Planning a Las Vegas trip? If so, then you need to plan your entertainment as well as all of your travel details. After all, there is simply too much to see and do in Vegas to get it all done in one trip, so you will need to pick and choose carefully.

One of the most spectacular shows to catch while you are in Las Vegas is the Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian. Phantom is always best when done in a semi-permanent location, as that chandelier drop is never quite as spectacular on a touring show. This version has never-before-seen special effects that will blow your mind.

“O” at the Belagio is a show you have to experience to truly understand. This Cirque du Soleil show occurs both under and above water, featuring talented acrobats and swimmers performing stunts that you are difficult to imagine, let alone perform. The artistry and athleticism combined in this show make it truly awe-inspiring. Keep in mind that the price is steep, so set aside some extra money in your budget for this one.

If you want to catch a great comedian-slash-impersonator, catch the new Danny Gans show at Encore Las Vegas. This talented performer will act, sing, impersonate, and simply entertain with his comedic antics. You will be surprised at how well a single performer can keep you entertained if you catch his act.

Blue Man Group at the Venetian is another popular show. No one really knows why bald, blue mutes are so entertaining, but entertaining they are. This is a family-oriented show and incorporates dance, music, rhythm, and an interesting type of humor into its entertainment package. Be forewarned, however, that there really is a “Poncho Section” where you could end splattered with all sorts of lovely things by the end of the show.

Finally, what is a trip to Vegas without a little magic show? If a great magician is your cup of tea, then head to Criss Angel Believe at the Luxor. Rest assured, however, that this is not a “little” magic show. This show pulls all of the stops, including players from Cirque du Soleil, plenty of show girls, dazzling lights, and, of course, the magic of Criss Angel himself. This is probably not a show for the kids, but it is a great choice for some adults who wish to be truly amazed and mystified.

If you are wondering what show to see in Vegas, be sure at least one of these five is on your list. However, no matter what you choose to see in Vegas, you will be entertained. It is not the entertainment capital of the world for no reason, after all!

Getting married in Las Vegas is the dream of many couples, and you do not have to be eloping or enjoying a whirlwind romance to experience this. Many couples choose to have a Las Vegas wedding so that they can enjoy the glitz and glamour of Vegas on their special day. If you want to have the perfect Vegas wedding, consider these tips.

First, choose a wedding planner. Since you will be planning your wedding long distance, a wedding planner will help things to go smoothly. You can talk over the phone and via email with your wedding planner to ensure that everything is perfect on your special day. The wedding planner can coordinate the caterer, bakery, chapel, musicians, and all of the other details of your special day.

Second, plan some extra time before the wedding to give yourself a chance to get the lay of the land and have a little fun. Many couples choose to have their bachelor and bachelorette parties while they are there.

Choose a date that is convenient for your guests. Valentine’s Day and New Years Eve are very crowded times in Las Vegas, and your out of town guests may find it difficult to find rooms to reserve. Also, consider getting married over a weekend or at the beginning or end of a work week to accommodate the travel needs of your guests.

Choosing the venue for your wedding is not going to be easy. Most of the major resorts have chapels available, and you can also choose one of the chapels that are not within a resort. The best option to keep things convenient for your guests is to have your wedding and reception at the same location. Talk to your wedding planner about the theme of your wedding, and you should be able to narrow down your choices to the best possible option.

Getting your dress to Las Vegas can be a challenge. If you want to buy your dress, you will need to carefully pack it and bring it on the plane with you. However, there are numerous places in Vegas where you can rent a wedding dress. This may be a more affordable option and will save you the hassle of carting the dress with you.

Do not forget to take the time to get your marriage license before the wedding. You have to do this in person at the County Courthouse, and you must provide proof of age. You do not have to wait for your license, but you do have to pay a $55 fee.

Of course, getting married in Vegas means anything goes. You can choose just about any theme for your wedding, from Star Trek to King Arthur. And what is the best part of getting married in Vegas? You do not have to travel far to enjoy your honeymoon!

When you travel to Las Vegas, where you stay is almost as important as what you do when you get there. If you are traveling to Las Vegas with kids, this is even more true. Some hotels are just not kid-friendly, and some make traveling to Vegas with kids an exceptional experience.

One of the best places to stay if you are traveling with kids is The Excalibur Hotel. This hotel looks like a medieval castle, and has many things for the kids to see and do. The rooms have 42-inch plasma TVs and comfortable pillow-topped mattresses, making the room cozy for everyone. The kids will love the Fantasy Faire Midway, where they can play carnival games, and the Court Jester’ Stage, which features kid-friendly entertainment like puppet shows and magicians. The Sherwood Forest Café is a great place for kids to eat, and the dragons outside the café just beg to be climbed on. The Excalibur Hotel has babysitting services, so the grown ups can enjoy the more adult-centered entertainment in the hotel and the other casinos nearby.

