Why everyone should take at least one solo trip in their life.

I should start off by saying, all my life I have always been too scared, or too worried to do anything out of my comfort zone. I have always been terrified of heights, I had never been on a plane... but have always been terrified of the thought of it. I found it hard to do anything alone and especially wanted my family with me wherever I went.

All my life, all I've ever dreamt of, was visiting the west coast... the salty air, palm trees, California sunsets, and the list goes on. I always let my fears and any little obstacle get in my way, and as time went on and I got older- the feeling made me more and more disappointed in myself. I had never travelled out of state, I had never took a trip with anyone other than my family, and I've never been on a plane.

It wasn't until the summer of 2019- I spent most of my days working, and my nights at the bar with my small group of friends. Unfortunately in the month of July, my friends and I all had a falling out. I no longer had the desire to go out to the bars anymore. I tried going alone, but there's no fun in going to the bar when you have no one to talk to or have a fun time with. I decided to focus my time on myself, and instead of being angry and depressed at my situation, I started spending all my extra time going to the gym everyday. Working out helped me focus all my negative energy into something positive. I felt a lot better physically and mentally. With all the time I was spending at the gym with just my thoughts, It gave me plenty of time to just think about things. The one thing that constantly popped in my head, is how much I wanted to do something for myself, and something that would make me happy- which of course always made the idea of visiting California more and more intense for me.

I finally started coming up with a plan. I decided I was going to treat myself to a trip for my 23rd birthday- to start the new chapter in my life out with a bang! I started saving all the money I usually would have spent on drinks every weekend, I started doing lots of research of great areas and places to visit in the San Diego area (that's the spot I wanted to visit most). I then started budgeting everything including: plane ticket, hotel stay, transportation, food, spending money, and emergency funds. I started coming up with every possible answer to every question that may need answered and every question I knew my family would have when I finally told them I was going to travel across the country and all alone for the very first time. I knew they wouldn't believe me at first, or try to talk me out of so I decided to wait before I told them.

Coming into August now, and it's officially a week before my trip. I decided to finally let my mom and sister know what I have been working on for the past month. I explained everything to them, and just as I imagined they kind of just laughed it off and told me it was a bad idea. Then proceeded to tell me they'll believe it when they see it. Their negativity only motivated me to do it even more.

The day finally came for my trip. I was more terrified of going on my first plane ride and by myself, more than visiting a whole unfamiliar state alone. I made it through the four and a half hour plane ride great. Although my nerves we all over the place in the beginning- not knowing what to expect and what not, but It was better than I imagined and was now so eager to get out of the airport and step on the California ground for the very first time. I remember as soon as I walked out of the airport, I seen a palm tree for the very first time. I have always had such a love for palm trees, so to finally see one in person meant so much to me. I literally went up to it, touched it, and teared up knowing I travelled by myself- facing my biggest fear and making it to the place I have ever dreamed of; all from the hard work and research I did myself. It just felt like a very proud moment for me.

My trip was only four days... definitely felt like four days too short. I had an amazing time. I stayed at a little hotel in the heart of the Gaslamp District in Downtown San Diego. It was the perfect spot. It was walking distance to so many wonderful shops and restaurants. It was only a 40 minute walk to Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo. It was just a 20 minute Lyft ride to Ocean Beach or Imperial Beach, and it was just the perfect spot to see everything in one place. I spend most of my time at the beach. I visited Balboa Park, and even met a new friend who spent his time with me at Old Town. Everything about the trip was so perfect and magical. I wish it could have been longer though.

The things I learned most about taking my very first solo trip:

• Independence. Travelling solo you have to figure everything out on your own. You have to always be prepared for something to not go right, or for curve balls along the way.

• Safety. Always make sure to have your phone charged whenever you leave your hotel room. I kept two portable charger with me that I fully charged every night and throughout the day. You need your phone for emergencies, maps and directions, and of course for photos (LOL). You should also always be aware of your surroundings. Try not to go anywhere alone at night. If you plan on going places or seeing things, try to get back to your hotel before sunset. If you take a Lyft or Uber- always have your phone ready to make a call in case the driver makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Also, I found using the Lyft option to have multiple riders, made me feel more comfortable than just me and the driver alone in the car.

• Facing fears. This solo trip made me face so many fears of mine in just the matter of four days. I tried so many new things and food I never would have before. I flew in a plane and faced my fear of heights by watching the sunset on some cliffs at the beautiful Sunset Cliffs. Plus I faced my fear of being alone.

This trip was the best decision I have ever made. My life has completely changed since that weekend getaway... I mean one year later, and here I am living in San Diego now! I highly recommend everyone figure out what would make them happy and what they would like to do... and just do it! Nothing's stopping you, except yourself! If I could do it (a 4"8ft girl, who has terrible social anxiety) then you can do it too! Don't wait for others to reach your goals or to chase your dreams. You got get it yourself- and trust me once you do, it feels SO much more rewarding than if you forced a friend or family member to do it with you. You're a strong person, and facing your fears only makes you stronger and smarter! I believe in you... and you should too.