When people think of traveling most do not consider doing it alone. Usually it consists of family, a friend or a significant other and checking off a place on your travel bucket list. Though, for me, I decided to do something I never thought I would ever do. I traveled by myself and went on a vacation by myself.
I know, crazy right? And trust me, anyone I told lectured me about all the things that could possibly go WRONG. Like being super lonely, not being aware of my surroundings, getting lost, and even the morbid but possible harassment and being attacked scenarios. But for some reason, nothing like that worried me. I felt pretty confident in my decision to do this.
As of right now in life, I was getting completely lost in the fear of the unknown. As my degree was getting closer to coming to an end, I was starting to become overwhelmed by what I was going to be doing for the rest of my life. The constant pressure of family and friends to uphold these aspirations was too much.
I was starting to look down on myself for taking longer to get through my education when all my friends had just recently graduated. I desperately wished I was joining the real world with them. I was also struggling in my personal life with what to do about a relationship that was starting to drown in problems. My brain overall felt like it was about to explode.
I came to the realization after a while I just needed to escape and have some clarity. Some time to think and reflect away from anyone that could influence me, and make some of my own decisions was exactly what I needed. When I thought of that time and what I needed, I wanted to go to a place where I had been multiple times, so not only was I familiar with it but it reminded me of happy times in my childhood. South Carolina was where I was heading.
The days leading up to this were filled with anticipation and excitement. But it was that type of excitement where you didn't want to get too ahead of yourself because this was going to be such a new experience. Who knows how it would go.
When the day finally arrived I had a few reservations because I had never traveled by myself. Thankfully, all these questions and concerns were short-lived. And honestly, my fears about them were pretty much the worst case scenario that would realistically never happen. Overall the whole traveling process was actually a lot easier than I thought it would be.
When I got to my hotel and was able to look out my door and see the ocean, it was all just completely surreal. It was hard at first to think about how this was my time, my vacation and I didn't have to worry about anyone else. It was a very weird feeling. But once that kicked in I already felt a THOUSAND times better, like a giant weight had been lifted off my shoulders.
Slowly I was starting to feel like myself again. I felt free and alive, like anything was possible. Honestly, there wasn't one minute where I felt lonely or bored.
Going to walks on the boardwalk and going to all the touristy stores was a blast. Swimming in the ocean and jumping over the waves made me feel like a kid again. And sitting outside on my balcony watching the waves crash against the shore was completely mesmerizing. I can't imagine a better sound and atmosphere to fall asleep to at night.
Walking down the beach in my favorite swimsuit, toes in the sand truly felt like one of the most therapeutic things I could do. I instantly forgot what my problems even were and was just focusing on myself. And that was something I really lost track of, me and what makes ME HAPPY.
When it came to leaving, it was actually a very bittersweet feeling. One one hand I was sad to be going back to the Great Lakes state and leaving the beach dynamic, but I was ready to get back to reality and tackle everything I previously was running from. I felt rejuvenated and ready to conquer the world. I finally felt level headed and really embraced all the time I had to think.
This was one of the best experiences I have had thus far in my life. It was one I would like to have more often. Traveling by yourself may sound daunting but it is beyond amazing. If it is something you are thinking about just take the plunge and do it, I promise you won't regret it.
If you're able to take a me-cation and treat yourself, DO IT. It will probably be one of the highlights of your year and leave you feeling like a new person. And you will probably get addicted to it, and want to do it way more often.
