If you're in business—almost any business—chances are at some point you'll have an opportunity to visit Las Vegas, because almost all businesses, organizations, and associations flock there for conventions, conferences, expos, and promotional events. When that chance arises, especially if you've never been there before, jump on it! Vegas is just one of those places—and a rather surreal one—that you have to experience at least once in your life, a city that is singularly focused on fun, pleasure (in its various forms), and fantasies of becoming rich.

Awhile ago, it seemed like Las Vegas was trying to persuade the traveling public that it was a family destination. More recently, it's been touting the "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!" motto, hardly a family-friendly angle. In reality, Vegas is a rather malleable place. It is, or can be, whatever you make of it.

Philosophically, I fall just short of despising gambling. I have no illusions whatsoever of getting rich at the tables or slots. Gail, my partner in Hideaways and in life, is just the opposite. So whenever we head to Vegas together, I do everything in my power to keep her away from the slots. No matter what the cost of the dinner, the shows, or the excursions, they're a bargain compared to giving her more time to gamble.

On our most recent trip last December, when we weren't attending the Luxury Travel Expo which brought us to Vegas in the first place, we crammed in as many shows, dining experiences, and side excursions as time permitted. Here's what we did, plus some ideas for ways you could customize your visit to Vegas.