IT WAS while standing under the darkened desert sky in the beautiful Neon Museum that Las Vegas finally clicked for me.

The museum’s director Aaron Berger recalled visiting the towering Luxor Hotel as a child with his father, who asked why he thought it contained the world’s first diagonal lifts (yes, you actually ascend to your room on a 35-degree angle).

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When young Aaron gave up on guessing, his dad simply replied: “To delight you”.

And that perfectly sums up the spirit of this city — every aspect of it is geared towards joy and excitement.

Those whose only experience of Las Vegas is what they’ve seen on the cinema screen will think of vast casinos, strip clubs and heaving bars.

But there is another side to Sin City just beneath its glitzy exterior, waiting for those willing to look for it.

Take the Neon Museum as an example — at first glance the signs that make up its exhibits seem to be the glowing altars in this temple to tackiness.

Yet taked a guided tour and you discover they are the mile markers of the city’s fascinating history, shining a light on everything from Vegas’s connections with the Mob to one hotel’s brave decision to shatter the colour bar in the 1950s.

Back in the present day, though, there’s only one way to properly explore this desert oasis — and that is by eating your way around the city.

Vegas loves to borrow the best bits from around the world (see the half-scale replica of the Eiffel Tower or the actual canals in the Venetian) and its culinary scene is no different.

Highlights for me included a delightfully authentic, and gut-busting, Italian feast at Esther’s Kitchen in the Arts District, and some of the best Chinese food I’ve ever tasted at Mott 32 — think a Friday night takeaway but with a Michelin star.

And for a real taste of the city’s soul, I’d recommend letting Secret Food Tours whizz you through a mystery selection of restaurants, each with their own unique role in its history.

Over the course of an afternoon, you can enjoy a selection of treats from lesser-known eateries to give you a true flavour of the place.

As for where to stay, there are endless glitzy hotels, with owners famously fond of blowing up underperforming sites and rebuilding in their place.

Indeed, during my stay alone I heard of two that were scheduled for demolition in the next few months.

For the classic Las Vegas Strip experience, you can’t go far wrong with Caesars Palace.

An institution here since it opened in 1966, Caesars won’t break the bank (with rooms from around £70 per night) and it’s only a 15-minute walk from just about anything in the city centre.

It boasts a host of restaurants, including branches operated by star chefs like Gordon Ramsay and Bobby Flay, as well as a stunning, Greek mythology-themed shopping mall.

And for some variety you can always stroll to other nearby hotels for a bite, all home to equally impressive restaurants, as well as next door to watch the world-famous Bellagio fountain display.

Guests of Caesars can also take advantage of a well-equipped gym, a spa, Roman baths and a wellness centre — you can even have some light cosmetic procedures done if they take your fancy.

Just bear in mind that some of these cost extra and there were a couple of payment mishaps while I was there (including one person in my group being incorrectly charged more than £650) but these were handled professionally and, as far as I’ve heard, refunded promptly.

Get out and go wild

However, if you fancy stationing yourself Downtown instead — where many of the older, original casinos sit — the Main Street Station Hotel is a top pick.

It’s built on the site of the original railway station and its former owner had a fascination with antiques and interesting knick-knacks, leaving it as a sort of residential museum today.

Highlights include Sir Winston Churchill’s snooker table, a Pullman railway coach converted into a cigar lounge and a section of the Berlin Wall set behind the urinals in the gents’ loos.

Sitting right at the heart of the busy Freemont Street, the area is a firm favourite with Vegas natives — as a nightlife hub at more affordable rates than you might find on the main strip.

The main thing to know about Vegas is that there’s always something happening, some reason to get out and go wild — but what about those looking for a bit more peace and solitude?

Well, you can get that here too.

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It’s one of the perks of a city built in the middle of nowhere.

A short ride out of town and you’ll hit the gorgeous wilderness of the Old West.

What happened in Vegas isn’t necessarily staying there, but after seeing those landscapes I sure wish I could

Firms such as Pink Jeep Tours will take you out to the Valley of Fire State Park, named for its towers of blazing red sandstone.

Standing out in the Mojave Desert, you could almost have no idea that one of the world’s most densely populated cities is a matter of miles way.

It is the perfect break from the hubbub of central Las Vegas, as you take in sights such as the eerily beautiful petroglyphs carved into the rock by native tribes, some of which are estimated to be thousands of years old.

And on cooler days, you can even make your way along a trail to a model Spanish town used as a set in the classic 1966 film The Professionals.

What happened in Vegas isn’t necessarily staying there, but after seeing those landscapes I sure wish I could.

THE WORLD’S tallest “all-hotel” tower is set to open in a Brit holiday hotspot next year.

