Stepping off the plane into the Vegas heat, I had no idea what to expect for the weekend. I had just turned 21 two days before we left and had never been to Vegas before. But I was ready for a great weekend.

My boyfriend's parents decided to take my boyfriend and me to Vegas as we turned 21 right around the same time. They go to Vegas almost every year and know the ins and the outs of the strip, the food, and things to do. They got us suites in an amazing hotel where we could see the Bellagio fountain any time we looked at the window. The strip is crazy insane, packed full of people, and so much was happening at once. It was all so incredible.

At the top of the SkyVue with the Paris hotel in the background.Morgan Shaffer

The whole weekend was filled with sightseeing, drinking, and gambling. When I told people that's what I was doing for my 21st, everyone replied with jealousy, Vegas is the dream 21st birthday destination and I was going to live it.

But I didn't need to go to Vegas to celebrate my 21st, I just needed the people I loved the most to be with me. When I went out on the night of my 21st, my closet friends were there, forcing me to take shots and singing me happy birthday. However, if you do get to take a 3-day vacation for your 21st, go to Vegas and bring your friends.

Flights are cheap and you get to have an amazing experience all together. There is music everywhere, endless things to do, and oh yeah, booze. Booze is EVERYWHERE, and you can take it ANYWHERE. From restaurant to restaurant, into casinos, even on the street. Vegas is like a never-ending tailgate filled with the nicest people and the coolest things to do.

So go to Vegas for your 21st, or don't. Whatever you do, make sure you are surrounded by your friends.