By Rachelle Roy
Seasoned Traveler and The Truth Contributor
When I boarded that airplane headed toward Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, my attitude was simple:
CATCHING FLIGHTS…NOT FEELINGS! ✈️❤️
I was traveling solo to celebrate my 56th birthday, but this trip became about much more than another birthday. It became a celebration of freedom, adventure, people, culture, courage and LIFE.
And the adventure started before I even reached Mexico.
On my flight from Denver to Phoenix, I sat beside a woman who complimented the blue and purple colors in my hair. One conversation led to another, and before long we were discussing life, family and even politics. I later learned that my seatmate was former Minnesota State Senator Betsy Wergin. Imagine that! Two complete strangers sitting next to each other on an airplane, having a conversation that I would still be talking about days later.
That’s exactly why I love traveling. You never know who you’re going to meet.
Once I arrived in Puerto Vallarta, I decided I was going to EXPERIENCE everything I possibly could.
I spoiled myself with a full-body massage and got my nails done. I enjoyed the beach and probably had a little TOO much fun in the water. I danced. I played bingo. And somehow, in a lounge filled mostly with Spanish music, I ended up with a microphone in my hand singing! Once they let the Maillady have that microphone, apparently nobody told them what they had gotten themselves into!
But solo travel also has moments that remind you that you’re truly on your own.
One evening, I left my jacket and charger at my seat in the lobby bar while I went to the restroom. When I returned, everything was gone. I was angry, hurt and in tears when I learned my belongings had been moved to lost and found. Being alone in another country made an already upsetting situation feel even more unsettling. I spoke up for myself and told management exactly how the experience made me feel. Later, a manager promised to take care of me—and he kept his word.
Then came the ADVENTURES.
I took an ATV ride through River Park Puerto Vallarta that included hills, waterfalls, sharp turns and the incredible Jorullo Suspension Bridge. I have ridden ATVs before, but THIS ONE topped them all! There were moments that were scary, moments that were beautiful and plenty that were just plain FUN.
Then I went even further with an extreme outdoor adventure excursion. Cameras weren’t allowed during portions of it for safety reasons—and I was actually GLAD! It pushed me outside my comfort zone, and I loved it.
I also experienced Mexico during its Independence celebrations, enjoyed a tequila experience, ate some delicious food and had a beautiful birthday dinner at the resort’s French restaurant. To make it even better, I met another woman celebrating her birthday, and soon I discovered Virgos everywhere—September 15, September 16 and September 17.
THE BIRTHDAY SQUAD! ♍️
People who started as strangers became part of my birthday story.
My final excursion, Rhythms of the Night, was the perfect ending: performers, dancing, dinner and a beautiful island setting. After all the excitement, I could sit there and appreciate where I was and everything I had experienced.
But there was another emotion following me through Puerto Vallarta.
I was saying goodbye to 55.
And THAT was hard.
Year 55 had been something special. It brought blessings, recognition, community service, travel, unforgettable experiences and moments I know may only happen once in a lifetime. As midnight approached on September 15, I wasn’t sad because I feared getting older.
I was emotional because 55 had been THAT GOOD to me.
Then the sun rose.
And so did I.
TODAY I RISE…AT THE AGE OF 56. ❤️
I realized something in Puerto Vallarta: growing older doesn’t mean becoming less adventurous. If anything, I am becoming MORE determined to experience this world.
I’m going to ride the ATV.
I’m going across the bridge.
I’m getting in the water.
I’m going to sing—even if everybody else is singing in Spanish.
I’m going to talk to the stranger sitting beside me.
I’m going to eat the food, dance the dance, take the excursion and celebrate the birthday.
And when something doesn’t feel right, I’m going to speak up for myself.
Because at 56, I understand something that maybe I didn’t fully understand when I was younger:
Tomorrow isn’t promised, and I’m not saving LIFE for later.
Puerto Vallarta gave me beautiful scenery, adventures, laughter and new friends. But the greatest souvenir I brought home wasn’t something that could fit inside my luggage.
It was the reminder that I am still HERE.
Still curious.
Still courageous.
Still serving.
Still traveling.
Still laughing.
Still meeting strangers who become memories.
Still thanking God for every blessing.
Year 55, you were AMAZING. ❤️
But 56?
Baby…WE ARE JUST GETTING STARTED. ✈️
And 2026 isn’t finished with me yet.
I’ve still got one more title to add to my name.
But THAT story?
I’ll tell you when the time is right. ❤️
