Lost at Arecibo Observatory

Puerto Rico is famous for white sand beaches, world-class snorkeling, pro-surfing, rainforests...and a really big telescope? Arecibo Observatory features the world's largest radio telescope (featured in the films Contact and GoldenEye) a visit is an interesting break from the sun and surf sites of Puerto Rico. Areribo actually exceeded my expectations in a few unexpected ways. I expected Arecibo to be located deep in Puerto Rico's mountainous interior.  I expected the telescope to be big. It was the journey to Arecibo observatory and the beauty of the telescope that was much greater than I had expected.

What is a Radio Telescope? 
Before visiting Arecibo, I had some experience in radio telemetry. I worked several summers at PARI Observatory, an old NASA tracking station in North Carolina, that featured two giant 26 meter radio telescopes. Radio telescopes collect radio waves from the deepest corners to the universe. The bigger the dish, in theory, means more data can be collected. Astronomers analyze the data to better understand the universe. My time at PARI (which is tucked away in a remote part of the Blue Ridge Mountains) taught me that radio observatories need to built in areas far away from electromagnetic interference. In other words, Arecibo's remote location and ban on cell phone use is necessary. But enough science.

What to Expect 
I'm not going to lie to you; Arecibo Observatory is off the beaten path. Despite hosting thousands of tourists every year, there is no direct route to the site. The roads to the observatory are narrow, curvy, and might cause motion sickness. Despite dozens of signs to help direct us, my wife and I were never quite sure if we were on the right road (especially when we had to swerve to avoid hitting a horse hanging out on the road). Though we found our way to the observatory without major mishap, we did get lost on the way back.

At the front gate, we were directed to turn our cell phones to off/airplane mode and told to park in a lot below the visitor center. I've read complaints about the steep walk from the parking lot up to the visitor's center, but it's not difficult. Once we paid and were inside the visitors center, there were several exhibits on astronomy and radio telemetry that weren't all that interesting. Next we directed to the theater to watch a short video that explained the basic operation and history of Arecibo. The video was actually pretty cool.

Once the video was over, a guide took us out to the telescope viewing platform. The 305 meter dish must be seen in person to comprehend it's massive size. It's beauty took me by surprise. Much like other man-made wonders like the Empire State Building, St. Louis Arch, Golden Gate Bridge, and Hoover Dam, I left with Arecibo in awe.

Just the Basics

• Website: http://www.naic.edu/
• Directions: A somewhat confusing map is provided by Arecibo on this page. 
• Hours: 9am-4pm, closed most major holidays 
• Cost: Adults $10, Kids and Seniors $6 
• Advice: If you are prone to motion sickness, you might want to consider taking medication before the drive. 

Beat the Rush to La Mina Falls

La Mina Falls El Yunque National Forrest

A quick image search of La Mina Falls shows why it is one of Puerto Rico's most popular tourist destinations. It doesn't get much better than a waterfall in the middle of a tropical rainforest that is also safe enough to swim! However, most images also show a crowded pool full of people all waiting to get their picture taken in the falls. My wife and I were not interested in fighting crowds or taking part in the group tours of the falls. Our solution was simple; rent a car and arrive early! 

What to Expect
We left our condo in San Juan at 7am and followed Rt 3 until turning right onto PR-191 to the El Yunque National Forrest. There are signs on Rt 3 and PR-191 clearly marking El Yunque National Forest. The visitors center did not open until 9 am, cost $4, and didn't interest us so we skipped it. We instead drove straight up the steep and curvy mountain road to the La Mina Trail parking lot. The entire drive from San Juan to the La Mina parking lot took about an hour.

The 30 minute walk to La Mina Falls was not overly difficult, but I would recommend wearing sturdy shoes. The .7 mile trail has some steep up and downs and was slick with water. It rained off and on the entire time we were there (which is normal considering it is a rainforest). We arrived at La Mina Falls at 8:30am and had the entire area all to ourselves--our own little tropical hideaway! We spend 30 minutes swimming in the pool, snapping photos, and enjoying the falls without another soul in sight. On the hike back we encountered a couple of tour groups headed toward the falls. We had beat the rush!

Trail to La Mina Falls

Just the Basics 

• Location: El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico
• Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/elyunque/home
• Cost: Free ($4 if you go to the visitor's center)
• Advice: Arrive early to avoid the crowds. Wear sturdy footwear for the falls to avoid cutting your foot on a rock in the water. 

Cheap Breakfast on the Las Vegas Strip

La Salsa Cantina

Food is not cheap on the Las Vegas Strip, which is why I am always on the lookout for a good deal. La Salsa Cantina, located across Las Vegas Boulevard from the New York New York, has the best breakfast deal on the Strip. For $3.95, they serve up a full hot breakfast which is also a perfect hangover cure. 

What to Expect
The $3.95 breakfast includes two eggs, breakfast potatoes, two tortillas, and bacon, sausage, or ham. For $.99 you can add a (small) bloody mary. Las Salsa can get crowded during the late morning, so it is best to try to arrive early for immediate service.

La Salsa is also a great place to stop for margaritas or a Mexican dinner (menu). It's location makes it an easy pit stop for those casino hopping the strip. Late at night, the restaurant transforms into a (21+) dance club and bar.

Just the Basics

• Cost: $3.95 breakfast
• Website: http://lasalsacantinalv.com
• Location: Showcase Mall, Las Vegas Strip (between MGM and Planet Hollywood) 

Is the New York New York Coaster Good?