The 80-storey skyscraper has 1,000 rooms and the highest infinity pool in the city.

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The Dubai skyline is already a throng of bizarre high-rises, but the new Ciel Tower will be one of the most unique yet.

Towering over the city’s marina, the 1,200ft skyscraper boasts several “garden levels” featuring indoor shrubbery and trees sprouting up from the floor.

Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the famous Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf from a 360-degree glass observation deck and a selection of rooftop restaurants.

The building is capped by a hollow dome structure, with a seating area and an infinity pool at its base.

Sitting at more than 900ft above the ground, it is set to become the highest pool in the world and should provide swimmers ample relief from temperatures of up to 42C.

Other high-altitude amenities include a fitness centre, club lounge and spa.

Developers First Group are calling Ciel their “largest” and “most complex development to date” and it’s already won several major awards.

It is promised to be the tallest “hotel-only” building in the world when completed at over 100ft higher than the Gevora Hotel, also in Dubai.

That said, it still falls well short of the world record held by the Burj Khalifa in, you guessed it, Dubai, which is a whopping 2,717ft and hosts a mixture of hotel, residential and corporate real estate.

As a hotel, it will boast a whopping 1,042 rooms, including 150 luxury suites.

Each is being painstakingly designed in a Japanese-inspired style by renowned London-based architects NORR.

Apart from the stunning high-rise facilities, visitors will be able to take advantage of an all-day dining room, several bars and a “sunset lounge”.

Rob Burns, CEO at First Group said: “The First Group is delighted to unveil Ciel the world’s tallest all-hotel tower, as the newest addition to IHG’s Vignette Collection Portfolio.

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“This architectural masterpiece is poised to become a leading lifestyle destination in Dubai, offering guests an unparalleled experience.

“As the cornerstone of The First Group Hospitality’s growing hotel management portfolio, Ciel will redefine upper upscale hospitality in Dubai, showcasing the spectacular 365-meter all-hotel tower’s innovation, creativity, and excellence through its unique design, luxurious amenities, and breathtaking views.”

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TRAVELLERS should always leave the airport during a long layover, according to travel experts.

Nipping out to see some of the sites can make you feel like you’re getting a two-for-one holiday.

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Obviously, this does depend to some extent on just how long the gap between flights is.

If it’s just an hour or two it may just be worth mooching around the airport shops for a possible bargain.

But when the layover is three or four hours or possibly more, it might be worth leaving the airport to go and explore.

Anyone considering heading outside should always consider how long it will take you to get into the city and just how easy it is to get there.

At some airports you might only need a few hours to leave the airport, see a famous site and be back in good time to board.

Elsewhere though you might need a minimum of half a day to make it worthwhile going past the security checkpoints.

Katy Nastro, Going’s resident travel expert told the Thrillist: “Filling your time during a lengthy layover with an impromptu city jaunt can feel like two adventures for the price of one.

“For example, I actively search for long connections through Copenhagen so I can bakery hop via bicycle.”

However, Katy did warn that you can’t expect that sort of flexibility at all airports.

She added: “When it comes to domestic layovers, you can get by with less time than an international one, mainly because there is no immigration to navigate through.

“International flights, especially to smaller cities or in more remote areas are not to be played with because these flights usually don’t have endless options to fall back on if missed.”

But if you take account of all these factors ahead of time will help making the decision easier.

The founder and CEO of Points Path, Julian Kheel, has managed to forge a career out of maximising every single travel opportunity.

He makes sure to find out how far it is between the airport and the city centre and how easily accessible the airport is.

Also considering how likely it is to encounter a traffic jam to and from the airport is also important to factor in.

Julian said: “For instance, if you’re going to have to return to the airport in the middle of rush hour, you’ll need to factor in plenty of additional time for traffic.

“You can also consider whether using mass transit like a train or subway is a good backup option.”

He added that it was also important to determine if you will need to pass through customs as you exit and re-enter the airport.

Julian said: “In some cases when traveling overseas, you may not be able to explore a city without getting an entry visa.

“Each country has different rules, but leaving an airport during an international connection can require additional paperwork that simply connecting through doesn’t.”

Then when you have calculated a number in your head, Katy recommends then doubling that figure.

She said: “Everyone’s propensity for risk and waiting is to each their own, but erring on the side of caution when catching your next flight will never be a regret.”

So, if you work out that you need two hours to get to and from the airport and back again through all the security checks, actually allow four hours.

Then you also need to consider just how much time you will need to actually see the tourist attraction you have gone to visit.

Julian says you should really have at least 3-4 hours of time to go and explore.

For most places, you will need a minimum of six hours of layover time to get there, look around and head back in time to get your connecting flight.

Airlines can be of help too so you can make your decision.

