A trip to Las Vegas can include countless hours of fun and entertainment, but to ensure that your trip is all that it can be, a little preparation ahead of time will go a long way. Las Vegas is a city of extremes, and it is best to be ready for everything Vegas has to throw at you.

Even though Las Vegas is a resort destination, remember that it is in the middle of the desert. The summers are hot and dry, and winters can be chilly and windy. A summer day in Las Vegas frequently exceeds 100°F (37.8°C). Remember to pack plenty of sunscreen, lotion and a swimming suit or two. Most of the large hotels in Las Vegas have one or more swimming pools, and if you're visiting in summer, the water will be a welcome respite from the heat.

If you plan to experience all that Las Vegas has to offer, you'll probably visit one or more of Vegas' exciting nightclubs and shows. While shorts or skirts and light shirts are perfect summer wear in Las Vegas, don't forget to pack dress clothes for a night on the town.

Remember to bring something warm too, as the desert nights can be surprisingly cool, especially in the late fall and winter. Even in the summer, the blast of air conditioning in Las Vegas casinos might make you wish for a light sweater. In addition to your evening wear, pack comfortable shoes for your explorations. The Las Vegas strip is deceptively long, and there are fabulous casinos from one end to the other.

Many people find gambling to be one of the main attractions Las Vegas has to offer. Gambling can be fun, thrilling, and addicting, so it's best to plan ahead. Smart gamblers know that Las Vegas doesn't survive by giving out free money--chances are gamblers will lose money over the long term.

When planning your trip to Las Vegas, it's a smart idea to plan a gambling budget and stick with it. Decide how much money you are willing to lose to the casinos, and don't let yourself gamble any more once it's gone. You don't want your trip to Las Vegas spoiled by the regret of losing more than you can afford to spend.

Once you find yourself in Las Vegas, you'll be entranced by the lights and sounds, exhausted by the long days and longer nights, and too busy having fun to worry about all the details. When planning your trip to Las Vegas, take care of all the little things ahead of time, and you'll be able to devote all your attention to fun while you're there.