Before I had my daughter at 16, you couldn't tell me that my life wouldn't be set up like this: a degree and career in journalism, a condo apartment in a fancy high rise building, no kids, no husband, and a cute dog that fit in my designer purses and traveled with me all around the world. Simply put, I always planned to be the traveling, rich auntie with no real responsibilities but myself. Boy, oh boy, was I wrong. I won't bother getting into the logistics of what my life at 34 has actually turned out to be but I will say that it ain't what's described above.
But even with all of my trials and tribulations since becoming a mother, the one dream I have secretly (and also kind of openly) never let go of was my desire to travel the world. According to my plans, by now I should have visited at least 20 different countries and almost all 51 states. Not sure how many states I've been too but I have only been to two other countries so it's fair to say that I am way behind. I wonder why?
Well for starters, who the hell can really afford to travel frequently with the way the economy is set up. But most importantly, who the hell can afford to travel when you have three kids, a husband and two dogs. The price of accommodations alone could put anyone in debt. Not to mention spending money, the hassle of getting everyone to cooperate and get along etc etc. Eventually you end up needing a vacation from planning AND attending the family vacation.
So what's the solution, you say? It's simple. GO SOLO MOMMAS! Why? Because why the hell not! I finally did and it was one of the best damn decisions I've ever made. So, for those wondering how it went, here's a little insight on how my first #solotrip to #PuertoRico went!
I Tapped in with the REAL Me
The main goal for my #solotrip was to get more in touch with who I am right now vs who I want to be going forward. I needed time away to clear my mind and focus on ME uninterrupted and guilt free. With that being said, as soon as my flight was booked I headed over to #Amazon, and purchased a journal. I spent about 65% of my trip journaling. I journaled at the airport. I journaled on different beaches, since it's not like I can swim. I journaled at my AirBNB during my down time. I carried my journal around with me everywhere I went and wrote things down whenever I felt the urge to. In doing so, I learned so much about who I really am and who I am becoming right before my very own eyes. I will admit that since I've been back I haven't journaled much but the plan is to make it a part of my everyday routine in order to be able to manifest the things that I desire into my life on a daily bases.
I Got Cute & Got Active
That's right! Even though I was on a #solotrip I still managed to dress up and head out into the #PRNightLife. Luckily, I was able to make a friend while flying into #PuertoRico who was also on a #solotrip. We immediately clicked and agreed to meet up and hit the streets together. But I promise you guys, even if I had not met her (#Shoutout to my new amazing friend Julie from France xoxo) this momma was still going out at least one night. Because I met Julie, I ended up at #LaPlacita two nights in a row but it was well worth it. Being out on the "strip", having drinks and dancing to the music, I felt free. To be honest, I felt young again, until me feet started to hurt. But the point is, I was outside, I looked good and most importantly, I felt great. So, mamas, when you take your very own #solotrip please do not be afraid to have a little nightlife fun. Just be safe while doing it, of course.
I Got my Steps in while Sightseeing
While the majority of my #solotrip was geared towards relaxation, it was only right that I spent at least one day doing things and seeing places that any tourist would. I decided to spend my entire third day in #PuertoRico in #OldSanJuan. Had I know about the steep hills and all of the walking that I would have to do I may have reconsidered. I got in over 10,000 steps on that one day alone! Nevertheless, I am so happy that I went. I started with brunch in a small local cafe, visited many local shops, took tons of pictures of the many historical sites and sculptures and then I ended my day hanging out down by the pier. #OldSanJuan was definitely a site to see and even though I toured the entire city alone I still felt a sense of togetherness with all the others who were touring those same cobble stone streets and trudging through the humidity up and down hill after hill.
I Netflixed and Chilled
The best part about traveling solo is that you can move on YOUR time unapologetically. That means you do what you want, when you want without having to consider the people you traveled with. So, instead of hitting the town and spending money on an Uber and then food, I ordered Uber eats and brought the food and drinks to me. That's right! I spent one of my nights while on vacation pigging out, watching movies and doing a whole lot of nothing. And guess what? IT FELT AMAZING! For once, I wasn't having a night in because I was tired, broke or without a sitter. I wasn't staying in because the weather was bad or because I couldn't find anything to wear. Nope! I was staying in because it was my damn prerogative, in the words of Bobby Brown. Don't get me wrong, I was sleep before I ever made it halfway through the movie or bottle but who cares! I definitely didn't!
So what am I saying, right? It's simple. BOOK THAT FLIGHT, SIS! Whether it's one state over, across the country or across the world, DO IT! Don't wait for your partner, your bff, your sister or anyone else. All you need is YOU and a destination. Me, personally, I prefer paradise so stay tuned to see where I ended up on my next #solotrip !
Love it! 🙌🏽🥰😎🙏🏽