What usually springs to mind when you think about Las Vegas? Most likely, neon lights, casinos, huge crowds, and 24/7 entertainment, right? However, what probably doesn’t go hand in hand with Las Vegas is its reputation for being somewhat of an oasis for creatives. While the bright flashing lights, heaving traffic, and adult-themed fun are probably as far away from the tranquility and ambiance that innovators often seek out to create, the contrast between the sensory overload of the Strip and the quiet desert landscapes that surround The Neon City offers a truly unique and inspiring perspective.
Maybe you’re planning a few days in Vegas with the intention of hitting the usual casino spots and famous eateries. But you also want to spend some time seeking inspiration for your next big project, or you simply want to immerse yourself in a totally unique destination and let your imagination run wild – Las Vegas (surprisingly) can offer you just that. Here we’ll share some Vegas travel tips for creatives looking to recharge and create in the desert.
Find the Right Base – Yes, it Matters!
In everyday life, rest and relaxation can help fuel your creativity. And in Las Vegas, you need to choose the right accommodation that supports this narrative. Sure, it might be tempting to book the cheapest Vegas hotel room and hedge your bets that it’s the right choice, but true creatives might actually benefit from looking at boutique hotels, quiet off-Strip spots, or even an artsy Airbnb. Consider the following tips that will help you get plenty of rest, but might get those creative juices flowing:
- Choose a hotel that gets lots of natural light: You might not want to have a neon light flashing into your dark room every night. And artificial lighting can really play havoc with your natural body clock, making it difficult to sleep and regulate your stress levels. Look for a hotel that’s off the Strip and perhaps facing the desert.
- Choose calming interiors: Avoid gaudy carpets, faux architecture, or maze-like public spaces to keep your imagination from being hijacked or distracted. Instead, seek out hotels or boutique stays that prioritize natural colors and calming decor.
- Look for access to peaceful surroundings: Stepping out onto the busy Strip can be quickly overwhelming, so why not prioritize a hotel or boutique stay that has access to or is surrounded by parks, greener spaces, or quieter areas – perfect for contemplation or rest.
Escape into the Desert
Las Vegas is a hive of activity, and you may find plenty of inspiration around its incredible fountains, ringing slot machines, and glittering showgirls, but a break from artificial distractions and all things digital is not only good for the soul, but it’s great for your creativity levels.
Head out to the desert and embrace the silence, the scale, and the beauty of this seemingly never-ending landscape. Consider taking a day trip to somewhere like Red Rock Canyon, or head out early to catch the sunrise at the Valley of Fire or the Seven Magic Mountains. You can take guided tours, hire dune buggies, follow the trails, and take some amazing pictures along the way. These beautiful, wide-open spaces offer wonderful views and poignant moments of contemplation – who knows, you might have a lightbulb moment.
Make the Most of the Creative Spots Around the City
Las Vegas is home to some incredible art galleries and installations; you just have to know where to look. If you’re looking for somewhere to sit and sketch, journal, or people watch as you wait for creativity to strike, then head to one of Vegas’s many cafes or eateries.
Spots like The Arts District are a beacon of light for those with a passion for the arts and an appreciation for the artists who dedicate their lives to it. Here you’ll find immersive art installations like Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart or the Neon Museum, which is home to thousands of famous light installations and signs from the past and present. It’s in these locations that you’ll get to meet and network with like-minded individuals, share ideas, embrace some feedback, or have your mind opened even more to what’s truly possible for a creative like you.
How to Stay Grounded in the Chaos
How does one stay centered in the Entertainment Capital of the World? With so much going on around the Strip, so many people around, hot weather, and constant noise, things can get overwhelming pretty quickly. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways you can keep yourself grounded and ensure that your creative voice becomes louder rather than diminished in Vegas. Check out these suggestions.
- Enjoy sunrise walks: Seeing nature in all her glory is a great way to start the day and feel connected to nature. Take these moments to journal, take photographs, or just enjoy the peace before the rest of the city catches up.
- Consider installing meditation apps: A few minutes of meditation each day can have a huge positive impact on the rest of your day. Whether you do this in your hotel room, or you find a place out in the desert to focus on your breathing and center yourself, this approach can help you feel more in control.
- Make use of hotel spas: Booking a hotel with its own spa facilities is a great way to keep your trip stress-free. And it’s a nice way to escape the hustle and bustle of Vegas. Consider booking some spa treatments that are nature-focused, and use these moments to focus on your next creative project.
- Try fitness classes: Feeling stressed? To reduce your cortisol levels, hit the gym or a fitness class. The more you move your body, the faster those creative juices will flow!
- Limit screen time: With so much technology, artificial lighting, and screens in Vegas, it makes sense to limit your own screen time during your visit.
Final Thoughts…
Essentially, Las Vegas is what you make it. Maybe you thrive in the chaos and that’s what inspires you the most, or perhaps you want to experience the best of both worlds? Remember to use the city as a tool to recharge, reflect, and you’re sure to come home bursting with new ideas.