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Holidays to Las Vegas are all about once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Where else in the world can you tie the knot at the top of the Eiffel Tower, enjoy a three-course meal next to an erupting volcano, and whiz around New York on a huge rollercoaster? When the sun goes down, this glittering metropolis pulsates with dazzling shows, world-famous casinos and its famous neon glow.

And alongside its attention-grabbing Strip, Las Vegas holidays are rich in outdoor adventure. Head just two hours east to tick off one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World from your bucket list. The Grand Canyon's West Rim invites thrill-seekers to walk the glass bridge, suspended 4000 feet above the ground. You could try your hand at whitewater rafting down the Colorado River from here. And, if you hire a car for the trip, ‌stop off at Hoover Dam. 

Things to do

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas! After all, if you can let your hair down anywhere, it’s in Sin City. Whether you want to play poker, hit the shops, or party all night long, nowhere on the planet is as bold, glitzy and outrageous. 

By day, if you’re not sightseeing, it’s all about relaxing and preparing yourself for the big night ahead; so why not grab an ice-cold drink and soak up the sun by your hotel pool before the main event? And when you do want to get out and about, here are the sights you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Las Vegas.

Experience the Las Vegas Strip

Neon lights, jumping fountains, and the world's tallest observation wheel. Las Vegas city breaks are full of thrills! Take your pick from spectacular Cirque du Soleil shows, iconic landmarks like Caesars Palace, wow-worthy views from the Stratosphere Tower, and legendary performances by the likes of Elton John.

The Strip is the ultimate playground, and the energy is infectious. Dominated by iconic museums, award-winning restaurants and the best nightclubs in the city - where you can party from happy hour to sunrise. Hotspots include Marquee in Cosmopolitan, renowned for its rooftop pool parties, and XS, the most glamorous club on the Strip. 

Rub shoulders with high-rollers

Almost every movie featuring Las Vegas includes shots of Fremont Street. If you haven’t been to this historic gaming spot, can you really say you’ve been to Las Vegas? It’s where it all began, well before the birth of the Strip. Try your hand at blackjack inside the oldest casino in the city, Golden Gate. It first opened its doors in 1906 and holds a legacy that spans the Roaring 20s, Prohibition, and the whole Rat Pack era. 

If you want to test your luck on the slot machines, you’ll also need to bring some dollar bills with you! Order your Thomas Cook Travel Money online, and you’ll beat most high street rates. Just make sure you only play with what you can afford to lose - there’s a reason free drinks flow at the gaming table! 

Natural wonders

Swap the glitz of the city for some awe-inspiring nature. The Grand Canyon is just a two-hour drive away. You can join a tour, hire a car, or, for the ultimate treat, take an unforgettable Grand Canyon helicopter ride. 

And what trip to Las Vegas would be complete without ripping through the red sands of Nevada on the desert dune buggies. It's such an exciting way to get stuck into the city’s natural outback! The best months to give it a go are from March to May and September to November when the weather in Las Vegas is slightly cooler.

Vegas family trips

Thinking of treating the family to the trip of a lifetime? There are so many things to do with the kids in Las Vegas. Become an agent at Marvel Avengers. Come face-to-face with giant rays, rare golden crocodiles and sharks at Mandalay Bay.  Along the Strip, you’ll also find spellbinding shows, from Witches and Warlocks to comedy magic.

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Holidays to California are packed full of adventures. Not only is it USA’s third-largest state, but it’s home to famous cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and San Jose. Its landscape is pretty diverse too, from the snow-capped peaks of Lake Tahoe in the north to the vast deserts of Southern California.
 
And of course you can’t come all this way without sampling its laid-back beach scene. You’ll find family-friendly stretches complete with bustling boardwalks alongside surfing hotspots perfect for watersports fans. While nature lovers can hike to serene sands backed by stunning sea cliffs.

Things to do

Set on a peninsula on California’s northwest coast, the famously hilly San Francisco has some steep streets but there’s plenty of public transport options to save your legs. More like a small town than a big city with its Victorian-style houses and old-fashioned streetcars, you’ll feel at home in no time. Take in those iconic views of Golden Gate Bridge, dive into San Fran’s theatre scene, or escape to Alcatraz Island - this place has quite the list of attractions! Have you come to California to indulge? Then you shouldn’t miss the wineries of Sonoma and Napa Valley. 

For a taste of glamour head to Los Angeles, the home of red carpets and golden sands – think Laguna Beach and the iconic Malibu Beach (which inspired Baywatch). And if that wasn’t enough excitement, wait until we tell you there’s a Disneyland Resort here!

Further south of LA is sunny San Diego, which borders Mexico. Bringing the kids? They’ll love its nature theme parks such as San Diego Zoo, as well as the cultural hub of Balboa Park with its shows, museums and amazing events.

California’s cities can get pretty crowded, so if you’re looking for something more relaxing, there’s plenty of spots where you can enjoy a lazy beach day. With mile upon mile of stunning coastline, tall rocky cliffs make way for stretches of soft sand, perfect for families who wish to unwind by the sparkling sea. From San Francisco’s romantic Ocean Beach to LA’s chilled-out Laguna, you’re bound to find a shore that suits you.

If you like to get a culture fix on holiday, you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re exploring the museums and theatres of San Francisco, visiting Balboa Park or looking at the night sky from the Griffith Observatory, California is a treasure-trove of fascinating sights.

Foodies are also in luck here with everything from wineries to bubble tea stands and seafood stalls to breakfast pancakes on offer. Of course, your visit to Los Angeles wouldn’t be complete without sipping a frappuccino on Sunset Boulevard, watching the glitzy world of Hollywood go by.

California isn’t the easiest place to get around but if you’re prepared to hire a car, its landscapes are breathtakingly beautiful. Outdoor lovers will be in their element with trips to Yosemite Valley and Lassen Volcanic National Park. But nothing beats a sunrise hike through Death Valley, a must when it comes to exploring the beautiful east coast in all its jaw-dropping glory.
 

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Chicago | Florida | Hawaii | Las Vegas | Los Angeles | Miami | New England | New York City | New York State | North East Corridor | Oregon State | San Francisco | Texas | The Deep South | Universal Studios Hollywood | Utah State | Washingston State