This past week I traveled alone for the first, and it was liberating. My time was spent down in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with a few pit stops along the way on I-95 and I-64.

While down there I attended Warped Tour, as I do every mid to late July. While experiencing the annual punk rock tour in a venue besides Maryland's was fun, the trip was more of a getaway (Managing a restaurant full of teenagers will drive you insane sometimes).

Despite initial fears of traveling alone (such as car issues, freak medical accident, getting lost), it was a liberating feeling to be all alone in a new environment. I had no itinerary, no responsibilities, no plans. Just the beach, a music festival, and a fridge full of beer.

Being a full-time college student and working full-time, to say my life is scheduled would be an understatement (especially with the concerts and tattoo appointments I squeeze in between classes and shifts). To have four days away from work, school, and Maryland in general, with nothing scheduled, it felt amazing.

There's nothing wrong in traveling alone; not every has to turn into a social gathering or group event. There is a negative stigma with traveling or even going out to a movie alone. It is okay to go out and do things on your own. Don't let other people prevent you from experiencing life.

I have no shame in traveling alone, and I don't plan on letting the company (or lack thereof) dictate my life. If I want to see the world and live life, I will. If no one wants see amazing sights with me, their loss.