The New York, New York Hotel is another great option for families visiting Vegas. It looks like the New York skyline, yet sits on Las Vegas Boulevard. The rooms are spacious, providing your kids with plenty of room to play, and they are also more affordable than many other lodging options. You can dine in a replica of Times Square, and the kids will love the indoor/outdoor roller coaster that the hotel has.

The MGM Grand Hotel is another popular destination for families. MGM has its own lion habitat, so the kids will enjoy watching the king of the jungle in an African-like enclosure. The MGM Grand has a beautiful pool, so be sure to pack the swimming gear! The Las Vegas Monorail connects to the MGM Grand, so you can skip the taxis and use it to visit some of the other resorts. Your kids will love the ride!

Of course, a discussion of kid-friendly hotels would not be complete without a discussion of Circus Circus. This Las Vegas legend features a continuous live circus where kids can enjoy the antics of acrobats and clowns whenever they wish. Adventuredome is an indoor amusement park that the kids can explore. The hotel has affordable rates too, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers. The food is very kid-friendly as well, and the hotel even has a McDonald’s for the kids to enjoy.

If you are going to spend the money for a trip to Las Vegas, why not splurge a little bit more, or a lot more, and stay in one of Sin City’s most luxurious hotels? The Wynn Las Vegas is probably the one you want to choose. This is the only hotel in the world to receive the Mobil Five Star and AAA Five Diamond awards, as well as two stars from Michelin. This is luxury at its finest, and it can be yours if you are willing to pay the price.

What will you find at Wynn? If you love to eat, you will love this hotel. There are numerous award-winning chefs employed by the restaurants found at Wynn. The SW Steakhouse, Italian Bartolotta restaurant, and Japanese Okada are just some of the dining options in this resort. If you are looking for truly authentic ethnic cuisine, you must dine in one of these restaurants.

You can also shop at the Wynn Las Vegas. Designer shops are scattered throughout the resort. You can choose to shop in stores carrying lines like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Oscar de la Renta. Some of the most prestigious names in fashion can be found in the Wynn.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Las Vegas resort without a casino, and the Wynn has a fun one. You can play slots, deal a round of poker, and enjoy numerous table games at this exciting casino. However, you will notice a slight difference between this casino and some of the others in Las Vegas. The Wynn is much more pristine and elite than its competitors, from the décor to the clothing of the staff who work the casino.

What about the accommodations? The Rooms at Wynn feel much more like home than a hotel. You will sleep on a pillow top mattress surrounded by 100% Egyptian cotton sheets, lounge on a comfortable couch with matching ottoman, and enjoy drinks on a dining table complete with matching chairs. Each room has a flat screen LCD high definition TV, cordless phone, and high-speed Internet access. Floor to ceiling windows are an important feature, as panoramic views of the city are enjoyed by every room. Be sure to spend some time in the bathroom, where you will be treated to Desert Bambu amenities, large, luscious towels, and a luxurious soaking tub and separate shower.  Everything at Wynn, from the gaming to the bed itself, is luxurious, and you will be thrilled with your stay.

This hotel is a little more calm when compared to other hotel casinos.  This hotel located just off the Vegas strip is a very good buy for it’s location and comfort.

Many would say this is a step above a Holiday Inn.  There is nothing that will wow you here except the location and price.  Some complaints are that the rooms have very thin walls and you can hear what is happening or not happening in the next room over.  Not a great selection of restaurants but hey, there are plenty to choose from on the strip.

Location: 3770 Las Vegas Blvd. S.

Map: Click Here

Phone: 800-311-8999

This Las Vegas hotel and spa is about 10 miles from the Vegas strip.  This hotel has LCD TVs in the bathrooms, martini bars, a very nice pool with great fountains, private cabanas and swim up gambling.

This resort has 9 restaurants and a hip nightclub by Cherry Rande Gerber.  This nightclub is the place to go and hangout if you are a young hipster.  Ultra modern and with great views of the mountains this resort is worth visiting.  While there have some dinner, you won’t be disappointed.

Location: 11011 West Charleston Blvd.

Map: Click Here

Phone: 702-797-7777

This steakhouse located at the Wynn casino is one word “Swanky” maybe that is what the SW stands for.  This steakhouse has great food a great wine list and exceptional views.  Not the most trendy place to be but good service makes up for it.  Go early because this place is usually packed, oh and by the way it is pricey.

Location: 3131 Las Vegas Blvd. S.

Map: Click Here

Phone: 702-770-9966

Kate Spade is located at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. This is a hip and trendy shop that is loved by accessory junkies. This NYC designer shop is expensive so expect to drop about $300 for a handbag. The staff is helpful and they do have a great selection. If you are in to fashion this is the place for you.

