As I approach my 22nd birthday, I am torn between having a birthday/graduation celebration or going on a trip. I can't help but recall my 21st birthday in Las Vegas, where I was surrounded by family and friends. It was my first time heading west and viewing the Grand Canyon from the airplane was astonishing. The five hour plane ride was uncomfortable, however the experience was worth having no leg space.

My trip began on a gloomy and cold May day in New York and ended in 98 degree weather Las Vegas, Nevada. En route to the hotel, I saw all the world-renowned hotels that I never imagined seeing in person. Upon entering the hotel suite, a banner was put up for me, officially kicking off my birthday celebration, along with a deck of cards and chocolate wrapped to symbolize poker chips. I was told that it was just my sister and I on the trip, but my family joined me and it was an amazing taking the time to celebrate life away from school and the concrete jungle.

The first night I rode in style in a limo to my first destination which was a wild night of unbelievable fun. The next day I rode in a convertible down the Vegas strip to sightsee, but little did I know I would return at night to party-hop from three top hotels to another. During the day I did some sightseeing, walking up and down the street, and made it just in time to see the sprinkler show at the Belagio that is often one of the things that are shown when Las Vegas is mentioned. That night I went to the SLS which was not too far from the hotel I was staying at, then I took the party bus from there across the strip to Paris Avenue and to the Chateau, a lovely roof top lounge with the hotel that resembled the Eiffel Tower. Seeing that we had to promptly meet at the party bus to get to the next destination, I could not see my beloved Trey Songz who was making an appearance. I did not regret it because the next hotel the Luxor most known for its appearance of an Egyptian Pyramid was the final stop. I danced until my feet hurt and the energy at 3am was the same as when my party-hopping began. I met random strangers who although inebriated, were all there to have the time of their lives and we shared aspects of living on opposite coasts.

On Sunday I spent my day on top of a hotel underneath a cabana and surrounded by the love of my family and friends. We ate, laughed, and played a few games at the casino, until it was time to attend my last surprise. I quickly changed and went to the infamous MGM hotel to see a show with the America's Best Dance Crew winners the Jabbawokeez. It was a great experience because I watched them while they were on the show and seeing them live was special. For dinner, I chose to have some soul food and we traveled to the Venetian which was so ornate that it made me forget that I was in Las Vegas instead of Italy.

The trip was the most exciting and relaxing experience that no words can describe. The party capital of the world lived up to its name because the energy is so electric and is contagious so even if you aren't the partying type, it you will want to do a two-step. I cannot wait to make my return and have a little more fun than I did last year. There is definitely something to do for everyone, and I recommend taking a trip there sooner than later.