It was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life.

And I cannot wait to do it again.

In the midst of my final year in university, I travelled to St. Lucia. Travelling to a beautiful Caribbean island like Trinidad, Tobago or St. Lucia isn’t just for oldies or college students on spring break! Anyone can … and should do it!

As Drake said.. “you only live once”.

On this ‘solo trip’, I visited an employed friend who worked everyday from sun up to sun down so I was really by myself. I learned a number of things while on this trip. I hope that you’re seriously considering going on a journey of self-discovery and that my little spiel helps to encourage you to make that decision.

Here are the five things that happened to me that you can experience too!

1. You learn more about yourself
   With this experience, you’ll be in situations that you may have never imagined yourself in! You will surprise yourself with your ability to cope and overcome challenges. Whether it is understanding cultural norms or navigating the local transport system, you will realise that you are stronger than you thought.
2. You will be forced out of your comfort zone
   In a new country you are already out of your comfort zone by default. I would strongly recommend that your first solo experience is not in a country where you do not speak the language, that will be jolting.
   Anything you do in this new environment would be out of your comfort zone and as the wise ones continue to say, that’s the only place that you can grow!
3. Meet new people!
   If you’re anything like me, you like to organise your own site visits and activity down to the last detail to avoid overly touristy spots! When travelling alone, DON’T DO THIS! The best way to meet persons who share genuine interests are through group tour activities. I can tell you this first hand because I barely met persons in St. Lucia but when I did a Tobago Cays tour in Bequia, I spent the entire time with two lovely couples.
4. You can take YOUR time!
   When you’re by yourself you have the freedom to do what you want at your own pace. Want to spend a few hours walking around that gallery? Uhh..Spend the whole day if you want! Can’t be bothered to leave the beach? Order yourself another cocktail and then another. Which brings me to my final point…
5. You will learn that eating and/or drinking alone is OKAY!
   At home, I used to be self-conscious about persons seeing me if I dined by myself. When I started to visit restaurants on my own, I realised that it’s not half-bad. I would even dare to say that it’s actually enjoyable. Pro-tips: Start with lunch or breakfast, not dinner and take something to use as a prop while you wait to be served and for your food. My Sudoku app came in very handy.

 

If ever you have the opportunity to travel… take it!

 

 

 

P.S. Invest in a selfie stick for your trip as well a waterproof phone case and fanny pack. Maybe I’ll make a list of convenient (but overlooked) travel accessories for a beach vacation.