Location: 3500 Las Vegas Blvd. S.

Map: Click Here

Phone: 702-515-6075

The MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas is located at the end of the monorail system on the south side of the Vegas strip.  The Grand is one of the largest hotels in the world with over 5000 rooms.  The MGM Grand is one of those hotels you could stay at the entire time when you are vacationing in Vegas.  You don’t need to leave as they have everything you need including restaurants, gambling, pools and entertainment.  The place is so big that if you go here on vacation you might need a GPS to find your way around.  One of the top spots in Vegas.  Oh yeah and if you fly into the Las Vegas airport then you can just check right there.  The MGM Grand has hotel check in and check out at the airport.  How cool is that, Viva Las Vegas Baby!

Location: 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S.

Map: Click Here

Phone: 877-880-0880 

 The Mandalay Bay Resort in Vegas is a good place to vacation for the younger crowd.  Many younger couples stay here and for good reason.  The Mandalay Bay is just about all you need in one place.  Not located in the middle of the Vegas strip like many of the other casino’s this beauty has just about everything you need.  Modern, contemporary, great bars, restaurants and probably the best pools in town.  If you stay at the Mandalay Bay for vacation you might not have to leave, though if you do the rest of the strip is a short monorail ride away.  Good prices make this resort a must stay if you are looking for a true “Las Vegas Special”

Location: 3950 Las Vegas Blvd.

Map: Click Here

Phone: 877-632-7000 

 The JW Marriott Resort is located quite a bit away from the Vegas strip.  With that in mind this is a very nice resort and spa to stay at.  Great rooms, golf coarse, very nice grounds, great spa and fabulous pool.  This resort has 471 rooms and 77 suites so there isn’t much room but some people like the smaller, quitter casino.  A bit pricey at over $250 a night but from what we hear an overall good place to stay for relaxation.

Location: 221 N. Rampart Blvd.

Map: Click Here

Phone: 877-869-8777 

 The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas isn’t located on the strip but instead across the street from the University of Nevada Las Vegas campus.  They have well over 500 rooms so getting a place to stay for the night isn’t that bad unless there is a big activity going on at UNLV.  This rock star paradise is priced just right too.  Each room comes with a giant plasma tv and the rock style feel for under $200 a night.  Good bars and restaurants at this very hip hotel and casino.

Location: 4455 Paradise Road

Map: Click Here

Phone: 800-473-7625 

Spago is located inside Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino. This restaurant is made famous by the chef Wolfgang Puck. This place is always packed and the prices are crazy expensive. We have never eaten at Spago but from what we hear it is overrated and past it’s prime. Expect to pay $40+ per plate at this trendy, celebrity hangout.

Location: 3500 Las Vegas Blvd. S

Map: Click Here

Phone: 702-369-0360

This classic downtown Las Vegas hotel and casino is owned and operated by the seafood restaurant Landry’s.  The Golden Nugget has gone through some much needed renovations and is now quite modern and nice.  At this hotel you will find a spa, salon, fitness rooms, very nice pool and Don Rickles.  Located away from the strip this casino has it all and for a very good price.  Don’t expect to pay anymore then $200 a night to stay here.

Location: 129 E. Fremont Street

Map: Click Here

Phone: 800-846-5336

 The Flamingo Hotel & Casino located on the Vegas strip is an oldie but goodie.  Take a walk down memory lane at this casinos stuck int he 60’s.  The decor is still flamingos and fish ponds just like it was back in the 1940’s.  Some of the casino has been renovated so if you go make sure to get one of the newer rooms.  Also don’t forget to check out the topless pool area, a favorite for anyone looking to get sunburn.

Location: 3555 Las Vegas Blvd. S.

Map: Click Here

Phone: 888-308-8899 

This Las Vegas mega star hotel and casino pulls them in from all over.  Known for is great pool, convenient location, shopping and dinning this Vegas beauty has it all.  One of our favorites to stay when we visit is has never let us down.  Great service and rooms and when you go be sure to stay in the new Augustus Tower rooms, a little pricey but luxury galore.   This original Sin City delight is one of the hottest places to stay in on the Vegas strip.

Location: 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. S.

Map: Click Here

Phone: 866-227-5938

 Rooms, suites and villas at this top notch Las Vegas destination.  Many say this is the best hotel and resort in Vegas.  Now we say resort because it literally is a resort.  Not as “Vegas” feeling as all the other hotels on the strip this beauty has it all.  Fantastic spa, gorgeously manicured grounds and breathtaking fountains.  The Bellagio is a first class hotel and it shows, quite possible the nicest place to stay in all of Vegas.

Location: 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S.