A spokesperson for Delta Air Lines said: “Delta recommends travellers follow their posted recommendations for airport arrival time.

“Since you would have to go through security again if you leave the airport on a layover, this may not always work well for passengers.”

Anyone considering venturing outside of the airport should always check your tickets and plan to be at your gate within 45 minutes of the boarding time – not the departure time.

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A HOTEL resort in Spain is said to be more like Thailand – despite being right by Benidorm.

Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa has the “serenity, peace and quiet of South-East Asia” according to the website.

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It was named Spain‘s Leading Hotel in the this year’s Wold Travel Awards.

A number of famous celebrities have stayed too, including Wayne Rooney and Bruce Willis.

Surrounded by 370,000sqm of pine forest, the hotel itself has its own lush tropical gardens with 3,000 Asian species.

This includes a 200-year-old bonsai tree as well as bonsai and palm trees.

And on-site are seven swimming pool surrounded by the jungle, with four heated.

The adult-only Faces of Angkor pool is a Balinese style pool, heated and surrounded by huge stone statues.

Thailand is also known for its massages – and the hotel has its own Thai spa onsite.

There are nine restaurants too, ranging from Asia cuisine at Koh Samui as well as a range of Mediterranean options.

Taking your entire family? There is a kids play area, a Teens Club and a mini-dinner service for young guests, as well as a nanny service.

Rooms start from around £200 a night, or you can book a package holiday.

TUI has seven-night stays for as little as £1,077pp, including return flights.

Or book with Loveholidays for seven night stays from £819pp, with return flights.

Each of the rooms could with king-size beds, as well as huge TVs complimentary WiFi and amenity kids.

The hotel is only open until the end of the month before it closes for the season, although it will reopen again by May 2025.

Its easy to get to, as its around 40 minutes from Alicante Airport, or 24 minutes from the train station.

Another famous guest, Joan Collins, said: “Elegant and beautiful, the service and food GREAT!”

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Football player Zinedine Zidane said: “Thank you very much for your hospitality and friendliness. A beautiful place in Spain!”

Other guests have raved about it on Tripadvisor.

One wrote: “We really liked it, feeling like we were vacationing in Asia.”

A second agreed: “A taste of heaven amongst beautiful gardens a feeling of being whisked away to Thailand without the long haul flight.

“You’d think you were in Thailand not Benidorm.”

TUI has recently launched new hotels in Thailand, Vietnam and China.

A hidden bay in eastern Europe is said to be just like Thailand too.

We’ve also found some Maldives-style rooms that are actually at a hotel resort in Greece.

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A LOW cost airline has launched its first-ever flight from a regional UK airport with 174 passengers on board.

The airline will provide direct flights from a UK airport to a popular European capital.

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Customers flying on its North American connections can even visit two countries in one trip as stop overs are free in this major city.

It has been announced that for the first time ever, Wales and Iceland will be connected by a direct flight.

Customers on board PLAY Airlines can fly from Reykjavik, Iceland, to Cardiff, Wales, up to twice per week.

This will enable the people of Wales to explore the glorious blue lagoons and Viking history of Iceland.

Or, enable the people of Iceland to explore Wales and its stunning beaches, mountains and castles.

The first-ever flight took off just a day before Wales’ football game in Iceland – with 174 passengers on board.

Customers were treated to Icelandic sweets before take off such as Aurora Borealis cake, candy stripes, and chocolate liquorice.

Plus a water salute from Cardiff Airport firefighters.

Lee Smith, Cardiff Wales Airport’s Head of Business Development, said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome PLAY Airlines to Wales today.

“This exciting service allows customers to enjoy direct flights between Wales and Iceland for the first time.

“PLAY’s Icelandic hub in Reykjavík also allows for people in Wales to take advantage of PLAY’s free stopovers in Iceland, before jetting off to five key cities in North America.

“We look forward to working with the team at PLAY to continue growing in Wales.”

Flight costs from Cardiff to Reykjavik in October start from as little as £55, per person for a round trip.

The trip time one way takes about three hours.

And there is still availability to fly out in October.

Customers using PLAY Airlines from Cardiff also have the option of visiting five other major cities abroad.

Such as New York, Washington, Boston and Baltimore in the USA.

Or Toronto in Canada.

A GROUP of islands in Scotland have been named one of the happiest places to like in the UK.

A report published by the Office of National Statistics, in its annual wellbeing survey, found respondents in the Outer Hebrides to be the happiest in the country.

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When compared to other Brits, residents who live in one of the 12 inhabited islands in the Outer Hebrides returned the highest ratings for questions like “How happy did you feel yesterday?”.

When asked why they think the islands are so happy, local Claire Macleod told the BBC: “I put it down to the people.”

