Woohoo, fifty years old and finally got to Vegas. Once was enough. It's so weird and plastic and fake. I had a good enough time but would rather go a hundred other places.

We go to Las Vegas once or twice a year for a few days, but also go on other trips during the year, both national and international.

Many people prefer not to travel internationally, but to limit oneself to only Las Vegas or Disney World within the US - that is a big mistake. There are so many beautiful and interesting places to explore in America. You are missing out on so much!

I have spent a week in Las Vegas twice and I could go many more times! If you ask me anyplace that you can shop, drink, gamble all day is a good place.

What do you mean by vacation? I would say I have lots of getaways to Vegas each year. It is only one hour flight away from California, and I go there maybe 2-3 times a year, and to Reno/Tahoe as well.

I don't think I am *sad* for visiting Vegas so often as some poster suggested. Different people have different interests. But I don't stick to just Vegas.

I agree, it's hard to stand the stench of smoke. Although, you will also get that everywhere in Europe!

Yes! My family does that. I think my brother & his family go 2-3 times per year. My parents used to go a few times every year, also. It was so cute, they said that whenever they stepped off the plane and smelled the Las Vegas air, they'd say, "Aaaaah....home." hahaha Of course, they are very into gambling and shows so it was the perfect place for them.

I have never been to Vegas (or Disney World) and have NO desire to go. Just not my thing. Certainly wouldn't consider a vacation there.

weenie, you sound like me--until my husband dragged me to Vegas. Now we go for a long weekend once a year. Give it a try--you just might be surprised!

Here's why Vegas is better:

Venice - It's old, smelly canals, they don't speak english, and all they eat is Italian food.
vs
The Venetian- New, big rooms, I can eat whatever I want when I want, it doesn't rain and they don't flush the toilets into the water!

Paris - They are rude, they don't bath and they hate Americans.
vs.
Paris, LV - They like US!!

Rome - All the good stuff has been "ruined."
vs.
Caesar's - LIKE NEW!!!

Egypt - Dirty, sandy, they hate Americans and the Sphinx is broken!
vs
Luxor-Clean and the Sphinx has a new nose and a paintjob.

You want to spend your hardearned money outside the US, be my guest. Me, I know at McDonald's I'm getting 100% USDA choice!

I don't think I could go to Vegas every year. I've only been once -- celebrating turning 30 with 7 girlfriends. Vegas had nothing to do with this, but 8 women on a trip together never agree on what to do, see, where to eat, etc. Plus, IT RAINED THE ENTIRE TIME. If you can't sit by the pool, a major attraction to the plastic city in the middle of the desert is gone. Casinos -- I went into the trip thinking the scene in the casino would be like something out of a James Bond movie; WRONG. There are no beautiful people in tuxes and glamorous dresses in the casinos. Brides -- We saw frustrated and angry brides everywhere (why were they so peeved?) Several Girlfriends delighted in saying "don't do it" to every bride we passed. Tee hee. Buffets -- everyone got sick after a buffet at the Imperial Palace hotel. Don't eat there.

So will I return? Yes, my engineering nut husband would love to spend 3 days just at Hoover Dam. I would love to get out into the nearby desert on a tour. We would like to see Penn and Teller, and renew our vows at a drive thru wedding place. Would like to lounge by the pool at Ceasar's and have drinks, and listen to old Sinatra tunes. Now that I know what it is, I can appreciate it, but certainly not every year. Life is short.

My husband who is an engineer would also like to visit Vegas. May I ask what month did you go to Vegas that it rained the entire time??

Not me - I've been there twice now and once every twenty years or so is plenty for me!

I am reading these posts, but Ryan You have got to be kidding? You think that the knock off of a venetian gondola or New York New York is a comparison to the real thing? These are merely imitations and you think that Epcot Center is reproducing the cultures of Mexico or China. These are just illusions and you cannot for once think you are experiencing another part of the world by being in Vegas or Florida, but that's good because more room in Paris, Venice, and New York for me.

Ryan, very funny !

We were going to Las Vegas twice a year for a while , March (when I had to get out of NYC or die!) and August ( when the desert heat is better than humid NYC)
We usually go for 4 days, one is spent out of the hotel/casino atmosphere in the desert or mountains.
We see shows, eat in a Fab restaurant every night, gamble and laugh. It is always fun. When we stop laughing, we will quit going.
I never go to LV instead of somewhere else, it is always just another trip.
I must say, it is funny to me how strongly people feel about going there, some take it almost personally if you like Las Vegas!
Smoke is a bad thing about it, but then, I love Paris France and they smoke there too..it isn't bad enough to make me stay home:)

Sure, Vegas is fine once a year for a few days, but a vacation? I think not. IMO a little of Vegas goes a long way.

We love Las Vegas! We started going as a little adult getaway (I would never take my child there)but now we go every year. Anyone who doesn't enjoy Vegas has never been there with my husband!

We also travel to other places every year and every other year we visit another country.

Ilovetulips,
I guess you picked that screen name as Ilovesarcasm was taken?

Ryan, I understand you were joking, but I do think there are people who would agree with what you're saying - and who are not trying to be funny! I have a girlfriend who keeps batting around a Las Vegas vacation with her kids. I told her that I do not think Vegas is for kids. Yes, absolutely, there are things for kids to do there. But I'm uncomfortable with the whole atmosphere, i.e. walking down the strip and being handed circulars on strip clubs at 10am. (Uh, do I look like your typical client?!) I've heard many stories where families were walking the stip at night and the father was approached with circulars/info in front of his children.

But, I digress. Anyway, despite sharing my concerns with my girlfriend, she told me that one of the reasons she wants to go is b/c her older son always wanted to see Paris, and they could get the feeling of doing so by visiting the casino Paris. Now, my girlfriend is a smart person, who has actually been to the real Paris, so I think she was trying to justify a trip to Vegas.

I have a buddy who spends 7+ days in Vegas each year in summer. Has been doing this for 20+ years. Will also go on additional trips if asked. I just don't understand it. He does not go anyplace else. Spends most of his time gambling, rarely shows, never Hoover or other sights.

I like Vegas and generally do 3-4 days a year and find that sufficient and fun.

To each their own I guess.

Although I know this won't explain it all concerning Las Vegas but here goes:

Las Vegas is a wonderful place to just go to! We live in Pennsylvania and look forward to our yearly trips there. The weather is always a welcome change and we stay in the more popular strip hotels (the more luxury the better). During the day we sleep in and sit by the pool or shop in the afternoons. In the evenings we go to really good places to eat and gamble (Hubby plays Black Jack and I play slots) We have an occasional drink in one of the lounges and dance a little. Sometimes we order room service late at night and watch a movie. It's all very relaxing and romantic. Oh yeah, we try to get out to the canyon or for a drive in the desert but not always. Sometimes we'll do a show - but I'd rather spend a few hours at the spa most of the time. Bottom line: It's all about us when we go to Las Vegas.

As for Paris : I have to tell you all that I have been to Paris a few times and NO I would not compare the two. BUT my good friend who was born & raised in Paris just loves the place!!!! She says it reminds her of home and she gets up early to go to the French bakery there!

To each her / his own! VIVA LAS VEGAS!