No airport welcomes passengers with as much palpable excitement as Las Vegas’ McCarran. It’s not just the clanging slot machines near the gates, it’s the electricity shared by visitors realizing they have landed in the nation’s epicentre of non-stop action. A man-made, 24/7 paradise, Vegas is a tribute to human creativity, and the work of architects, artists, performers and chefs is the city’s pulse. To see Vegas is to stroll “The Strip” of mega-casino complexes. From South to North, must-sees include Mandalay Bay’s beach complex, complete with waves and a dramatic aquarium where you can dive with sharks. Next come Luxor’s faux Egyptian pyramid, Excalibur’s medieval motif and live jousting, replica streetscapes at New York New York and Paris, Bellagio’s art and collection of Chihuly glass, Caesar’s animatronic statues, Mirage’s erupting volcano, singing gondoliers at the Venetian, and Treasure Island’s staged live pirate ship battle. The Strip also has an inordinate number of Michelin stars, deluxe cocktail lounges and dozens of important chefs represented.