Travel

LAS VEGAS FACTFILE

GETTING THERE

Las Vegas is one of America's premier tourist destinations. so flights are readily available and package deals are easy to find. You can even fly direct from PrestWIck on some chartered flights. Try Skye Travel (wwwskyetravelcouk) for some of the better deals. Remember though. some of the hotels have smaller sections located behind the main buildings. so it is advisable to ask where your room is. Virgin has also introduced direct flights from London. so a quick stopover will have you on your way.

GAMBLING

Las Vegas is indelibly connected with the world of gambling. so if you're smart with your money and have at least a little self-control. you might have some luck. For slots. it is advisable to head downtown for a better pay out. If you enjoy playing casino games such as blackjack. roulette. and craps. all the major casinos are well equipped. And if you are new to gambling, most casinos provide scheduled lessons in the games free of charge. Remember that drinks are always complimentary while

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you play. so sometimes it can even pay off to gamble.

ENTERTAINMENT

Vegas has been described as the entertainment capital of the world. so there are no shortages of quality shows. All the hotels have their own events and most now have their own clubs. An almost complete listing of the major events can be found on Las Vegas Online (www.lvol.com). The hotels also have minor attractions both in and outside them. The pirate fight at Treasure Island and the volcano at the Mirage are both favourites of tourists (both are free of charge). Check your own hotel to see what they offer before you go.

WHERE TO SHOP

Las Vegas is also well known for its variety of shops. There are several malls in the city including a huge complex inside Caesar's Palace called the Forum Shops. The Fashion show mall is also located directly on the strip and showcases a more typical collection of shops. And if your tastes are more refined. the Venetian and Bellagio hotels are packed with designer goods.

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Festivals, flights and fabulous LOADS OF NEW EDITIONS HAVE hit the shelves from Rough Guides this month. Brand new titles include Alaska and Iceland. which both include expert advice on outdoor activities. lbiza with plenty of inside info on the club scene. Languedoc 8 Roussi/lon which gives an insight into one of France's lesser-known regions. and Gay 8 Lesbian Australia which contains full listings of gay- friendly venues as well as inside views on gay Culture. IF ROOTS MUSIC IS YOUR thing, you might want to consider a break in Cambridge this summer. The 37th Cambridge Folk Festival features Suzanne Vega, Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings and Capercaillie. Prices range from 219456 for a three-day

ticket, the event runs from 26-29 July and you can get tickets and information from 01223 357851 or www.cam-folkfest.co.uk

IF YOU'RE DREAMING OF

beaches and clubs on far-off shores. STA Travel may be able to help. It's

teamed up with 2wenty‘s and from now till October they're offering special holiday deals, including Ibiza from £1 15. Tenerife from £199 and Ayia Napa from £2249. Prices include accommodation and are open to everyone not just students and under 268. More details on 0131 226 7747 and wwwstatravelcouk

A NEW KID ON THE GUIDEBOOK block is Ministry of Sound. Responding to the needs of clubbers who want essential info without trawling through a more heavyweight guide, it’s releasing its first title with HarperCollins, entitled MisGuided . . . Ibiza. With their inside knowledge of the island’s clubbing scene, the people at Ministry have put together all you need to know about the clubs (obviously) as well as where to chill out.

IF IT'S A CITY BREAK YOU’RE

after, Usit Campus has urban excursions to Spain on speCiaI offer at the moment. Departing up until the 30 June you can enjoy Bilbao for £165 or soak up the atmosphere in Madrid for £153 (prices include one night's accommodation). More details on www.usitcampus.co.uk