Most Americans eye their vacation days – usually just two weeks a year – and laugh (through tears, obviously). For anyone dreaming of casino tourism, the question stings even more: what kind of grand trip can you squeeze into that tiny window? “Definitely not with this economy,” you might say, and fair enough… or maybe not? Turns out, you actually can squeeze it, and I’ll show you exactly how.
With the right planning, you can squeeze three continents, three casino capitals, and a handful of unforgettable pit stops into just 14 days. Crazy, right?
This guide takes you from the canyons of Nevada to the baccarat halls of Macau and finally onto the sun-drenched Riviera in Monaco. Along the way you’ll get desert hikes, urban trails, world-class food, and just enough roulette to make you feel like James Bond. Well… maybe, slightly less polished, but still Bond.
- Stop One: Las Vegas, Nevada — Desert Trails and Neon Nights
- Pit Stop: San Francisco, California — The Bridge Between Trips
- Stop Two: Macau, China — Where East Meets West
- Bonus Stop: Hong Kong — Skyscrapers and Trails
- Stop Three: Paris, France — Romance Before Roulette
- Pit Stop: Nice, France — Gateway to the Riviera
- Finale: Monaco — Champagne and Casino de Monte-Carlo
- Budget Snapshot
- Ready, Set, Roulette — Your Trip Awaits!
- When Two Weeks Isn’t Possible
- FAQ: Questions You’ll Probably Ask Before Booking
Stop One: Las Vegas, Nevada — Desert Trails and Neon Nights
Vegas is the obvious starting point, if you’re from the US. It’s loud, brash, full of lights, and it knows it. What people sometimes forget is that beyond the Strip, Nevada has some of the best landscapes in America.
Outdoor Fix. Just 20 minutes away lies Red Rock Canyon, a national conservation area with trails twisting through red sandstone cliffs. Perfect for a half-day hike before heading back to town. If you want a bigger adventure, take a trip to Hoover Dam—it once produced enough power to light up Los Angeles, and it’s still an engineering wonder. For the truly ambitious, a one-day tour to the Grand Canyon will knock your socks off, though you’ll also knock yourself out with the 15-hour day it requires.
Casino Fix. Evenings are for poker chips. Budget $300–400 across your stay so you can test out slots, blackjack, and maybe a cheeky round of poker. If you need a break from cards, grab tickets to Cirque du Soleil. Tickets run $80–150, but it’s money well spent — the acrobatics alone will make you forget you lost $50 on blackjack.
Fun Fact. Las Vegas has more hotel rooms than any other city on Earth — over 150,000. So yes, there’s always a room for you, even on a Saturday night.
Pit Stop: San Francisco, California — The Bridge Between Trips
Before flying out across the Pacific, it’s worth squeezing in two days in San Francisco. It breaks up the long-haul journey and gives you a dose of culture that Vegas doesn’t exactly specialize in.
Outdoor Fix. Rent a bike and ride across the Golden Gate Bridge. Walk around Fisherman’s Wharf, and if you’re into history (or prison lore), tour Alcatraz Island.
Casino Note. California has tribal casinos, but here the charm lies more in food markets and street culture. Think of it as a palate cleanser before Macau.
Fun Fact. San Francisco’s cable cars are the only moving national monument in the U.S. And yes, they’re still a pain to queue for.
Stop Two: Macau, China — Where East Meets West
After a 14-hour flight, land in Hong Kong, then take a one-hour ferry to Macau. This city mixes Portuguese colonial architecture with neon-lit baccarat halls. It feels half Europe, half Asia, and fully into casinos.
Outdoor Fix. Climb Guia Hill for a panoramic view, or wander through the UNESCO-listed ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Head to Hac Sa Beach to chill, or if you’re the adrenaline type, bungee jump from Macau Tower—at 233 meters, it’s the highest commercial jump in the world.
Casino Fix. Macau’s signature is baccarat. Even if you don’t know the rules, it’s worth sitting in for the vibe. Budget $200–300 for your time here. Hotels like the Lisboa offer vintage charm at $120 per night, while Venetian Macau makes Vegas look subtle.
Fun Fact. Macau makes more gambling revenue each year than Las Vegas, despite being much smaller. In 2019, it pulled in nearly six times more.
Bonus Stop: Hong Kong — Skyscrapers and Trails
Since you’ll be here anyway, give yourself two days in Hong Kong.
Outdoor Fix. Hike the Dragon’s Back Trail for sweeping views of the South China Sea, or take the tram up Victoria Peak for that postcard skyline shot.
Culture Fix. Eat dim sum in a local teahouse. Explore Mong Kok’s night markets. Take the Star Ferry for a harbor crossing that costs pocket change but feels like a mini-cruise.
Fun Fact. Hong Kong has more skyscrapers than any other city in the world—over 350 taller than 150 meters. So if you’re into tall buildings, this is paradise.
Stop Three: Paris, France — Romance Before Roulette
Next flight: Hong Kong to Paris (about $600). Paris is your cultural reset before the Riviera.
