In the month of July 2022, I celebrated my 22nd birthday in Las Vegas, Nevada. Initially, I didn't have any plans to go on a trip for my birthday, let alone a solo trip but I couldn't stop thinking about it and I decided to go for it.

Food, cake, and Happy Birthday wishes are great and I love my family but I wanted to do something different.

Usually, I spend my birthday making last-minute plans with my family. I decided I did not want to do the same thing again. I also think that being able to provide these things for myself makes me more selective in who I choose to spend my time with.

I digressed...

There is nothing in particular in turning 22 that I perceived as more important than my previous birthdays. It was just the thought of doing the same thing over and over again that didn't seem appealing.

Ever since I was little, I've always dreamed of being able to take myself on a solo birthday trip to a city of choice. I've always visualized myself as the single bachelorette (similar to the ones you see in the girly Y2K movies), strolling down Fifth Avenue with her small pomeranian (but I prefer rottweilers and unfortunately, I don't live in NYC - not yet at least).

While I am very thankful to say I have been able to experience these desires throughout different times of my life, I have come to realize that appearances are deceptive and what is glorified in television programs and our society may not always reflect the hard work, effort, consistency, patience, stress, and sacrifice that people go through to maintain such a lifestyle (i.e.: a "career girl" in the big city).

While some people enjoy that lifestyle, I realized it's not for me (at least not now based on my current life goals).

I love spontaneity and being able to enjoy life on my terms (currently that is: Packing and traveling when I find a good flight to a city I want to visit and when I have accomplished my financial/investment goals). Frankly, being in an office isn't something that I look forward to (the reason why I have a remote job and do occasional side jobs with OrozcoGraphics.com and when I'm in town).

I enjoy the ability of working from anywhere. It still isn't all "glitter" it's great to have a remote job but I am slowly shifting into considering an in-person occupation due to the restricting policies that can occur with remote jobs (always check the policies)! Unless you're a freelancer/contractor you get more leverage and independence if you set your terms of service.

Not being in a relationship, not settling in mediocre relationships (friendships/dating), prioritizing my life goals and financial goals, and placing boundaries have brought me more peace and contentment than doing what I "think" I should be doing based on what my family or society says.

I try to live within my means, invest more than I spend, and complete or be on track with my financial goals so I can take trips (knowing that I am not going into debt for a trip) and still set myself up financially for my future and future generations (10-20+ years from now). I also like to have enough money to buy quality items that are of value to me and have enough when an emergency pops up or I need to pay for something unexpected during a trip.

Some books that have helped me learn and improve in my finances:

Books:

Rich Dad, Poor Dad - Robert Kiyosaki
The Richest Man in Babylon - George Samuel Clason
The Millionaire Next door - Thomas J. Stanley
The Everyday Millionaire - Chris Hogan
The 4-Hour Workweek (favorite) - Timothy Ferris

To read more on saving/investing: click here.

I've discovered that pursuing my interests without regarding the opinions of others has helped me feel more at peace with myself than doing what society deems as standard (based on my age or culture).

After pondering the thought of booking a flight before my birthday. I finally decided to go with Las Vegas.

Why? I wanted to break any preconceived notions I had of Vegas (which were negative).

While you can get crazy, inebriated (drunk), and wild in Vegas - or any city for that matter. I have come to the personal conclusion that any place can be fun (based on whatever your subscription of fun is - which doesn't have to include getting drunk or wasted if you choose not to. It's okay to change your mind and decide you want to experience "party life" at least once! Just make sure you're willing to deal with the consequences of your decisions.

Never force yourself to do something you don't want to if you don't see it beneficial 5-10 years from now (personally, emotionally, spiritually, physically, etc.).

Do I think it was worth catching a flight alone on my birthday?

Yes! I did something outside of my comfort zone and ordinary birthday plans. I took myself on a travel date.

I felt like a princess and treated myself as if I enjoyed exploring Vegas. I'll try to make an itinerary of what I did in Vegas and my favorite stops.

I loved being able to know that I can give myself the desires I want without having to wait for someone else. It set my standards of how I want to be treated by a significant other and knowing I can give myself anything a man can or wants to give me and I don't have to take something out of need but rather by choice.

That is why I try to always talk about the importance of living below your means and not trying to keep up with the Joneses.

