Solo travel is one of the most powerful ways to connect with yourself — to step outside of your comfort zone, take control of your own happiness, and revel in the freedom that comes with independence. My weekend trip to St. Pete Beach was exactly that — a perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and self-discovery. If you’ve ever considered taking a solo trip, let this be your sign — and a little inspiration for how to thrive when you do.
Day One: Sunshine, Seafood, and Unexpected Kindness
I arrived early on Saturday, excited and ready to soak up some sun. One of the great advantages of staying in a hotel instead of a house or Airbnb is the flexibility — even though my room wasn’t ready yet, I was able to drop my bags in the luggage room and head out, completely unburdened. With nothing weighing me down, I made my way to the beach.
The weather was absolutely gorgeous — warm, breezy, and perfect for lounging with a good book. There’s something about the sound of waves and the feel of the sun on your skin that instantly soothes the soul. As the afternoon wore on and the sky turned a little overcast and chilly, I headed back to the hotel. Once my room was ready, I freshened up and got ready for dinner.
One of the best parts of solo travel? The spontaneity. While chatting with someone on the beach, they recommended a nearby restaurant called Snappers — and it turned out to be absolutely delicious. (If you’re ever near St. Pete Beach, add it to your list!) If you’re nervous about dining alone, here’s my advice: no one is paying attention to you. Walk in with confidence — even if you’re faking it — and focus on enjoying the experience.
My waiter, Alan, went above and beyond. Not only did he guide me through the menu with expert recommendations, but by the end of the night, he brought me a local magazine and actually highlighted and made notes on his favorite restaurants. That kind of kindness and personal touch is the kind of thing you only stumble across when you’re open to meeting new people — and solo travel makes those connections so much easier.
Day Two: Movement, Hammocks, and the Perfect Sunset
I started my Sunday morning with pilates on the beach — because there’s nothing quite like moving your body with the sound of the ocean in the background. Afterward, I grabbed a coffee and a quick snack from the resort lobby, then headed back out for another round of sunshine and salty air.
One of my favorite finds of the day? A shaded hammock, perfect for when I needed a break from the heat but wasn’t ready to leave the beach just yet. I spent the afternoon people-watching (there were so many events happening at the hotel!) and enjoying the simple pleasure of being present in the moment.
As the day cooled down, I changed into something cozy and set out to photograph the sunset. It was one of the most breathtaking sights I’ve ever seen — the kind of view that makes you grateful for the simple decision to take this trip.
Dinner that night was low-key but perfect. I found a burger joint and bar, where I ended up befriending the bartender — another reminder that solo travel opens up opportunities for connection in ways you might not expect.
Day Three: Flexibility and Making the Most of Every Moment
Monday didn’t go exactly as planned — and that’s okay. I had hoped to meet up with someone local for brunch, but life got in the way, and the plans fell through. In that moment, I had a choice: I could spend the day feeling disappointed, or I could embrace the flexibility that solo travel offers. So I grabbed another cute bikini, walked to a part of the beach I hadn’t yet explored, and soaked up every last bit of sunshine before heading home.
After checking out of my room, I stored my luggage at the front desk and made the most of my final day. This is an important lesson in solo travel — things won’t always go according to plan. But when you let go of expectations and stay open to new possibilities, you’ll often find the most memorable and worthwhile experiences. This ability to adapt is a skill that goes far beyond travel and into everyday life, and a solo trip is the perfect, no-pressure way to practice it.
Must-Visit Spot: A Bookstore with Wine
One place I didn’t get to visit this time but is absolutely on my list for next time? A bookstore that also sells wine. It’s basically my dream spot — cozy, quirky, and the perfect blend of two of my favorite things. One of the best parts of staying near St. Pete Beach was realizing just how much there was to explore within walking distance. Between the beach, great restaurants, and cute shops, there was more than enough to fill my days. Ubering downtown in the midst of the Indy car race traffic just didn’t fit the bill for this trip — but I fully plan on visiting on my return trip! If you’re planning a solo trip to St. Pete Beach, this seems like the perfect place to spend a quiet afternoon.
Tips for Thriving on a Solo Trip
- Plan, but stay flexible: Have a rough itinerary, but leave room for spontaneous adventures and unexpected recommendations.
- Don’t be afraid to eat alone: Bring a book if it makes you more comfortable, but remember — no one’s judging you.
- Talk to locals: Waiters, bartenders, shop owners — they’ll give you the best insights and recommendations.
- Take time to rest: Hammocks, beach chairs, or a cozy spot with a view — make sure you’re taking moments to just be.
- Capture the moments: Whether it’s journaling, photography, or just taking mental snapshots, document the things that bring you joy.
Have You Ever Traveled Solo?
I’d love to hear about your solo travel experiences! What was your favorite destination? What advice would you give to someone considering their first solo trip? Drop your stories and tips in the comments — let’s inspire each other!
Warmly,
Rae
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