So my last post here was a tad bit on the negative side, so this post will balance that out with some positive news. As terrifying as it is right now to me, I just booked myself a week-long vacation to Puerto Rico. Solo. By myself. I’m certainly thrilled as well as terrified. But, I feel like this is the kind of move I need to make to help lament my new-found independence since I’m getting divorced; that, and it beats putzing around my apartment by myself. At least this way, I can make my mark and some memories.
By the way, if anybody has any traveling tips, I’m all eyes.
If you make your way up to Fajardo, Seven Seas Beach is beautiful. The House of Pastelillos is right next to the beach, had some great drinks and pastelillos. Kalizo was right up the street and had amazing seafood.
Sandra Farms Coffee was a trek to get to, but the tour was literally just the group of 4 I was with and some of the best coffee and chocolate I’ve ever had.
Make sure to try the rum cocktail pouches, they’re literally everywhere lol. It’s a gorgeous island with great people, you should have a great time. Just googling around we found more swimming holes than you could count a short hike away from some random road, especially around El Yunque.
I haven’t been to Puerto Rico, so I’m basing this off my central american travel which may or may not match.
Be careful with drinks when you’re out, even as a man. The party atmosphere is also an adventure zone so there’s legit danger around. Doesn’t mean avoid it just means keep yourself aware, don’t drink heavily, don’t take hallucinogens, that sort of thing.
Partying lightly is highly encouraged while traveling; partying hard can be dangerous.
Interact with the ocean if you don’t live near one. I mean physically. Get in the ocean. Since this is a mental health board I am obliged to say the ocean can produce intense feelings of absolute and utter existential bliss. So be ready for that.
Also soak up some sun. Use sunblock to moderate it, but don’t neglect the opportunity to feel that expansive effect of being a happy summer creature.
Meditate a little each day. Or a lot, it’s vacation so you’ve got the time. Stretch and hydrate really well. Take a notebook and write your thoughts. Write about what you want out of life over the next year, and the year after that.
At some point toward the end of your trip but before you come home, take a moment to look at other places you might want to visit.
Congrats on the trip! I live in PR and it’s a lovely island hope you get to experience the best of it and are left with some good memories.
Solo travel is the besssst. I tried it tentatively shortly after my divorce, too, and it was a great experience. It’s really helpful in that you get to take some time to focus on being comfortable with who you are as a person (not someone’s spouse or whatever but who YOU are.) No work or other responsibilities to distract you, so you do a lot of self-discovery while exploring a new place.
I don’t have a lot of travel tips because I have always been not really able to afford international travel except for very recently, but I am so proud of you for stepping out of your comfort zone and taking that step. Now you get to start the countdown and planning for your comfort and safety during travel. I personally love that part, but I know not everyone does.
