OK folks, a slight change of plans involving my summer break.  I was out having lunch with mum earlier today when we were discussing different aspects of my proposed New York trip in September.  Somewhere along the way, we stumbled on to the topic of Las Vegas (a place my entire family hold dear to our hearts) and how it could potentially work out cheaper than a trip to New York. 

After a few travel agents, I managed to find a deal with Virgin for £679 for 4 nights at the newly rebuilt Aladdin hotel on Las Vegas Boulevard (The Strip).  This price would include direct flights to Vegas from Gatwick, though no transfers since the airport is literally no more than 10 - 15 minutes drive from the hotels.  We concluded that whilst New York would have more integrity to it, Vegas would be far more enjoyable since both Daniel and I would be hitting 22 fairly soon and would be able to do everything there.  Eating out would also be dirt cheap since there's plenty of good buffets at all of the major hotels, including the awesome $5 one at The Excalibur hotel.  I'm actually getting really excited researching into this, more so than with New York.  I just need the go ahead and then we're all ready to book.  I would also be travelling at the end of August rather than at the beginning of September; due to the Labour Day weekend, early September would cost us an extra £100 each which is pretty ludicrous for only one week's difference.