Let’s talk about the trip that made me fall deeper in love with my life.
I blinked and I was packing to fly out, by myself. This has always been a dream of mine, so I can only begin to tell you how excited I was. When I was younger, I just knew that I wanted to explore. I had no particular travel plans, but I’m pretty basic so Spain was to see me, permanently. I had left the country a handful of times by the time I was 17, mostly visiting European countries. Being the age I was, I was always to stay with whoever I was travelling with. Now, I’m independent by nature, and I love to just wander. I never really felt I was experiencing the world how I had wanted to. When I touched 19, I realised that me and the UK just are not compatible! Once I started to picture and plan my own life, I figured that the world is my home, and it’s only right I indulge and explore. That is exactly how I ended up in a small town in Portugal.
Initially, I was meant to be going with my Auntie. She had a week off at a perfect time and we got to talking over some wine about where we could go. At this point, I was ready to live my best travel plans, no questions asked! We had wanted to go in about three weeks’ time, which was enough to find a good deal. My Auntie was working like mad and I’m really last minute, so it got to a week prior, and we still had nothing. We did manage to decide on either Malta, Croatia, or Canary Islands. With a good starting point, I was optimistic that we’d find somewhere in a couple hours and have it booked. Still, we flopped. We had exchanged several hotel links and too many “that’s cute!” into the chat. Still. Nothing. Booked. The days were going by, and I’ve decided that I’m going regardless. My Auntie, however, decides the opposite. She backs out unfortunately and I nearly gave in too!
Then something clicked. I had been spending so long doing things solo, and I wasn’t about to miss a holiday! By the time my Auntie had changed her mind, I was already packing, and I was sitting in a pile of my clothes. Keep in mind, it’s now Friday evening and I’m flying on Monday at 6am. So, with my bags almost packed, I pluck up the courage to book the trip. Portugal was mentioned loosely in the initial travel plans so I gave it one last look and found such a cute place. My phone was on 15% and I’m squinting at my passport trying to book this trip before I head to my friends’. I bombard my dad with questions about airports and finally book. And that was that. I was going to Portugal in two days, alone.
Side note: I’ve never flown alone. I always get big nerves about new things, but I was not about to let that stop me. The journey there was extremely peaceful. I don’t like a lot of noise, especially in the morning. So, travelling at the crack of dawn was just perfect. When I landed, I literally stepped off the plane and felt nothing but joy. I left the bad vibes in the UK! My transport to the hotel was just over an hour, and I was sitting front seat listening to some absolute tunes, smiling in the sun. Yes I did try to shazam some Portuguese music, and no it didn’t work. I fumbled on the music, but it was absolutely fine because I was realising that there’s no better feeling than stepping into a new country with too much clothing. As soon as I arrived at my hotel, I did a quick happy dance, freshened up, and took myself to the beach!
I revelled in the freedom as soon as I tasted it. I had planned for this to be a beach and cocktail getaway. It most definitely was a success. I was there from Monday to Friday, which was just perfect for my first solo trip. I spent the first few days exploring the small town, then ending up at the beach with a bottle and a book. I was an hour outside of Faro, in a town so small that I could see either end when I stood in the ocean. It was super cute! Monday to Wednesday were spent finding my favourite spots. There was a cute little bar/café right next to the beach. I fell in love the first time I sat there and even more after I sipped the first mojito. Anywhere I go, a mojito is my drink! They also did cute toasties and for a lactose intolerant girlie, the cheese wasn’t disagreeing. Further confirmation that I belong anywhere outside of the UK. My next favourite location accidentally turned out to be the highlight for me. I was walking through the other end of the town, seeing if I could find greenery around there. I found even more : ). I first saw the far end of the beach behind some huts, and then further down I saw some greenery. I decided to stop to take some photos. Shoutout to my first tripod being a great travel partner!
I opted to explore the greenery first, seeing as though that was my initial plan. It turned out to be this gorgeous wooden walkway surrounded by nature, which then led out onto the beach. I quite literally squealed when I saw this beautiful spot. It took me a second to realise that there was what seemed to be a hut on the far-right side. I strolled down the walkway, taking in every inch of the view until I reached the hut. This hut needs to be a national landmark. I’m overly dramatic, but when you see the pictures, you’ll see the gist of my exaggeration! When I got there, I realised that the walkway stretched down the entire beach, and the hut was just this end. There were a few people sitting in the hut, but I still had my tripod out and on full height too! Once I started taking photos of myself, this elderly couple got up to leave. I was thinking that sis was going to take her sweet time to walk by my phone, and she did. But her husband stopped to chat away! He started to tell me that he and his wife are originally from Holland, but they’ve been in Portugal the last six months. He also told me that he usually brings his camera out, but recently he’s been using only his phone, bless him. This was such a wholesome moment, because it’s another reminder to just be myself, and you can end up learning and meeting new people!
This is how I ended up spending my last full day with new people. I had told my friend that I’m going to do a tequila shot at my hotel bar, in thoughts of her and our last trip together. I ended up not even doing a shot but having a cocktail and a conversation instead. I literally had to tell myself that I don’t know anybody in this town, so I have to just be myself and be open! The person I met at the bar ended up introducing me to a few others that they knew. Now, whilst I don’t know a lick of Portuguese, the vibes were so wholesome! Me and another woman managed to get girl talk in, despite the communication barriers. Language can never stop the gossip! We sat together on the beach, watching a game of football, taking selfies and sips of wine. Immaculate vibes if you ask me. This was the perfect end to a perfect trip. I had soaked up all the sun, drank enough mojitos and finally finished my book. Life was bliss!
As you can imagine, this trip was definitely a game changer for me. Let me tell you why. Aside from the obvious getting over travel nerves, Portugal reintroduced me to myself! I had to block out every negative thought, doubt, and worry I had to stay present. The biggest challenge of the trip was learning to actually do what I want to do. It sounds simple, but I realised I’m always doing something because I think it’s what’s expected of me. I had to sprint out of my comfort zone and seal the door behind me. This trip was the first step into me living my travel dreams, and so I had to pour my all into it. For me, it meant trusting that the joy I was seeking was also seeking me. I followed my heart and my intuition, and they led me both right to pure joy. It exceeded my expectations in every aspect, and I’m just grateful to have been able to go. This year is my year, and I’m holding myself accountable for my happiness!
If you were considering a solo trip, go!!!
Comments