Nope, until I was 18 years old I had never left the state of Pennsylvania . But when I did, traveling to Duck, N.C., in the outer-banks with my best friend’s family, I can say my parents were lucky I returned to Pennsylvania (although they might not think so).

My point is I absolutely fell in love with Duck. I loved the ocean, the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. I enjoyed the 90 degree weather and walking to the little shops and diners. I was even witness to, and a survivor of Hurricane Alex!

It just doesn’t get any better than that.

Except it did.

This past month, my mother was headed down to Tampa , Fla. for an American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants conference that was held at the Tampa Marriott - Waterside.

My mom had originally asked my dad to attend with her and then take a few days after but as he hates to travel, having done it so much prior to having children, I suppose he just wasn’t interested in the hassle.

I lightheartedly told my mom I’d head down with her. My thought being that as we attempt to make travel plans often to no avail, that it would be shrugged off and forgotten.

However, my mom loved the idea. And me. Well, let’s just say I was like a kid at Christmas.

My mom and I made arrangements. Nearly four months in advance! After the plane seats were booked, the vacation days scheduled at work, all I had left to do was wait!

And it was a long, long wait.

But when the week of April 7 finally arrived I could barely make it. On Friday, April 11, I was to fly to Tampa on my own and meet my mom at the hotel.

If you didn’t deduce from earlier statements, flying is unfamiliar territory and flying alone? Well, let’s say that was a rather nerve-wracking prospect.

I spent the week getting myself organized. For work, I planned out and wrote strict instructions to keep everything running as smoothly as possible in my absence.

After work I spent time getting my hair trimmed, my nails painted and I even purchased a few new flirty tank tops to wear.

I borrowed a piece of luggage from my boyfriend’s stepmother, Pam, and washed every piece of clothing I even considered taking so I would have variety to choose from.

I was packed and ready to go, however and on Thursday evening I drove to Pittsburgh to stay with my family. At 4 a.m. my dad drove me to the airport so I could catch my flight.

To say that I knew what I was doing was a lie. But I must admit I pulled the airport scene off well, much like a frequent flier. I handed in my luggage and walked down to security, standing in line for maybe 15 minutes (thankfully not setting off any alarms), before taking the little tram to find my gate.

I sat in a seat at my gate and waited. And waited. So, maybe I was a little early.

But I also was extremely proud and unbelievably excited to be one step closer to my destination.

When I finally got to board the plane, the last zone to board I might add, I was on my way. I had an aisle seat which wasn’t bad, although, I wanted to peek out the window more than I was allowed.

The flight was quick and uneventful; I almost nodded off to sleep about three times.

We landed in sunny and unbelievably warm Tampa at 10 a.m. and I headed to find my luggage which had arrived safely with my plane (something I was extremely concerned about)!

Within a half-hour I discovered the shuttle that would transport me to the Marriott, (of which there are several in Tampa ) and before 11 a.m. I was calling my mom to say if I didn’t see her standing in the lobby of the hotel within two minutes I would cry (because that would mean I was in the wrong Marriott).

The hotel was beautiful. There were palm trees in the lobby and the light marble tiles shined in the morning sunlight.

After we picked up the extra key for the room, we headed up and to my happiness our room, which was situated on the 14^th floor, included a balcony that looked out over the Gulf of Mexico !

My mother informed me that she had to attend a seminar for the rest of the afternoon and so I was on my own again.

Although, I didn’t mind and used the opportunity to change into my bathing suit and find the pool! I wasn’t wasting a second of the sunshine. Especially when I had left only 30 degree weather.

When mom sought me out later I was deliciously browned and smiling from ear to ear, so we decided to head out to Channel Side, a little neighborhood within walking distance that had some nice restaurants.

We chose to eat at a restaurant called Gallagher’s which, although mighty expensive, served an unbelievably delectable filet mignon.

The next day, mom and her friends; Linda, Sue, Debbie and another Linda and I all headed to Clearwater Beach in the SUV Debbie had rented.

It took nearly two hours between the traffic and the pit stops to pick up refreshments and junk food. But it ended up being a blast anyway.

The temperature reached the 90-degree mark and the water was a sparkling blue. I definitely turned a much darker shade of brown and enjoyed several walks to the pier and back.

I even took a short jaunt on the pier with the Linda’s to admire a few of the vendors before being informed there were dolphins swimming within 10 feet of the dock. Unbelievable!

And short minutes after that I was fortunate enough to run into Captain Jack Sparrow, of the Pirates of the Caribbean , and get an entertaining photo of me capturing him with his own sword.

We spent the rest of the evening at a quaint little restaurant that served delicious sea-food meals and which was situated very near the beach. The place was called “Cooters…”

Well, Debbie’s nephew managed the restaurant which did dish up fantastic food! 

The night ended late and Sunday came way too soon. The weather was considerably less satisfying with patchy clouds and a rather chilly breeze but allowed mom and me the opportunity to sit on the balcony reading romance novels and chatting away.

It was relaxing and gratifying to enjoy the time together and the evening left us time to enjoy dinner at Champs Sports Bar, situated on the main level of the Marriott.

Monday also started out rather shady but turned into a fabulously sunny day in my opinion. Although, the temperature barely topped out into the low 70s, the sun was shining and the pool was surprisingly bare.

During the evening, we traveled in search of some shops but our location left much to be desired and barely had any places to purchase souvenirs. However, I picked up some post cards and a sweatshirt for myself (I know! Who goes to 90 degree weather and buys a sweatshirt?), as well as a few other little things for some others. 

But anyway, the trip ended way too soon and mom and I caught our plane early Tuesday morning.

It was bittersweet. It felt good, as someone who rarely ever travels, to take a trip just to get away.

And there is no better vacation companion than my mom. We had an amazing time! Now, all I have to do is convince her to think up another venue before the end of the year.

You never can go on too many vacations!

The author is The Clarion News Lifestyles editor.