New York New York Coaster

Las Vegas is filled with thrills for both adults and kids. A popular attraction for kids of all ages is the  roller coaster at the New York New York Hotel and Casino. The coaster is visible to anyone walking by the casino on Las Vegas Boulevard. Like everything in Las Vegas, riding the roller coaster comes at an inflated price. The New York New York roller coaster costs $14 for one ride!  Is it worth the price of admission?

What to Expect
The entrance to the roller coaster is located on the second floor, in the back corner of New York New York. Follow the signs through New York New York's casino, food court, and arcade. Once there, you have to leave bags and loose articles in lockers ($.50) located at the coaster entrance. I shelled out $14 for one ride, but found out later that it is easy to find 2 for 1 roller coaster coupons online. 

The ride itself takes about two minutes and has all the elements of a good roller coaster; steep drops, an upside down loop, and wild curves. The best part of the experience is the view of the Las Vegas Strip from the top of the first drop. I felt safe the entire ride, and unlike some poorly designed coasters, there weren't any turns that left me with a feeling of whiplash. Would I ride the coaster again? Probably not? Is it worth the $14 for one ride? I'd say it's a safer bet for fun than most of the table games.

Just the Basics

• Location: New York New York Casino--access through second floor arcade
• Cost: $14 for one ride (repeat rides cost $7)
• Advice: Look for 2 for 1 coupons online. 

Ride the Las Vegas Strip Bus

Las Vegas Deuce Bus

The Deuce and the SDX Strip and Downtown Express are the cheapest and easiest way to travel the Las Vegas Strip. The Las Vegas Strip is over four miles long, which makes walking difficult. Cabs are expensive. The monorail only travels one side of the strip and is more expensive than the Deuce. Make the most of your time and money in Las Vegas by buying a pass for the Deuce and SDX Express.      

What to Expect

It is easy to catch the Deuce or SDX Express. Easy-to-spot bus stops are located outside every major casino on both sides of Las Vegas Boulevard. The Deuce runs from the Four Seasons Hotel to Fremont Street. The SDX Express makes fewer stops and runs all the way from the South Strip Transfer Terminal to the Las Vegas Premium Outlets. Make sure to review route maps (links below) to know where each bus picks up and stops. The Deuce is a double-decker bus with "Deuce" clearly displayed while the SDX is a one level stretch bus. Unfortunately, the Deuce or SDX Express DO NOT stop at the Las Vegas airport. 

Deuce Ticket Kiosk

You can purchase tickets on board or at ticket kiosks at each stop. An $8 day pass allows you to hop-on and hop-off either bus as many times as you like in a 24 hour period. For $20 you can buy a three day pass. The buses do get crowded during peak hours, from midday to evening.

Just the Basics

• Cost
• 2 hour pass: $6
• 24 hour pass: $8
• 3 day pass: $20
• 30 day pass: $65
• Hours: Operates 24 Hours Daily
• 7am to 2am-approximately every 15 minutes
• 2am to 7am-approximately every 20 minutes
• Link: DEUCE Route and Schedule
• Link:  SDX Strip and Downtown Express Schedule

Only in Vegas

You never know what you will see in Las Vegas. While training for a marathon, I took a 10 mile run up and down the length of the strip. I began the run at 6am to avoid the oppressive mid-day heat. At 6am, there are only two kinds of people on the Las Vegas Strip; runners and those still out partying. There's a good chance you'll come across something photo-worthy (see below).

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas

Photo of the week is part of "Photo Thursday" at the Budget Travelers Sandbox.  Please visit to check out other amazing photos!

Suite Hotels on the Las Vegas Strip

Las Vegas is a tough city to fully experience on a budget. It is easy to get an affordable hotel on the strip, but eating, drinking, transportation, and gambling can quickly spiral your budget out of control. One great way to save money in Las Vegas is to book a suite hotel room that includes a kitchen. Though the suite will cost more than most budget hotels on the strip, you'll more than make up the saving in food and drink.  Each of the following hotels include a kitchen with a refrigerator, microwave, stove, cookware, and dishes. Each option is less than $150 a night (on weeknights).

Hilton Grand Vacations on the Las Vegas Strip

• PROS: The suites are gigantic and include two flat screen TV's, a kitchen, shower, a whirlpool, a comfy king bed, and wall-to-wall windows. The entire hotel is impeccably clean and the staff are welcoming. The hotel also includes a nice workout room and cafe. 
• CONS: The pool is tiny when compared to most on the strip. Additionally, the Hilton Grand Vacations is located away from the action, at the northern end of the strip, close to Circus Circus and Riviera.

Advice: Instead of purchasing food and beverages in the over-priced hotel shop, go to the CVS located next to the Hilton to save money. 

Hilton Grand Vacations Las Vegas Kitchen

Hilton Grand Vacations Las Vegas bedroom

MGM Signature

• PROS: The MGM Signature suites has all of the same amenities as the Hilton (whirlpool, shower, kitchen, workout room) but everything is a bit more posh. Guests at the Signature have access the Signature's pool and the gigantic pool at the MGM, which is a major bonus.  
• CONS: The MGM Signature is not located directly on the strip. It is connected by a series of walkways to the MGM that take about 5 minutes to walk. 

MGM Signature

Other Options to Consider: PH Towers, THEhotel at Mandalay Bay, Palms Place (off strip)