Las Vegas

Las Vegas is famous for its gambling and entertainment, and has the tagline 'Entertainment Capital of the World'. It was founded as recently as 1905 as a railroad town, being popular as a stopping off point en-route to the west coast. When gambling was legalized in 1931, the gaming industry flourished. The centre for the casinos was originally downtown, but when the megacasinos arrived in the late 1980s, the focus turned to the strip.

The strip now boasts a Egyptian pyramid, a New York skyline, and a Eiffel tower - all fake of course, but impressive nonetheless. Also make sure you see the amazing water fountains at the Bellagio hotel.

Before your trip to Las Vegas, do some homework on the popular casino games. There are literally thousands of slot machines (or slots) but the casino take on these is a high 5%. Better value is Craps and Blackjack. Or if you fancy yourself as a high-roller, try Baccarat, the traditional game for the well-heeled. Experienced card players will feel at home in the casino poker rooms.