Tips & Tricks for Traveling Alone!

How many times have you heard that "self-care is the best care, it should always be apart of your priority list!" Well I'm here to remind you once again, that SELF-CARE is more than just a priority, it is a necessity. My mom always used to tell me that "Maya, you can't pour from an empty cup" and that saying resonates with me more now than it did ever before. This weekend I decided to visit one of my favorite churches, Elevation in Charlotte, NC pastored by Steven Furtick. I had the BEST TIME worshipping God with other believers and just being apart of the atmosphere. His message was entitled "Flip the Bag" (I'll share the link below). However, let me tell you he stepped all the way on my neck!!! In today's time, especially with our current political and social climates we can all tend to fall in the comparison trap game. This game is nothing to play with, and it can ultimately lead to your own demise. 

As I continue to grow and mature through my personal journey the importance of valuing this current season is necessary as well. If I allow this time to pass by hoping for something better, I'll never truly appreciate my end goal once I get there. Please remember that where ever you are now is where you're supposed to be, and that what's meant for you is for you! 

Now getting back to my trip, Charlotte was nothing short of amazing. I went to church, then brunch at 5church, and then I walked around town to take pictures. I always get questions about traveling alone "how do you do it? do you ever get scared? why do you do it?"
To answer those questions: 
1. PRE- PLANNING is vital. I love having an itinerary and creating one. I look up places to take pictures; I look up the top 10 restaurants in the area for certain times of the day; and I always try to make sure my hotel is centrally located to everything, whether it be downtown or the suburb.

• GOOGLE IS YOUR FRIEND, USE IT! (their maps are the best)
• A word document or good doc for your itinerary is a must. 
• Booking hotels on a Sunday is super cheap, so plan travel and work around that. Become members of each hotel rewards club so you can wrap up on points.
• Always be sure to check that the hotel offers all the amenities you need i.e. gym, spa, breakfast etc. 

2. BE FEARLESS- I used to fear traveling alone, especially with all the craziness going on in the world. BUT if you choose to live your life in fear then you'll never do anything. I like to call these me trips- my JESUS TRIPS. It's our time to see the world together and eat! I appreciate having concerned parents, but sometimes the concerns create a little anxiety in me. Now, when telling them about my upcoming trips, I just ask for prayer & good vibes! 

• Ladies be smart and be alert. Take you nose out of your phone and pay attention.
• Make sure you're keeping your friends and your family updated about your location changes, your iPhone becomes very handy, especially with the location tool.
• Never post when you're actually at a location. I typically tend to wait until later or when I move to my next location to post something! 

3. MY WHY? I need this time. This is the way I reset from work and school. I tell all my friends that if I could live in a hotel (aka the RITZ CARLTON or any really nice Marriot) then I would forever. Staying in a high rise with a great view, and super comfy bed is my jam. Being able to travel to new cities and explore all of their amenities legit brings butterflies to my stomach. Also, travel opens your eyes to so much more. It makes you realize that the world is HUGE and there's something more to learn everyday. 

Sermon link: https://youtu.be/J7Pg4BW3j5o