“We have nothing to lose, and a world to see” – unknown author
“Travel. Your money will return. Your time won’t” – unknown author
These two quotes resonated so deeply with me this month. Taking a weekend trip for Valentine’s solo is unheard of in our society. No one wants to broadcast that they are spending Valentine’s Day by themselves, and taking a trip too…but why? Why is it seemingly shameful to choose self-care and showing yourself love, as opposed to remaining sad or envious of couples during such a time?
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BE THE CHANGE…
I believe change has to come…and if I have to be the first to step into this new era…DONE!!!!
In February I told you guys that I was going to take a Valentine’s weekend trip to pamper myself. I decided to go to Savannah, GA. In particular, I started the weekend with checking into the Omni Hilton Head Resort located on Hilton Head Island. It honestly is a beautifully situated resort right on the ocean. Due to COVID-19 they have taken extra precautions to keep guests and staff safe which I love. The check-in process literally took 5 minutes if that.
I decided on one of the junior suites because I knew that my main goal was to explore. This is something I always weigh when I decide on pampering myself…what kind of room do I want to get…
If my main goal is to stay in the room and order food, relax on the beach, and just have my alone time away from the everyday world…I will get a suite that is packed with everything I need, like a stovetop, refrigerator etc. However, if I know I want to explore the area a bit, then I would rather have a smaller room and have more flex money for shopping and FOOOOOODDD!!!
Either way, your absolute goal is to enjoy your time with yourself and feel your absolute best in the environment that you have created.
Hilton Head Island
This quaint little island town is definitely filled with nature and every nature lovers dream. It seemed like everywhere I went I saw local shops selling shopping bikes, or scooters and other outdoor equipment. There are also plenty of local restaurants, and rarely any chain restaurants on the island. This is great when you want to do a getaway to treat yourself because it kind of forces you to try new foods and activities that you probably would never try before. The other great thing about it is that the local staff are so used to local people or travelers that they give off such a southern welcoming energy that just makes you feel so comfortable about dining solo
My top 2 places I loved were:
-One thing I REALLY enjoyed about this place was that it reminded me of one of those older restaurants from back in the day (I am only 29 so my day is millennial type) LOL…but still you get my drift
-I ordered the shrimp and grits…because…well…you have to have shrimp and grits in Savannah or it’s a crime LOL. It was REALLY GOOD!!! I have had shrimp and grits before but this was AMAZING for breakfast.
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-The portion size was a bit much for me though. I ate about half the grits and then just started eating my shrimp. You can’t waste shrimp in an island town…that’s a crime too!!
-All in all I would give it a 5 rating for sure!!
2) Kilwins Hilton Head Shelter Cove
…..SERIOUSLY….I don’t know what to say besides GOOOOOOOO!!!!
-It is honestly the ABSOLUTE BEST ice cream that I have had in my entire 29 years of life. Coming from someone who would literally eat ice cream for breakfast, lunch and dinner in college and mid 20’s (regret it now because I am trying to get in shape again) this place is amazing!!
-I am a go-to cookies and cream ONLY type of gal. That is my ice cream. That is what I look for first in ANY ice cream place. If they don’t have it, or some version of vanilla mixed with brownies or Oreo cookies…I am HIGHLY disappointed and will probably walk out.
-I am also addicted to their peppermint white & milk chocolate bark. Literally has peppermint chips in it. It is honestly the reason I will always go to Kilwins where ever there is one near and buy in bulk!!
Now Savannah…
Seriously this city, downtown, you can just feel the history. I stayed at the Hyatt Regency Riverfront and it was GORGEOUS!!! They have this indoor botanical balcony to all the indoor rooms that is done so tastefully that I felt like it was just a pseudo nature preserve…loved it!!
My main goal of this trip was to treat myself to a romantic dinner. Like top-of-the-line dinner in a 4 -star restaurant. Why?….because I am ME and I DESERVE IT!!
You deserve to treat yourself however you want it too. That is what self-care is all about. Whatever makes your soul feel loved…DO IT!!
My top 2 placed I loved in Savannah were:
-SERIOUSLY….SERIOUSLY….SERIOUSLY….no words will do this place justice!!!
-It is in the heart of downtown, and literally you will have to fight for parking but it Is SO WORTH IT….trust me
-It is setup in the underground brick setting. Dim lighting throughout. Very elegant as well. All the waitresses and waiters wore ties and full uniforms. Our waitress, Stephanie, was a literal PRO with a capital P! Sistah had it going on and down packed. Regularly checked in on me, seemingly every 10 min. I spilled some food, and she cleaned it up like she was my mom and I continued eating…10 stars to her!!
-Now…what did I order?…EVERYTHING!!!