Outdoor Fix. Stroll along the Seine, sit in the Luxembourg Gardens, climb the Eiffel Tower, and wander Montmartre’s cobbled streets. You’ll walk more here than in Vegas and Macau combined, so bring comfy shoes.
Evenings. Swap poker chips for cabaret tickets at Moulin Rouge or Crazy Horse. You’ll still spend around €100, but at least this time you’re guaranteed a show instead of a house win.
Fun Fact. The Eiffel Tower was meant to be dismantled in 1909. The only reason it survived was because it proved useful as a giant radio antenna.
Pit Stop: Nice, France — Gateway to the Riviera
Hop a short flight or train from Paris to Nice, where Mediterranean sunshine greets you instantly. Nice is cheaper than Monaco and makes the perfect base.
Outdoor Fix. Cycle the Promenade des Anglais, climb Colline du Château for city views, or just lounge on the beach.
Fun Fact. Nice has been a tourist destination for centuries—it was the go-to winter escape for 19th-century Russian aristocrats.
Finale: Monaco — Champagne and Casino de Monte-Carlo
Monaco is tiny (less than one square mile), but it packs a glamorous punch. This is where you’ll live out your casino fantasy.
Outdoor Fix. Relax on Larvotto Beach or wander the old quarter. It may be small, but Monaco squeezes in gardens, harbors, and sea views everywhere.
Casino Fix. The Casino de Monte-Carlo is iconic. Budget €200–300, dress up a little, and step into the marble halls where Bond-style elegance still lingers.
Fun Fact. Monaco has more millionaires per square mile than anywhere else in the world. Which explains why your rented suit might feel slightly out of place.
Budget Snapshot
- Las Vegas (4 days): $1,200
- San Francisco (2 days): $700
- Macau + Hong Kong (6 days): $1,300
- Paris (2 days): $1,000
- Nice + Monaco (2 days): $800
- Flights between regions: $1,900
Grand Total: Around $5,000. A little bit pricey, yes, but you’re getting three continents, three casino capitals, and more stories than you can fit into a single Instagram carousel.
Ready, Set, Roulette — Your Trip Awaits!
Two weeks, three continents, one epic story – sounds like a plan! This trip proves that even with limited vacation days, you can balance outdoor adventures, casino nights, and cultural deep-dives into something unforgettable. And if life doesn’t let you book it this year? There’s always another roulette spin waiting on your phone.
When Two Weeks Isn’t Possible
Okay. Not everyone can vanish for 14 days. Sometimes work, kids, or a stubborn boss will keep you home. But that doesn’t mean the casino spirit has to wait until next year.
These days, online platforms capture the same energy. Just like travel bloggers edit photos on the road, you can sneak in a blackjack hand on your phone between errands. Bass Win casino is one option that brings the tables straight to you, no matter where you are. It’s not Monte-Carlo with champagne, but it’s a lot cheaper — and you won’t need to iron a shirt.
FAQ: Questions You’ll Probably Ask Before Booking
How much should I actually budget for casino play?
Think of it like entertainment money, not investment capital. Around $300–400 in Vegas, $200–300 in Macau, and €200–300 in Monaco will give you plenty of fun without sending you home broke. The point is to enjoy the vibe, not to refinance your house.
Can I do this trip solo?
Absolutely. Vegas, Macau, and Monaco all have enough solo travelers that you won’t stick out. You’ll probably meet people at the tables, at shows, or even on a group hike. Just remember that sharing hotel rooms with someone else cuts costs dramatically.
Is the bungee jump in Macau really worth $400?
If you love adrenaline, yes. It’s the tallest commercial bungee in the world, and the bragging rights are unbeatable. If not, save your cash and spend it on Portuguese egg tarts instead. Cheaper and less terrifying.
What if I don’t have two weeks?
You can trim it down. Vegas + San Francisco makes a solid one-week trip. Or Hong Kong + Macau for an Asian escape. Monaco is easy to combine with a short Riviera holiday. Don’t feel like it’s all or nothing.
Is it safe to carry casino winnings when traveling?
You probably won’t need to worry—most of your “winnings” will be memories, not cash. But if you do hit a lucky streak, cash out small amounts and keep the rest on a card or in a bank transfer. Lugging stacks of chips through an airport isn’t a good look.
Any tips for not overspending?
Set your game budget daily and stick to it. When it’s gone, it’s gone. Grab a cocktail, watch the floor, and remind yourself that losing $50 is still cheaper than most Vegas shows.
What’s the best way to handle jet lag on this trip?
Use San Francisco and Paris as natural reset points. A day of walking outdoors in both cities does wonders for your body clock. And coffee. Lots of coffee.
Lived in England since 1998 and travelled the world since 2005, visiting over 100 countries on 5 continents. Writer, blogger, photographer with a passion for adventure and travel, discovering those off beat places not yet on the tourist trail. Marco contributes the very best in independent travel tips and lifestyle articles.
