Where is it?
The west side of America in the middle of the Nevada desert.
Where should I be heading for?
The Strip - everything of any importance that happens in Vegas is on or near this one long road.
Entry requirements:
Check with the US Consulate in your relevant country. American immigration officers are totally scary and if they think you're there to try and blag your way into the US for anything other than a holiday, you're likely to end up on the next plane home. Do not try to joke with them, especially not about terrorists. Their sense of humour is removed when they get the job!
Health:
Get travel insurance before you go because health care in America is not free. If you get hurt you'll either need loads of medical cover, or a very high credit card limit. That said Las Vegas is very lovely and the most likely thing you'll suffer from is over-indulgence.
Top 5 things to do:
1.  The Fountains At Bellagio: every 15 minutes after dark huge 200ft fountains spring up into the air in front of Bellagio and do a dance to music (e.g. 'Singing In The Rain').
2.  Buffets: gorge yourself stupid at one of the city's dozens of all-you-can-eat buffets. Prices range from about $5 up to $30 - still very reasonable either way.
3.  People watching: you've got to believe you really will see a sample of all human life here (Mullets included! - Ed). You get even more weirdoes when the conventions are in town. Last year when we visited our hotel was populated by the 'Tall Club of America' - a hundred plus women over 5 feet 10 inches and men over 6 feet 2 inches. The tallest woman was 6 feet 7 inches!!! The year before the whole of town was awash with cowboys for the National Rodeo Championships.
4.  Elvis: take a trip to the Elvis-A-Rama museum. Vegas was Elvis's second home. The museum has over $6 million worth of memorabilia, and hourly shows by the best Elvis impersonators in town.
5.  Dolphins: Seigfried and Roy (legendary Vegas entertainers, also known by my friend Deb as 'those two old gay orange blokes') have a show at The Mirage which includes white tigers, a panther, lions, and an elephant. During the day you can visit the animals in Seigfried & Roy's Secret Garden. The garden also includes a huge dophinarium, and is a brilliant place where you can get up close with some of the coolest mammals on the planet.
Is it expensive?
Nope - that's the joy of Vegas. Everything is run off the gambling money, so food's cheap, hotels are cheap, loads of free or cheap entertainment. Hell just walking around looking at all the themed casinos is brilliant, and that costs nothing. I should also give a mention here to the fountain outside the Mirage which turns into a volcano several times each evening, just for your pleasure and delectation.
What's the food like?
You name it, it's there. Every possibility from expensive gourmet restaurants to fast food joints. See also buffets above!
Is it safe to drink the water?
Absolutely, but if you'd prefer expensive gourmet water they have that too!
What are the toilets like?
Fine, and if you want really plush marbled toilets, look no further.
What to wear:
Anything you like. It's so hard to tell the rich folks, 'cos half the time they're slumming it in shorts too. If you're going to a swanky restaurant expect to dress up though, and nightclubs have the usual dress policies.
Best time to visit: 
Between May and October, although July and August get ridiculously hot (120 degrees, anyone?)
Don't miss: 
Take some time in between all the sight-seeing to lay around the pool - the weather is fantastic.
Most overrated thing:
Avoid Caesar's Palace - Celine Dion is on for the next three years.
(5/5)

Photos: Richard Barclay