Keeping up with the Joneses' definition: "... buying expensive cars and clothes that they can't afford." - Merriam Webster.

Find out what is important to you and create a lifestyle that you enjoy not to impress others but a lifestyle that you can happily enjoy while building wealth and creating financial freedom. It's not easy but it is possible.

Vegas made me feel like I was in a huge adult amusement park.

I visited the strips, went to Target on the strip, and bought cute swimsuits.

Strip = Think of a boardwalk at the beach, but in Vegas and without the beach.

The Beach =The Resorts (if that makes sense lol).

Here are some things I have learned about Vegas:

Not all that glitters is gold. Vegas is definitely about glam. It reminded me of my hometown. To have a good time you need to spend money. Unlike laid-back coastal cities I've visited or countries/cities where the US dollar yields more (has a higher buying power), Vegas is more of a city where it requires or encourages individuals to spend because most things (clubs, bottle service, attractions, transportation) aren't catered to be free but rather lead to spending.

Example: While NYC is expensive. NYC transportation is superior to those available in Vegas. The safest way to get around in Vegas (in my opinion) is by rental car or taxi. I was close to taking the bus to the airport, but an incident between a woman and a man occurred that made me decide a $20 taxi ride (Uber) was the safer option.

Unlike NYC, Miami, and coastal cities, Vegas has limited free events or free things to do. While you can go to free shows in the resorts, visit and sightsee the resorts at the strip, and people-watch at the Casino, most things in Vegas require you to spend on something. In other terms, the freebies and "free" fun that still allows you to meet people are not as easily accessible as they would be in other cities.

When I was in Miami, I could go to the beach and enjoy the beautiful sunsets and take the free trolley around Collins Ave. and visit touristy spots without spending as much as I did in Vegas. I know some people spend a lot during their trips to Miami, but it just depends on you, your spending habits, who you go with, and what you choose to do in that city.

You have to be self-aware and remind yourself of your financial goals.

I am not saying this to discourage you from visiting Vegas. Just be aware, if you want to have a good time and meet people you need to go out and it might cost a bit more than just a free sunset watch at the beach. While there are Palm trees in Vegas, there is no beach. So if you go during hot temperature seasons I recommend booking a hotel with a pool or visiting a Dayclub (more of a party scene).

Things I wish I did better:

Planned/prepped better.
Saved for the trip.
Didn't do it last minute. - I knew I wanted to take myself on a solo date for my birthday, but I didn't want to admit it because I knew I would have to face the aftermath of my decision which was to splurge a bit which would slightly backtrack me on my financial plans/goals.

Things I would advise someone considering solo traveling for their birthday:

Choose your destination.
Plan ahead. Make an itinerary.
Take safety travel precautions.
You can invite family/friends (that you trust) but never depend on their company to determine your itinerary plans. Note: Something that has helped me have good trips (if I end up inviting someone) is to invite the person I want but make plans as if they won't come that way if something comes up I have an itinerary and have chosen my hotel, transportation, and destination based on what I want to do and can pay all by myself. Also, never trust people for housing, accommodations, and/or "tourist guide help". Some people can forget or change plans. Therefore, it's important to have your own money and itinerary plans (that you're able to get to based on the transportation you choose and can pay for) to pay for your entire trip. While it can be cheaper to travel with someone, my rule is that if I can't afford it alone, then I won't go because if someone bails I want to make sure I can cover my part and any emergencies that could occur.

To conclude, I am glad I visited a new city for my birthday.

I truly had a memorable experience. I hope that this helps someone consider traveling alone for their birthday- especially if there is a specific city you have always wanted to visit.

I write this in September, I wanted to make sure I could look back at this trip and say it was worth it. As of right now, I can say that I am beyond thankful to God to say that I chose to do something outside of my comfort zone and take myself on a solo trip date for my birthday.

If you come from a Mexican or Salvadoran family like mine, last-minute planning is the norm (not the exception). I knew I wanted to make my day special and going on a solo trip for my birthday made me realize that I really can do anything I set my mind to and not be afraid of the outcome but just be proud of the fact that I even got myself to go alone to a new city for my birthday.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be considered as advice. There may be a few (or a lot) grammatical errors. Use/apply at will. This post is not sponsored. None of the links provided are affiliates.

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