good as you make it!

Step 1. Get fancy (Photo cred. Christine Hwangpo)

Traveling with a mixed group is a little more tricky, however. You definitely need to get on the guest lists. If you're a fan of club hopping, get on multiple guest lists. Be smart about where you choose to party. Lines get long and clubs get packed at around 11 PM. If you have more than 2-3 clubs you want to make it to in one night, most of your night will be consisted of watching drunk people waiting in lines.
Besides that...

• Make sure your men are in dress code (Jeans are ok most places. But dress shoes are a necessity.) 

• Have proper ID that actually looks like you (state issued driver's license or passport). If your ID picture was from when you were 16 and you haven't updated it, take another ID and credit card. These bouncers are no joke. 

• Leave the dance floor even if you feel a SLIGHT inkling of the need to pee!! The lines get ridiculous. 

3) Walk the Strip
The great thing about this is that you don't need a destination. Just walk around, people-watch, buy silly things, and take lots of pictures.

$1 shot glass Mardi Gras necklaces

The Rock (Photo cred. Jiwon Kim)

 Of course Vegas has a lot of other things to offer. You can watch shows, try your luck on the casino floor, go to a strip club, go hiking, rent fancy cars, go shopping... you can make it the vacation you want it to be. That is, if you can wake up before 11 AM and still be functional. Our group wasn't. When I go back I'll try all the others.