My First Solo Trip: Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.A.

I booked a cheap $87 roundtrip flight to Fort Lauderdale, Florida from Columbus, Ohio. I stayed at The Hotel Deauville. It was inexpensive, nice enough, close to the beach, had a pool and even bikes you could borrow for free! I booked this trip to arrive February 13th at night so my first day there was Valentine's Day. For me, this trip was all about self-love. I wanted to learn how to be alone with myself/thoughts and be my own friend. My first solo trip had challenges.

Whenever I felt lonely, I challenged myself to do something I love.

Was I scared shitless? YES! I was alone and had to make all of the plans. I was in a new city with nobody I knew. And the fact that I am a small woman, need I say more? But, I will say it was comforting that the world felt like my oyster. I could do anything I wanted (to an extent)! Whenever I felt lonely, I challenged myself to do something I love. Most of the time I chose to go to the beach because it is my 'happy place". I learned how to be present with myself and how to get out of my head - something I had struggled with for years. As for safety, the less glamorous part of this trip. All of my friends and family had my location. I woke up early to do all the fun activities I wanted because after the sunset I was in for the night. During the evening, I would pass the time by journaling. I didn't go out during the night time because I wasn't comfortable with my surroundings and a little scared for my safety.

Here is my first solo trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive at night, get checked in

Day 2: Wake up to watch the sunrise, run on the beach/ lay out, get groceries, go to Butterfly World

Day 3: Wake up to watch the sunrise, go on a snorkeling excursion with Sea Experience ($56.50), go to the Thrive Statue (free), watch the yachts go by near the docks, get a pizza and eat it by the ocean

Day 4: Wake up to watch the sunrise/ do yoga on the beach, bike down the A1A/boardwalk & Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, stay at the beach all day, go out for an oceanfront dinner

Day 5: Wake up to watch the sunrise, hangout by the pool, leave in the afternoon