A trip to Las Vegas is definitely something to tick off your bucket list when in the US, but, if you happen to visit while aged under 21, you won't be able to have the traditional 'Sin City' experience.
As you have to be 21 or older to drink or gamble in Las Vegas, the casinos and bars will be out of bounds if you're not old enough. When I visited, I was 20, and six months off the big 21. I'd found myself on a road trip heading to Las Vegas. As the youngest in my tour group, I was stressed. What would happen if all my group (understandably) wanted to hit the town and I was left alone for the night?
However, have no fear - I actually think I had a better time than my friends.
Las Vegas is mad. Sin City is the most extravagant, ridiculous, ostentatious place I have ever seen. It's amazing, and there's nowhere else on Earth quite like it. It's completely over the top, and that's fundamentally what makes it just so fantastic.
Everyone should go for a trip there at least once in their lives - even if you're underage when you do so. Here are four amazing things I did while my friends were losing their money in the casino.
I saw Britney Spears in concert
This is literally in the top ten best nights of my whole life. She was amazing and the whole night was a chance to relive my childhood. I knew every word. I got a photo with her ‘Oops I Did It Again’ red jumpsuit. We didn’t even set off meaning to go see her in concert - but it was fate and I am still so happy we did.
Unfortunately, she has since cancelled her residency, but there are still some awesome shows and residencies to go see, including Lady Gaga. Who needs booze when you can go watch one of your favourite artists perform in Sin City?
If live pop music isn’t your thing - check out a Cirque du Soleil show. These are phenomenal - and have no cruelty to animals (unlike other circus/entertainment shows).
I went to a huge chocolate shop
This also made me happy. Everything in Las Vegas is bigger than life, and their stores are no different. Hershey’s has a huge chocolate store, complete with dispensers, giant chocolate bars, and more. It is a chocolate lovers’ dream.
I went to Venice without going to Europe
I'm from Europe and I have never been to Venice in Italy. I have, however, been to Venice in Vegas. So I guess it kinda counts, right? You can ride gondolas, hear Italian singing, view incredible artwork, and eat Italian food, all in the air conditioned confines of The Venetian.
The other hotels have heaps of activities too
Las Vegas is so much more than gambling. You can have a croissant underneath the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas. Or turn back time and visit Ancient Greece at Caesars Palace. You can watch the iconic water show at The Bellagio. See a geological phenomena and watch a volcano erupt at the Mirage Hotel. Fancy visiting the Big Apple? Go to the New York Hotel. You don’t need to go to Egypt to see a Pyramid - instead, visit the Luxor Hotel. Maybe even be scared to death at the top of the Stratosphere Tower. There are so many things to see and do, you’ll be busy your whole trip.
Las Vegas is renowned for its gambling, its drinking, and its notorious club nights. However, I found that as an under-21, I could still have an amazing time, and you can too!
