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What's it really like? LAS VEGAS Las Vegas lights up the surrounding sun-scorched desert for hundreds of miles. The dazzling hotels, with their neons and marble fountains are huge, spectacular and lavish. Modern day monuments of marble and fountains. Architects have copied the best ideas from around the world and planted them in the middle of the wilderness, hence there are hotels of stunning design based on Egypt, Rome, New York and some European grandeur. One thing Las Vegas wasn't short of was space, so room sizes are usually very generous and 19 of the world's 20 biggest hotels are on the famous 'Strip'.
The hotel lobbies are casinos where the frenzy of dollars being won and lost can be overwhelming and noisey. However, there is always a peaceful oasis by the pool or other activities which offer an escape from the brash n' cash. Tips:
Days Out: Wet n' Wild on the Strip is based on the original wet knuckle theme park in Orlando. Towels and changing facilities provided. A great place to cool off but there may be some queing for rides where there's little or no shade. Visitors to the legendary Stratosphere Hotel are taken ground floor level to the top of the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States in less than 30 seconds - that's whizzing past three floors a second. One hundred storeys above the ground are the Roller Coaster plus X Scream and Big Shot thrill rides. It's breathtaking. The Fashion Show Mall on the Strip is rammed with every store you'll need including Macys and Bloomingdale's and provides the unique'American 'shopping mall' experience Grand Canyon tours - see below. Nights Out: Spectacular shows, cabaret and concerts all come at a hefty price and may be beyond the average budget. Eating out in the topsy-turvey world of Las Vegas is a disorientating exeperience. Most people barely notice the time so breakfast, lunch and dinner is served all day and night and except for the plush restaurants casual wear is perfectly acceptable.
The most breathtaking natural wonder in the world. That's our view of The Grand Canyon which is a hole in the ground measuring 277 miles long by about 10 miles wides and almost a mile deep. At the bottom of the main canyon cascades its creator - the Colorado River. There are many ways to explore this incredible phenomenon and the most memorable is by helicopter or small plane. Five million visitors a year flock to its rim, so some areas have become a little commercialised with fast food outlets and tourist areas but it remains for the most part unspoilt. Accommodation tends to emulate a more rustic era with lodges of varying standards. Many visitors are daytrippers or single overnight stays so the najority of rooms are fairly basic. Quality comes at price. The less mobile and wheel chair users are also well provided for at the Grand Canyon. Days Out: Exploring and experiencing the Grand Canyon in as many ways as possible is the main occupation of the visiting hoardes. There are trail and paths along the rim, mule rides to the bottom, flights over the top. All are worth every penny for providing long-lasting memories. Further afield is that manmade landmark of the United States - the spectacular Hoover Dam. Day trips take visitors through incredible scenery. Souvenir shops are all themed around Canyon curios and American western-style gear. Nights Out: There's limited evening entertainment apart from the occasional saloon-style show and eating out. Most menus stick to traditional cuisine like steaks and burgers. Hay rides into the desert for a barbeque offer a relaxing few hours under the stars. The night sky is truly specatacular away from the bright lights of Vegas. Children: An exciting adventure for children with enough home comforts to provide for their every needs. |