-Seriously I told myself that if I was spending all this money coming here I was ordering everything that looked appetizing to me on the menu…AND I DID…without shame…because I DESERVED IT!!
-I order shrimp and grits (small portion to taste it), alligator gumbo (because I HAD to try alligator at Alligator Soul), AND alligator mac&cheese
-ALL AMAZING!!!…I had never tried alligator before, and honestly it wasn’t bad at all. I feel like it just tasted like a weird beef…but not in a bad way. The food was very well prepared and delicious.
2) Leopold’s
-This ice cream shop…because ya’ll know I have to finish every night with ice cream lol…was like an old skool (yes with a “k) ice cream shop
-The staff had on these 70’s attire uniforms and hats. The inside was beautifully decorated with art and paintings. You could also tell they made a point to preserve the history of the shop but still update it a bit as well
-Highly recommended!!
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So thankful…
Overall it was such a great weekend… I honestly cannot complain about any of it. It was nice to get out of my everyday city and life, and just splurge on myself a bit. You don’t always have to go somewhere to show yourself love. Sometimes just reading a good book, or exercise and meditation can become ways that you show yourself love.
I just want you all to understand that loving yourself should be a top priority. As you’ve read in my other blogs, relationships can be challenging. Life can be challenging when you have to end relationships of any kind. The main point I want you all to take from me is that you have to actively CHOOSE…every single day…to LOVE YOURSELF.
My rule of thumb
You truly have a world to see, and nothing to lose…save up if you have to for that dream destination. You can always make money back in some way. You can NEVER get your time back once its lost. Do what fuels your spirit to the maximum with self-love and do it unapologetically. Block out the naysayers and live your life authentically to you. Without hesitation or regret. One of my greatest fears is to be 80 years old, and have regrets that I did not take that trip that I waited my entire life to take but never did. You only have control over the time for your OWN life. Choose how you spend your time wisely and authentically to what makes your soul the happiest.
I do not want you to make loving yourself an option. It is absolutely MANDATORY from my standpoint. You are all amazing and powerful and beautiful. Speak into your spirit and manifest what you want for your lives. Small changes are how you will be able to see the results and live the lives that you dream of.
You might be the only one you know that treats themselves to dinner, or shopping or travel. You might the be only one that understands that sometimes seeking a therapist is what you do to help you sort through thoughts in your head. You could very well be the only one that understands that you are on a path and journey to self-love and normalizing self-care. You might be the only one that is speaking on this needed
….that’s OK
NEVER…EVER…EVVV…EV.EV..EVA (yes with an “a” lol)…think you don’t deserve to treat yourself because someone told you that you shouldn’t or makes you feel guilty for loving yourself so much
Self-care and Self-love is always mandatory…I hope you find what makes your soul happy and do it…even if you are the only one in your immediate circle that is doing so
As always travel friends,
If you need help planning that much needed self-love getaway, do not hesitate to reach out to me for ideas or assistance planning.
Until next time, stay safe, stay well, and maintain self-love
Your friend,
Tre’
My name is Chantre’ (Tre’ for short). I am a military brat and soon to be a military wife. I have two fur babies; a Rottweiler named Duke and a German Shepperd named Aurora. I am a travel agent that specializes in EVERYTHING!…mostly fun quick trips or international trip for me personally, but I love researching for every client as if I am traveling with them.
Traveling is where my passion lies. Being in school my whole life, I am at the point where I am now settled and ready to begin my journey to explore the WORLD as much as possible. I have a yearning to see new things and cities, and experience other beliefs and cultures. As a young woman, it can be difficult to find other women that are in the same mindset as I am, and who are ready to take this journey with me in this season of my life…this is why I started my @tres_travelexperiences business and blog. I want to be able to share my experiences with others who share my passion for travel, but are being held back. Experience traveling through my journey.
I am passionate about being able to connect with other women no matter age or background, that are seeking travel experiences as I am, and just need someone to travel with like me. Prior to meeting my love, I was fully prepared and had literally booked a 15 days trip to Europe…SOLO. The amount of courage it took, I cannot even describe but I am thankful to God that He settled my mind, heart, and soul to take the leap. I know every woman may not want to do the same, so I am more than happy to plan a trip for others, whether big or small, solo or group.
If you have an urge to travel, but no one to travel with …come join me on one of my upcoming trips! On my Facebook page, you will find events where you can register for upcoming trips that I have planned which are open for you to join us. You will also find travel deals that I have created, but can be customized for your specific needs. Some of my trips will be very kid-friendly due to my current auntie role, so please reach out and connect with me in the links below. Feel free to contact me for a chat about what your specific needs are and I will be more than happy to have a chat with you!
Links
