If you've never been to Las Vegas, undoubtedly you have some preconceived notions of what you may experience on your first visit there.
Elvis look-alikes and showgirls on the infamous Las Vegas strip, superstar shows at every concert venue and the hustle and bustle of a town that never sleeps.
As soon as you arrive in Vegas, you can't help but notice all the people. The streets are packed day and night, the traffic is congested and the hotels are teeming with people who are soaking in the attractions, gambling, partying or checking out a big Las Vegas shows.
Being able to do anything, anytime you want is part of the allure of this other city of lights - a place where time is undefined by night and day and anything you want is available to you whenever you want. Vegas is alive and exempt from conventional rules.
But for those who aren't there to gamble or party, Vegas can also be a sightseer's dream. You could literally spend your entire trip going in and out of the hotels on the main strip. Each one has its own unique appeal.
If you enjoy Europe or hope to go one day, two must-see hotels are Caesar's Palace and Paris Las Vegas. Stepping into Caesar's Palace is like walking into Rome. It's full of statues - even a replica of the Trevi Fountain - and boasts impressive architecture and decor reminiscent of the popular Italian city.
The hotel even have a replica of the infamous Colliseum, a concert venue where many big-name stars such as Celine Dion and Jerry Seinfeld take the stage.
In Paris, it's similar to strolling down a Parisian street complete with cobblestone floors. With the decor and the shops, this hotel is both stunning and beautiful. The outside of the hotel has a large replica of the Eiffel tower and visitors can pay to ride to the top to an observation deck that offers a breathtaking view of Las Vegas.
Foodies will love Las Vegas and with several restaurants, buffets and franchises along the strip and within every hotel, you can eat any style of food you want. For serious food fans, Las Vegas is home to big U.S. chef's restaurants including Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill and Wolfgang Puck's Spago.
These places are expensive and packed with people hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite chefs. This means you have to make reservations months in advance if you're planning to dine there.
When planning to visit Las Vegas, something to think about is where you want to play and stay. While many of the popular themed hotels are on the strip and offer entertainment at your doorstep, staying there can be hectic and overwhelming.
Instead, you may want to opt to stay at the hotels off-strip, including The Palms or The Rio Suites that offer many amenities, entertainment opportunities and gambling. They are 10 minutes away from the strip and offer free shuttle buses that leave for the strip every 15 minutes.
And while the strip is chock full of attractions, there are also other things to do in Vegas. Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas or "old Las Vegas' as it's referred to, is a must-see.
Fremont offers people a unique experience, where the atmosphere is friendly and even though it's packed with people, it's still laid-back and relaxed. There are street performers, food and souvenir vendors and most notably, the Viva Vision Canopy and light show.
The canopy towers 90 feet above the ground and is the length of five football fields. Twelve million LED modules and 555,000-watt sound system bring the light show to life, accompanied by popular, iconic American songs.
It only takes a little while once you're on Fremont Street to realize this part of Vegas has a distinct feel from the strip. Even the casinos offer a different charm and allure.
The Golden Nugget Hotel is a good example of this uniqueness.
Considered 'the treasure of Fremont Street,' this hotel has a resort-style feel and many attractions such as their pool complex that boasts a 200,000-gallon aquarium that is home to several shark species and is part of a three-story pool complex. It is complete with waterfalls and an enclosed waterslide that passes through the aquarium.
Once inside you can see the Hand of Faith, the largest single nugget of gold in the world. There is a rich Victorian decor to the casino that feels intimate, non-intimidating, and oozes old school charm and savvy.
Las Vegas is so much more than gambling and showgirls. It offers many options that can be tailored to an individual vacation experience. No wonder people return to Las Vegas.
Maria Tzavaras has been a freelance writer in Toronto for the past 12 years. A year ago, she took up travel writing and now has a perfectly acceptable reason for wanting to leave home so often. Her list of enjoyable things to do include learning about new people, places and cultures, and she is always up for experiencing something new. From past adventures, she's realized this can be accomplished by visiting a far off country or someplace in her own city. When she's not writing or travelling, Maria enjoys her other life in animal advocacy and rescue. If you have a suggestion for a travel story, email her at maria_tzavaras@yahoo.com. All suggestions are welcome.