Nestled in the Nevada desert - only an hour flight from Los Angeles - is the most awe-inspiring city! Hotel Casinos of the magnitude you can only imagine - each occupying acres of land, and each one more spectacular than the previous. Outlandish, opulent, elegant, garish - all words used to describe them.

Start your trip by touring the strip (Las Vegas Boulevard) - and checking out what each casino has to offer - you'll be amazed.

Gambling - the main thrust of the city: millions upon millions of slot machines - from the minute you step off the plane! But - don't forget there's also the World Series Poker -incorporating the famous Texas hold poker; blackjack; craps; bingo; keno; roulette; and more..

But - Vegas is not just about gambling - it's about entertainment: There's shows, reviews, latest artists, musicians, magicians, etc.. Theatre and shows play a huge part - attracting top acts and artists from around the world. Don't miss the opportunity to see Celine Dion, Elton John, Jimmy Buffet or Jerry Seinfeld perform live! And there's David Copperfield, Cats, the Chippendales, Mamma Mia, cirque de soleil, or the Folies Bergere! And then there's - the Neil Diamond tribute; Elvis-a-rama; 'Barbra and Frank' or a tribute to Liberace!

Shopping - there is a plethora of fashion boutiques, souvenir shops, department stores including Saks Fifth Avenue, antique stores - nearly two dozen, of consistent quality and price, nearly all located within a few blocks of each other. And there's Las Vegas Outlets Mall a factory-outlet center just a few miles past the southern end of the Strip - famous brand names - up to 70% off!

Restaurants - today Las Vegas is recognized as one of the world's great dining destinations, with a long list of renowned chefs and spectacular restaurants that are renowned for their lavishness, architecture and creativity. Fine dining, buffets, coffee houses, burger joints and family restaurants - they're all there! Whether your taste is Asian, Italian, seafood, Greek, Cantonese, vegan, Japanese,Peruvian,Mexican, French, Puerto Rican, or a steak house - you will be catered for.

Night clubs - most of the casinos have nightclubs - which one to choose?

Wine bars - House of Blues, Ghostbar, Tangarine, Top of the World, Red Square, Gilleys - to name but a few!

Or..perhaps you'd like to play a round or two of golf? Try Shadow Creek Golf Club, Reflection Bay Golf Club, Tournament Players Club, Bali Hai Golf Club, Badlords Golf Club or Dragon Ridge Golf Club.

Take a helicopter tour to the Grand Canyon - about 300km from Las Vegas - you can choose from a half day, full day or overnight stay - absolutely spectacular scenery!

Or...perhaps you're going to Vegas to have a wedding! Well, you've come to the right place. All you need is $55, identification and a social security number to get the license. You don't even need to bring the rings, flowers, wedding dress, or tuxedo - all can be provided with the minimum of fuss! And there is more to choose from other than the Little White Wedding Chapel (Britney Spears) or a drive-thru wedding (would you like fries with that?)!

There's the Little Church of the West; Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel; Wedding Chapel at Bellagio (very elegant); Island Wedding Chapel (tropicana theme); Aladdin Wedding Chapel; Canterbury Wedding Chapel (at the Excalibur - with a medieval theme); Chapel in the Clouds (Stratosphere); the Palace Chapel (in Caesars Palace); the pirate ship in front of Treasure Island; at the top of the Eiffel tower in front of the Paris Hotel; or while riding in a gondola at the Venetian.

So..whatever you do..plan ahead and have a fantastic trip .... VIVA LAS VEGAS!!

Gay Redmile is the webmaster of several travel sites. Although an Aussie she has travelled extensively throughout the United States and considers Las Vegas to be a most fascinating city. For more important information, news and articles on visiting Las Vegas visit her site at http://www.gettolasvegas.com