Las Vegas, NV

Inspired by the splendour of Italy’s Lake Como, the Bellagio is a Sin City icon that’s famous for placing visitors straight into the lap of luxury. From its dancing water fountains to the spectacular two thousand glass flower display, this 5-star wonder is a picture of elegance in a city that’s famous for being ostentatious. With over three thousand rooms, 36 floors, a renowned poker room, as well as a private botanical garden, the Bellagio offers much more than just a place to lay your head following a thrilling day on the slot machines. For most visitors, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino offers the best of many worlds. Home to about 10 restaurants, a large casino and a handful of theatres, Planet Hollywood’s location in the middle of the Strip makes it a perfect hub for anyone looking to explore a little bit of everything on the Las Vegas Boulevard.

Utah is famous for having red-rock canyons and rugged vistas that stretch into the horizon. And some of the state’s most spectacular vistas are those surrounding Bryce Canyon. This Canyon is the culmination of a series of step-like uplifted rock layers dubbed the “Grand Staircase” that stretch north from the Grand Canyon. The Pink Cliff formations of the park are filled with wonderful spires, steeples and pinnacles along with hoodoos. The Grand Canyon West Rim offers notable features such as the Grand Canyon Skywalk and developed areas like Eagle Point and Guano Point with their stunning canyon views. The West Rim is also home to Havasu Canyon, a mazelike canyon full of tall rock walls, turquoise blue waterfalls, cottonwood trees and cacti, and which is a Mecca for hikers. The 12km trek to Supai Village is one of the highlights of this route, while a trail from the Hualapai Hilltop steeply drops through a landscape that’s stark and beautiful.

Las Vegas is much more artistically inclined than its scenic singing fountains may let on. At the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Arts, art lovers can indulge in internationally acclaimed artworks and exhibitions. The Gallery has hosted exhibitions by Claude Monet as well as Picasso Ceramics which decorate the highly acclaimed Picasso restaurant inside the hotel. The amazing art along with the 2-Michelin-star cuisine offered by the restaurant make for a very unique dining experience. Within the busting 18b Las Vegas Arts District downtown are 18 blocks filled with bars, eateries and independent galleries. This is also home to The Arts Factory, a fifty year old commercial warehouse with artist studios, galleries and antiques shops that introduce you to a diversity of styles and media. Poetry readings, musical concerts and theatrical ventures complete the busy schedule of the Factory, peaking on the First Friday of each month when it all transforms into a vibrant and intoxicating street party.

With its deep canyons, desert basins and sharp craggy mountains, it’s hard to believe that Las Vegas is quite close to the dramatic, deserted and surreal scenery of the Lake Mead Recreation Area. A beautiful and peaceful spot to hike, bike, camp, kayak and water ski, Lake Mead also allows for scuba diving and swimming. Lake Mojave is the other main destination for boaters within the Lake Mead Recreation Area. Non-boaters will also find plenty to do within its surrounding campgrounds, marinas and beaches. While  hiking is not often the first thing that comes to most visitors’ minds in the City of Sin, Fortification Hill does offer superb hiking trails with some of the best panoramas in the area. Full of craters, canyons, desert, mountains and abstract land formations, it’s for good reason that Death Valley in Las Vegas is regarded as “the land of extremes.” But with activities such as biking, hiking, camping and bird watching, lovers of the outdoors can reconnect with nature like never before.

March to May and September to November offer the best periods within which to enjoy Las Vegas holidays. That said, consistently pleasant weather and worthwhile deals are easy to find at any time of the year.

The shoulder seasons of spring and fall see warm weather that’s nonetheless cool enough to walk around without overheating. During the summer months, Las Vegas is not very different from an oven, with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees. As such, America’s Playground tends to see the highest tourist influx between December and February, with New Year’s Eve being especially popular for a holiday to the United States.

Spring Fests

Springtime marks a comfortable period for a holiday to Las Vegas. All you need are a few light layers, as the temperatures will cool significantly once the sun sets. Vegas tends to welcome fewer tourists on a United States holiday during these months. There are also various special events, including the famous food festivals, which are held during springtime in Las Vegas. Visitors on a United States tour in April can attend Viva Las Vegas. The Helldorado Days and Vegas Uncork’d are both held in May.

Summer Air

It’s only when you visit Las Vegas during the summertime that you will truly appreciate air conditioning. Don’t expect to spend much time walking the Strip during the months of June, July and August, as the daytime temperatures typically climb into the triple digits. Those in the mood for some fresh air during holidays to Las Vegas should head out during the early morning or after dark when the air is much cooler. Indoor games lovers on a tour in the United States can attend the World Series of Poker event.

Autumn Feasts

Just like spring, fall is a great time for a holiday in Las Vegas. With the waning summer heat, tourist traffic begins to die down. If visiting in November, brace yourself for the onset of the winter chill. There’s no better time to enjoy some good food as during fall in Las Vegas, so head over to the Las Vegas Greek Food Festival in September. Sports enthusiasts can also attend the Las Vegas BikeFest in October.

Winter Parties

Cooler weather and plenty of holiday parties make winter a very popular time for holidays in Las Vegas. Those hoping to ring in the New Year Vegas-style should make their reservations several weeks in advance. While the weather is certainly warmer than in other parts of the United States, Vegas can get pretty chilly around wintertime, so do pack some layers. Plan to attend the city’s New Year’s Eve festivities for a fun welcome to the coming year.