She also raved about the amazing outdoors too, saying: “It’s got scenery, it’s got big skies, clean air, pure waters; safety’s a big factor.”

Another study – conducted by University of Sussex lecturer George Mackerron – backed this up.

His app Mappiness, that lets people ping where they are and how they feel, showed that many were happier in “natural environments” following 3.5million responses.

And the Outer Hebrides came near the top again, with him Mr Mackerron that it was also places that are “marine and coastal” destinations.

Not only are the Western Isles the happiest place in the UK, they might just be some of the luckiest too.

In the last few years, residents in the Outer Hebrides have won a combined £3.4million from the People’s Postcode Lottery.

In 2020, two scooped £193,055 each after a £3million jackpot landed in Berneray and North Uist and more recently 15 residents shared a £20,000 windfall.

The Outer Hebrides postcode has the highest number of wins per 100,000 people, being 122.9 – which is 130 per cent higher than the UK national average.

From dramatic landscapes and serene lakes to wildlife-watching tours and sandy beaches, these happy and lucky islands might just have it all.

The Outer Hebrides archipelago consists of over 100 islands, although only the following 12 are actually inhabited:

• Lewis and Harris (often considered two parts of the same island)
• North Uist
• South Uist
• Benbecula
• Barra
• Berneray
• Eriskay
• Great Bernera
• Grimsay (North)
• Grimsay (South)
• Scalpay (near Harris)
• Vatersay

Isle of Harris

The Isle of Lewis and Harris is the biggest island in the Western Isles and a good starting point for exploring the Outer Hebrides.

While it might’ve been over a decade since the Isle of Lewis and Harris was voted the best in Europe, there’s still plenty to attract visitors.

From sandy beaches and puffin colonies to mountain peaks and fresh seafood, there’s a bit of something for everyone.

Tarbet, the main community on the island, can be reached by taking the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Skye to Harris.

The ferry from Uig on the Isle of Skye to Tarbet takes just under two hours but it’s worth the journey.

One of the main things to do on the island is see the Calanais Standing Stones – a stone circle that’s said to be older than the Pyramids of Giza.

Shrouded in mystery, the stone circle was a filming location for the TV show Outlander and even influenced Disney‘s Brave.

But you can’t visit the islands without heading to the coastline, with Luskentyre Beach being a favourite among holidaymakers.

In 2022, the Scottish beach was named one of the Best Beaches at the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards.

The Scottish beach came seventh overall in Europe thanks to its miles of white sand, beautiful green-blue water and impressive sand dunes, with some even likening it to the Caribbean.

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There are also several other beaches on the island including Seilebost Beach, MacLeod´s Stone, and Sgarasta Mhòr Beach.

As well as going to the beach, there are plenty of other activities on the island including the Isle of Harris whisky and gin distillery.

Holidaymakers can also go island hopping to the smaller islands around the coast of Harris.

Stornoway is the largest town on the Isle of Lewis and Harris, with direct flights to Stornoway operating from Edinburgh and Glasgow, while several ferry services connect the Isle of Harris to the Scottish mainland.

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Vatersay

Vatersay is the southern-most inhabited island in the Outer Hebrides, making it a pretty idyllic spot for holidaymakers.

The island is home to white sandy beaches that are often compared to the Caribbean by its visitors.

It has great views overlooking the uninhabited islands of Sandray, Pabbay and Mingulay.

And it’s also home to some of the largest colonies of seabirds, including razorbill, gannet, guillemot, and puffin.

The Vatersay Hall Cafe Campsite is a rare holiday spot that has direct access to a beach with clean white sand and clear blue waters.

The cafe itself is run by people from the community and serves a simple menu of soups, sandwiches, toasties, cakes, tea and coffee and.

However, it also offers camping spots, with a grass pitch next to Vatersay hall, as well as a car park that caravans can use, with some holidaymakers comparing it to Greece.

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Barra

The Isle of Barra is known for its sandy shores and beauty and having possibly one of the weirdest airports in the world, with flights landing on the beach at Cockle Strand in between tides. 

During high tide, the runway disappears underneath the waves.

If this is a little too adrenaline-inducing, then you’ll be relieved to know a direct ferry service to Barra operates from Oban.

Attractions on the island include Kisimul Castle.

Nicknamed the ‘Castle in the Sea’, Kisimul Castle sits dramatically on a rock islet in the bay.

And last year, the isles of Bute and Barra were named as one of the world’s best hidden gems.

A Brit is the leader of a remote island in the middle of the ocean – and claims it’s the smallest country in the world.

Michael Bates became the leader of “Sealand”, a platform 7.5 miles off the Suffolk coast when his dad Roy died in 1991.

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