Kate could hardly contain her excitement as she packed her bags for her first solo beach vacation. Kate was sure to pack her favorite black bikini. She had just finished her sophomore year of college and was looking forward to a week of rest and relaxation at the ocean. Ever since she was a little girl, Kate had loved the beach. She grew up going every summer with her family, making sandcastles, boogie boarding in the waves, and collecting shells along the shore.

But this would be her first time going completely on her own as a 20-year-old. She felt so grown up and independent to be able to plan and take a vacation all by herself during her college break. As Kate stuffed towels, sunscreen, and bikinis into her duffel bag, she dreamed of walking barefoot in the sand, reading novels under the sun, and watching the sunset over the water each evening.

The morning Kate left for her trip, she could hardly sleep the night before. She woke up at dawn, triple checked that she had packed everything, and loaded up her car. The drive to the beach was about four hours, but the time flew by as Kate listened to her favorite music and imagined what adventures awaited her.

When she arrived at the cute little beach cottage she had rented for the week, Kate was thrilled. It was just off the beach, painted a cheery light blue, and had a big front porch with a swing looking out at the ocean. After unloading her bags, Kate wasted no time changing into her swimsuit and practically sprinted out the back door towards the water.

The moment her feet sank into the soft sand as the waves lapped gently at her ankles, Kate felt all her stress and worries wash away. The water was cool and refreshing. Kate spent the entire first day swimming, floating on her back gazing up at the seagulls, and digging her toes into the wet sand. That night she fell asleep to the sound of the ocean, feeling fully relaxed for the first time in months.

The rest of the week passed by in a blur of tranquil days spent reading on the beach, snorkeling among colorful fish, beachcombing, and eating seafood dinners on the pier at sunset. Kate didn’t think about school, exams, or responsibilities the entire time. Each morning she would wake up to the sound of waves outside her window and head out to explore or just sit watching the surf.

On her last morning before leaving, Kate woke up early to see the sunrise. As the glowing orange sun peeked over the horizon, reflecting off the shimmering waves, Kate felt at complete peace. This vacation had been exactly what she needed to recharge and get ready for her next semester at college. She took one last long walk along the shore, soaking in the sweeping ocean views.

Kate didn’t want to leave the beach, but she knew she could come back and visit anytime. She felt proud of herself for planning her first solo vacation and making memories she would cherish forever. Driving home, Kate kept the windows down and soaked up the last ocean breezes, already dreaming of when she could return.