Las Vegas Vacations

There is truly no place on earth like Vegas. Expect to spend a lot of time looking up! Buildings are on an incredible scale and the attention to detail is truly astonishing: the cobbled streets of Paris are mere minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, the tranquil waterways of Venice, a Caribbean Pirate's cove, a medieval castle, and a Roman palace fit for an emperor.

Las Vegas is justifiably recognized as the "Entertainment Capital of the World". Daily and nightly performances feature some of the biggest names, in every genre – comedy, Broadway calibre productions, magic acts, cabaret and not one, but seven, Cirque du Soleil shows! Don't miss the chance to see Blue Man Group, STOMP, Criss Angel, Gordie Brown, The Producers, David Copperfield, Elton John and Wayne Brady, among others. There are too many to mention! Vegas is also associated with rock bands, statuesque showgirls in elaborate headdresses, Elvis impersonators and many other amazing sights.

Casinos, casinos, casinos! If you like gambling or are interested in learning about gambling, the casinos in Las Vegas are like nothing you've ever seen before. From high-stakes poker and roulette to playing the penny slots, there's something for every style of gambler and skill level.

Rub shoulders with "A-list" celebrities, real cowboys, or people who just have the same love of a good party as you do. The CineVegas Film Festival showcases independent cinema each June, Wrangler National Finals Rodeo features rodeo's top 120 professional athletes competing for more than $4.5 million in prize money every December, and the city's annual New Year's Eve party is second to none, complete with fireworks on huge display screen.

Pick up the perfect souvenir for someone back home or as a special reminder for yourself. Maybe it's great deals or even a very exclusive purchase you're after – well, there are literally hundreds of places to browse, both on and off the strip, from souvenir and specialty shops to designer outlets and couture boutiques. With shopping nirvana like the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, the Las Vegas Premium Outlets, and the Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas in Primm, nobody can visit Las Vegas and go home empty-handed!

Las Vegas is also known as the marriage capital of America. There are hundreds of chapels in the city, usually booked for half an hour at a time. While unplanned weddings are easier in Vegas than anywhere else – because there is no waiting period, a marriage licence is needed and some legal requirements must still be met.

Everything is bigger in Vegas, even nature. Las Vegas isn't far from the Hoover Dam or from one of the largest natural wonders on earth, the Grand Canyon. Adventure seekers will love hiking, biking, picnicking, horseback riding, rafting and even winter skiing in places like Mt. Charleston. Lake Mead National Recreation Area is where you'll find 880 kilometres of shoreline, swimming, water-skiing, camping, boating and fishing. Valley of Fire State Park has scenic landscapes of hidden canyons and unique rock formations, petroglyphs and remains of ancient Indian civilization. Get away from the non-stop lights and action to some of these quiet desert spots where you'll find calm and tranquility.