I Went to Vegas for Spring Break — Sober
When you hear the phrase “Sin City,” that’s exactly what you think about: sins.
What is a major factor that plays into the unfolding of sins? Alcohol. Liquor. Drinking. Otherwise known as Vegas’ favorite pastime.
The whole purpose of going to Vegas is for the bottles, pool parties, clubs, hangovers, and repeat. It’s like a never-ending cycle of regrets and super cute Instagram photos on balconies overlooking the Eiffel Tower restaurant and the fountains of the Bellagio.
I went to Vegas for the first time last spring with my family. Considering we were staying in the Bellagio, I was expecting all of the above. I was ready to pop those bottles and break my neck dancing till 6 in the morning.
But for some reason, I went to sleep at midnight every night. I did not step into one club. I did not have one drop of alcohol for five days and five nights in Las Vegas. I’m pretty sure the spirit of a nun took over my body and said, “Hey Stephanie, hear me out for a sec. Let’s stay calm and drink only water and coconut juice and call it a trip.”
I then asked myself, “Is this normal? Am I okay? Is it natural that a girl who once downed a four-story high beer bong is not having even a glass of wine or a cocktail at dinner?”
Drinking was far from my mind, even though it was in my sight 24/7. I literally had no time or even the desire to drink. I was in a new city with way too much to explore! I was too busy tanning, taking selfies in the Red Rock Canyon Desert, tanning some more, brushing up on my Blackjack skills, more tanning, and planning my next binge session at the glorious In-N-Out (east coast girl over here). I went to the House of Blues to see Robert Plant, lead singer of Led Zeppelin, perform. I went for a ride on the High Roller. I did WAY TOO MUCH SHOPPING (seriously, 70% of my trip was consumed with unnecessary spending).
READ ALSO: How I Spent a Week in Vegas for Under $500
Maybe I wanted to experience a vacation where I didn’t have the urge to puke during brunch after a night of heavy drinking. Maybe I didn’t want to pass out in the desert from dehydration. Or maybe I finally realized I didn’t need alcohol to have a good time. Because believe it or not folks, alcohol isn’t a great mix when you want to explore the wonders of a new city and actually remember it.
Roll your eyes all you want, but I challenge all my fellow liquor lovers to enjoy your next trip without any alcohol. The feeling is equivalent to leaving your phone at home for the day — refreshing, cleansing, and liberating.
Until your next drink, that is.
