The one thing that I learned after going a couple of times was to not go in expecting to average 240. If you do that, you are going to be disappointed.

I am having a terrible time booking a flight home from Reno to Chicago. Because of our squad time, I can only take late afternoon flights on Sunday, and most are coupled with an over-night stay for a connection the next morning. The problem is my wife has to be at work Monday am. I guess she will leave early Sunday, while I stay to Monday to come home.

Headed there 2 weeks from today.

Not expecting much since I haven't been bowling well lately and my average has dropped a few pins steadily this season.

But I'm looking forward to some time away and to travelling, I have pretty much never been out West.

Sounds like fun the nationals. I will have to try to bowl one -- one of these years. Though since my first season back from bowling not at that level as of yet.

I know it is like a cattle car, but check southwest. They were the cheapest by far for me and they worked with my schedule. Since you are north, it may be a bit far to get to Midway. Just a thought.......

... and I love Southwest because I live so close to Midway that I could walk if I had to. No complaints about Southwest. The attendants are always friendly, and most seem to honestly be having a good time. I like the kind of atmosphere they create, and the price sure is right.

Well I love Reno. It is the Biggest Little Town in the World. But I even like the surrounding towns like Sparks. Most of the major hotels will have views of the surrounding sierras. If you have a car you can visit Lake Tahoe or Carson City. There's endless variations for dinner and in the casinos all at a very good price. If you go during the week, the table minimums are low.

Erin

I have been to Reno twice (both for bowling) and to Vegas twice. I am not that big of a gambler but I enjoy sitting down and playing some blackjack. There are tons of things to do in Reno. If you have an AAA membership, you can get a guidebook to the area. Or, since this is the computer age, get online and take a look at all of things to do. Like Erin said, if you have a car, it greatly increases the things that you can do. I normally travel to Nationals with 4 teams except for Reno. 2 of the teams like going in March so they can go to Tahoe to ski. My wife gives me a hard time every year that I go to Nationals because I never bowl all that well. But, it is my weekend away with my friends where I can act like an idiot and have a blast. Last year in Corups Christi, we went to a dog Track for a day. I had never been before and I really enjoyed myself.