Map: Click Here

Phone: 888-987-6667

Bally’s is a great hotel and casino for the money.  Located in the middle of the Vegas Strip this dated hotel still has plenty of love to go around.  The decor is trapped in the 70’s and there seems to be an endless supply of tables and slots but it is a great glimpse at what Las Vegas use to be.  Price right and with one of the best locations on the strip Bally’s is a nice stay if you don’t want to break the bank.

Location: 3645 Las Vegas Blvd. S.

Map: Click Here

Phone: 888-742-9248 

The Luxor Las Vegas is really a site to behold. It is located directly on the strip and is in the shape of a pyramid and has an Egyptian theme. This many say is the best hotel in Vegas and we just might agree with that. Prices at the Luxor are very affordable and it is worth a stay for a night or two.

Location: 3900 Las Vegas Blvd. S.

Map: Click Here

Phone: 888-777-0188

This amazingly fun roller coaster located at the New York-New York casino is a real heart stopper.  It falls some 150 feet while twisting and turning around the hotel.  If you are bored in Vegas and want to get your blood pumping stop on by this very fun and scary ride. We take a ride on this baby every time we visit Las Vegas on vacation.  Lines are sometimes long for this ride but it is well worth the wait.

Location: 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. S

Map: Click Here

Phone: 702-740-6969

 This boutique located in Caesars Palace on the strip is about the size of a closet.  Even though it is small it has some very nice things in it.  You will find items like imported French stemware, knickknacks, vases, tabletop display items and more.  This boutique is quite expensive, maybe it’s because of the staff who speak multiple languages?

Location: 3500 Las Vegas Blvd. S.

Map: Click Here

Phone: 702-693-6877 

This is an excellent place to get sushi just west of the Vegas strip.  Located in the Palms Casino & Hotel it is hip, fun and round.  The dinning area is completely round and very much in tune with what it clientèle likes and expects.  The staff is great and the sushi is some of the best in Vegas.  Stop in and listen to the DJ, who knows you might not want to leave.

Location: 4321 W. Flamingo Road

Map: Click Here

Phone: 702-942-7778

Some say this Las Vegas Casino is a Wynner, others say it is over priced. It is definately for couples and not for kids. They have a golf course on-site and is actually the only one left on the Vegas strip. Almost 2 dozen restaurants to choose from in this romantic and luxurious hotel. We enjoyed the stay even if it was a bit pricier than most other casino’s on the strip. The rooms are lavish and spacious and the staff treats you like royalty.

Location: 3131 Las Vegas Blvd. S

Map: Click Here

Phone: 888-320-9966

The Las Vegas Venetian is one of our most favorite places to stay. This beauty located in the heart of the Vegas strip is a masterpiece of Venice design and old world charm. This romantic hotel has everything you need and then some.

It’s location on the strip is quite possibly the best in Vegas and it’s amenities are top notch. The standard room far out does many upgraded rooms at other casinos. Inside there is a Venetian canal you can take a ride on and the ceilings are done up with sky like clouds and lighting. This is a must see and stay when you go on your Las Vegas vacation.

Location: 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. S

Map: Click Here

Phone: 877-883-6423

This Las Vegas classic has been getting much needed renovations lately.  The Hilton is the location of Star Trek: The Experience which is an on-site interactive experience which requires a ticket to enter.  Other things you will find at the Hilton in Vegas are tennis courts, pools, arcade, salon, spa and lots and lots of shopping.  The Hilton also have many restaurants and shows which include Barry Manalow and Tony Bennett.  This is a great place to visit when you go to Vegas on vacation.

Location: 3000 Paradise Road

Map: Click Here

Phone:888-732-7117

This Las Vegas hotel is just like stepping into New York City. If you want to visit the Big Apple go no further than Vegas baby. Only drawback that we found was that the rooms are a bit small compared to other hotel’s like it on the strip. A visual treat, this casino has things like replica sewer covers with steam coming out, city like halls and a roller coaster. If you don’t stay here definitely visit it while you are in Vegas.

Location: 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. S.

Map: Click Here

Phone: 888-696-9887

If you are looking for a fine pen go no further. Located at Caesars Palace this top notch boutique carries items like pens, leather goods, lighters, watches, cuff links and ties. The staff is very helpful and the brands are top notch. We bought a pen set here and still have them to this day. Expect to pay a little more than average for the items in this shop but you won’t be dissappointed.

Location: 3500 Las Vegas Blvd. S.

Map: Click Here

Phone: 702-732-0569

This is one of the original Vegas hotels located mid strip. The Mirage has a exotic tropical feel to it and is very relaxing. Not as many bells and whistles as some of the other casino’s but still very nice. The staff is great, rooms are comfortable and they have a very nice pool to relax and take in a few drinks.

Location: 3400 Las Vegas Blvd

Map: Click Here

Phone: 800-374-9000