[Chelsae Anne | Photography]

A couple weeks ago, my photographer and I said “yes” to a week-long trip to Cancun, Mexico. We didn’t really think about it, we just booked it. The idea? To travel solo.

While my trip wasn’t as courageous as it could have been (I didn’t exactly “travel solo,” I brought my photographer with me to help document the trip.), I had plenty of time by myself to reflect and just be.

As a full-time blogger (and former ballerina who used to travel all over the country for auditions ), I’ve taken a lot of trips on my own, and I’ve learned that it’s a lot easier than you think. Traveling alone (especially as a woman) can be life changing, empowering and rewarding. In fact, it’s pretty liberating if you ask me. When you travel alone, you get make your own schedule (too often, we hold back on what we really want to do because of who we are traveling with), you get in touch with yourself again, you make new friends (pushing yourself out of your comfort zone), you have zero distractions (from a friend or partner) so you can truly enjoy the location and gain a little confidence embarking on a journey to a new place all by yourself.

Because let’s be real. As much as you want your friends to come with you, sometimes it’s too hard. Between schedules and budgets, it’s difficult to nail down a trip that works for everyone.

Please note, I’m not encouraging you to book a random trip to some shady hostel in the middle of Europe a la the movie, “Taken.” You have to be smart about it and do your research.

Marriott Caribbean and Latin America Resorts just launched a “solo traveler series” with two packages catering to different types of solo travelers. For those looking for some alone time, the “All About Me” package (where you go to the spa, have private fitness classes and a private tour) is for you. For those yearning to make new friends or let loose, I recommend the “Solo & Social” package. (Think insider tips to the best hotspots, group excursions with others who are traveling solo, mixology and cooking classes.) Both packages include 3 nights in a king size room, wifi, transportation to and from the airport, a hotel contact (someone at the front desk checking in on you) and more. It’s pretty sweet.

Above all, traveling solo will help you answer big life questions. I mean it. Between daydreaming on the beach, reading in a private bungalow while it rains, having dinner by yourself, learning a new language and experiencing new adventures, you will discover things about yourself that you never knew. You might attempt to have a conversation in Spanish (i.e. me) because no-one (you know who you are) is around to critique your horrible accent, buy different things (like a cool accessory that you never imagined wearing), think about moving to a different city or take risks, like booking another trip (on a whim) to a new place.

So, with that said, the first property we stayed at was CasaMagna Cancun Resort & Spa, a luxury resort with fantastic service, great amenities, restaurants and outstanding views of the ocean. My favorite part? Leaving my balcony doors opens to hear the waves crash at night.

Here are some of the highlights from our stay…

DRESS: (c/o) Chicwish – similar/SANDALS: (c/o) Neiman Marcus/EARRINGS: (c/o) VeryAllegra

ONE-PIECE SWIMSUIT: (c/o) Wala Swim/EARRINGS: (c/o) Bauble Bar

[Use code: TURKEY25 for 25% off]

BIKINI TOP, BOTTOM: (c/o) Marysia Swim via Everything But Water/EARRINGS: (c/o) Bauble Bar/LIP COLOR: here

TOP: (c/o) Shein/HAT: old – Zara/SHORTS: similar/SANDALS: (c/o) Pilyq/RINGS: (c/o) Kendra Scott

Stay tuned for Part 2 featuring JW Marriott Cancun…

Xo, Stephanie

[Thank you Marriott Resorts for sponsoring our trip.]