She Strengthens

Vegas, Baby! The Highs and Lows of a Four-Day Getaway

A Life-Altering Experience

Last week, I embarked on a thrilling adventure to Las Vegas to witness the incredible Céline Dion in concert. It was an unforgettable experience that I’m eager to relive before her residency ends in 2019. As a fan of poker, vibrant cocktails, and extravagant nightlife, I was excited to indulge in all that Vegas has to offer.

The Thrill of the Trip

My excitement was palpable, and I was already planning my next trip before we’d even checked out of our hotel. I adore Vegas for its unapologetic extravagance, which is precisely what more reserved individuals often despise. Every dollar I spent was money well spent, including a memorable hour at the blackjack table with Marc, where we essentially paid $200 for four complimentary drinks. The cherry on top was winning a substantial amount of money one night, which certainly eased any buyer’s remorse.

The Dark Side of Vacation Mode

However, even the most rational among us can fall prey to the allure of vacation mode. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and relaxation, leading to questionable purchasing decisions. Whether it’s a lavish clothing store or a 2 AM room service splurge, our judgment can be clouded by the thrill of the moment. I’m proud to say that I resisted the urge to buy any retail items, despite being tempted by an adorable white off-the-shoulder dress. Nevertheless, I did succumb to a few regretful purchases.

Lessons Learned

In retrospect, I’ve identified five YOLO (you only live once) purchases that didn’t quite live up to their promise.

1. The Poolside Cocktail Conundrum

Those tantalizing poolside drinks can be a major temptation. I opted for a cocktail with an extra shot in the tube, hoping to ensure it wasn’t just a virgin drink. Unfortunately, I suspect the “shot” was merely water with a hint of rum. The moral of the story? Avoid poolside drinks unless you’re willing to settle for beer.

2. Dinner After Blackjack

After a big buffet lunch, we thought we’d be set for the evening. However, the hunger pangs struck at 2 AM, and we ended up at a mediocre, overpriced restaurant in the casino hotel. The lesson here is to plan ahead and stock up on snacks or meals to avoid last-minute, costly decisions.

3. The Fancy Tourist Dinner Trap

We faced a dilemma before the Céline Dion concert: opt for a highly-rated, no-frills Korean restaurant or a touristy spot with a stunning patio overlooking the Bellagio fountains. We chose the latter, and for $100, I got a subpar sangria, Marc had an overpriced beer, and we shared forgettable plates of food. In hindsight, I regret not trying the Korean restaurant, which offered better value and more authentic cuisine.

4. The Taxi Trap

Exhaustion and excitement can lead to poor decisions, like taking a taxi without checking reviews. We ended up paying five times more than we would have with an Uber for the same distance. A valuable reminder to always research and plan ahead.

5. The $4 Water Bottle Mistake

This might seem minor, but it’s a mistake I consistently make. I get caught up in the idea that water is scarce on flights and end up buying an overpriced bottle. In reality, most flights offer unlimited water, and I often forget about my bottle altogether. It’s essential to be mindful of these small, unnecessary expenses that can add up quickly.

By acknowledging these mistakes, I hope to become more mindful and intentional with my spending habits, even in the midst of a thrilling vacation.