Las Vegas: The Pleasures of an Artificial World

Making new friends in the Sin City
Making new friends in the Sin City – Las Vegas!

The glittering skyline of Las Vegas is straight out of a science fiction film. Where else can you see the Statue of Liberty, a giant pyramid, the great Sphinx, a volcano, Paris and Venice all painstakingly recreated in the same place? Las Vegas holidays are all about the pleasures of make-believe. Let’s not forget the crash of coins from the slot machines and the enticing allure of hitting it big on a game table. The possibility of free money exists on every corner. To completely enjoy Vegas it is best to sit back and go with the flow. For some people Las Vegas is too kitschy and artificial. For others it is a glamorous and adrenaline-fueled wonderland. Needless to say, when you plan a Las Vegas holiday is it best to leave all sense of reality at home.

Casino Hopping on the Strip at Night

Las Vegas is made to be experienced at night. Neon light is the lifeblood of this sprawling pleasure dome in the desert. A walk down the Strip after dark is like entering an alternative universe. Spend the first evening in Las Vegas wandering in and out of the casinos. Each casino is unique, and many of them are like miniature theme parks, each with its own signature attraction. New York-New York is best known for its rollercoaster, while Circus-Circus is famous for acrobat act. The Mirage has an enormous volcano that erupts. The Bellagio has a water-fountain designed to dance like a ballet. Visit the Parisian at night and you will see a full moon glimmering beside the Eiffel Tower. You can enter Caesars Palace and find yourself gambling in an ancient Roman piazza. Las Vegas is noisy, chaotic and magically disorientating. It is a lot to take in. However, when you surrender to its bright lights and reckless hedonism you will begin to feel like a kid on Christmas morning.

Headliners, Showgirls and Lounge Acts 

Las Vegas is as well-known for its theatrical shows and nightlife as it is its gambling. Most hotels can provide you with a show guide. You never know who might be performing. Cher and Céline Dion both had shows in Las Vegas. Blue Man Group has a long running show at the Luxor. Cirque du Soleil has put on several exotically themed performances at many different casinos around Las Vegas. If big-ticket productions are not your thing, then you can always attend one of the ubiquitous showgirl performances or eccentric lounge acts.

When it comes to Las Vegas gambling and theatrical shows hardly scrape the surface of what can be found in this magical place. However, they are the twin pillars that keep people coming back again and again. Don’t forget booking package holidays makes your life much easier!

My name is Gareth Leonard, a Marketing Director turned World Traveler with a passion for slow, meaningful travel. I have been traveling the world full-time for the past 9+ years and document it all on Instagram and YouTube. Come join me!

2 Comments

  1. Oh Vegas!! What would the world be without Vegas. The nightlife, show girls, casino, that’s where it’s all happening. Know when to stop at the casinos, that’s the secrete.

  2. Gareth, I don’t know if you’ve seen these too – but there have been a number of IV therapy places that have popped up over the last few years. People are paying to prep themselves before parties and to knock out their hangovers the day after. It’s been crazy to be a part of and watch!

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