“You haven’t been to Las Vegas?!” That’s the question I got from everyone when I told them Sin City was one of the first stops on our trip around the world. I’ve been to a lot of places – except the West of the US. It’s one of those destinations that I have always been drawn to, but never had the opportunity to check out until now.

Before setting off to exotic locations and summiting some of the worlds most beautiful peaks, we opted to spend some time road trippin’ in the US. The first of many stops included a long weekend in Vegas. It was fun, exactly what I expected it to be, and a great starting point to exploring the West Coast of the US.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN LAS VEGAS

CHECK OUT THE LAS VEGAS STRIP

 

We booked ourselves into the Venetian Palazzo Hotel and had a lovely suite overlooking the strip. After a couple cocktails in the lounge we set off to stroll along the strip. There are over the top neon lights, behemoth hotels, world-class casinos, and drunken people everywhere. Be sure to look for the fountains at the Bellagio, pirates fighting at Treasure Island, and an erupting volcano at the Mirage. This is what you get along the 4.2 mile strip – and it is not to be missed.

SEE A SHOW (OR TWO)

 

Whether you are into magic, acrobatics, or strippers, Vegas has tons of shows on offer. Month’s before our trip we booked tickets to see Celine Dion at Caesar’s Palace. It happened to be her 1000th show at the venue so they pulled out all the stops to make it extra special.

We love shows so decided to also book Cirque Du Soleil’s Zumanity. This experience combines your typical cirque frills with an adult twist. No kids allowed and don’t sit near the front unless you want to be a part of the show. We used Vegas.com and got a great deal on last minute tickets.

GET YOUR PARTY ON

 

Las Vegas isn’t called Sin City for nothing. If you are a night owl, then getting yourself on the VIP list at one of the nightclubs is a must. We aren’t generally clubbing people and were still suffering jet lag so we gave a big night out a miss. The “hottest” place tends to change on a regular basis so do a bit of research prior to arrival and get ready to turn up.

GAMBLE IN ONE OF THE EPIC CASINOS

 

Gambling simply is part of the Las Vegas experience and you’ll casinos everywhere. Like anything that is fun, it will cost you money. View it as fun, play the tables, and have a good time. Some win, some lose – keep your costs to a minimum and simply enjoy yourself.

TAKE A DAY TRIP

 

Most people say a night or two out in Vegas is plenty to enjoy it. We stayed a bit longer to take a day trip out to see the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon. While not necessarily a short drive, visiting both while you are in the area is a great way to see more of this beautiful country.

TRAVEL PLANNING ESSENTIALS: USA

Flights

The USA is well-connected with numerous international and domestic airports. Use Kayak to find the best deals on flights to various destinations across the country.

Accommodation

For finding great places to stay in the USA, Hotels.com is an excellent resource. They offer a wide selection of hotels, and you can earn a free night's stay after every 10 bookings as a rewards member.

Car Hire

Exploring the USA by car is a fantastic way to see the country. Compare car rental options and find the best deals at RentalCars.com to ensure you have the perfect vehicle for your journey.

Travel Insurance

Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. (As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.)

National Park Pass

If you plan to visit multiple national parks, consider getting an America the Beautiful Pass which offers access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all national parks, for one annual fee.

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