High flyers

If you’re a thrill seeker Las Vegas is definitely your kind of city because it’s got some of the highest, fastest and definitely most terrifying rides on the planet.

The Adventure Dome, at Circus Circus, is the largest indoor theme park in the world with a plethora of rides on 5.5 acres of fun under an enormous, pink, glass ceiling. Only the brave dare ride the Canyon Blaster, the world’s largest indoor, double loop, double corkscrew rollercoaster which races round at 85.5kmph (55mph). Probably best not to have lunch before you get on, just in case! Chaos is another serious stomach churner as it spins you round anti-clockwise, backwards and upside-down. It’s wildly unpredictable and you’ll never get the same ride twice. The Rim Runner starts of with a deceptively gentle ride down a stream but be prepared to get soaked as you crash down the 18m (60ft) waterfall at the other end. 

If you suffer from vertigo it's not recommended that you visit to the Stratosphere Tower. The High Roller on top is the highest roller coaster in the world and you will fly round the track 277m (909ft) above the ground. If you dare to open your eyes you’ll get the best view of the Strip from up here, especially at night. If you want to go even higher you could try the Big Shot. It’s like a reverse bungee jump where you’re hurled from 280m (921ft) to the top of the mast 329m (1,081ft) above the ground at 72kmph (45mph) experiencing a force of 4Gs. And it feels like you’ve left your insides up there on the way down. The X Scream is the third highest thrill ride in the world. It hurls you out 8.2m (27ft) over the side of the Stratosphere Observation Tower at a 30 degree angle and leaves you dangling with nothing between you and the ground 264m (866ft) below.

If you’re still full of the thrill of it all after that you could try the Manhattan Express at New York-New York. You’ll fly over a replica of New York harbour at speeds of up to 108kmph (67mph) experiencing the simulated barrel roll of a jet fighter plane as you roll 180 degrees and then twist back. It’s the only roller coaster with a 'heartline' twist and dive. The Sahara offers Speed – The Ride which will test the mettle of even the most seasoned coaster junkie. After a stomach churning loop you accelerate from 56kmph (35mph) to an incredible 113kmph (70mph) in just two seconds! And because this coaster is straight, not on the usual circular track, you have to do it all again in reverse on the way back.

If you prefer your thrills a little more virtual there are a range of rides in Las Vegas to suit. At the Excalibur you’ll find Merlin’s Magic Motion Machines, a movie theatre where your seats are hydraulically activated to move you with the action on screen. Experience a spooky roller coaster ride, a runaway train or a demolition derby in outer space. Be careful to find your footing on your way out because the whole thing can leave you a bit on the wobbly side! If you’re a speed freak try the Cyber Speedway at the NASCAR Café in the Sahara. Power down the Strip or round the Las Vegas Motor Speedway without leaving the building, courtesy of the 20ft screen wrapped around your hydraulically-controlled car.