In the last summer before college, taking a roadtrip with friends is a must. My friends and I knew this but we were still hesitant. Traveling alone would mean all the things that our parents usually manage would be our responsibility. We had to plan the route. We had to make ourselves food. And we had to manage our time. Leading up to the trip, we read numerous preparatory articles: tips and tricks, do's and don'ts, but we ended up learning so much more on our own. So for any ladies out there needing advice for their girl's trip, here are 10 unconventional things I learned on a roadtrip with my best friends.

1. I need new friends

Well, not new friends. My friends are perfect as is, but after three days and a whole bag of Cool Ranch Doritos people change....

2. Don't wear makeup

Not in the pool. Not in the car. And especially not in the sauna. It's just too much work, and no matter where you think you'll need it, it will always end up running down your face.

3. Google Maps isn't always reliable

We planned all our routes ahead of time, but that didn't stop Google Maps from throwing us curve balls when we least expected it. No, the interstate is not always the fastest route, and no, we cannot drive straight across an unfinished highway. We just can't.

4. I might be an adult, but I don't look like one

It was supposed to be a trip of FREEDOM and RESPONSIBILITY, but the whole time we just had to defend our age....See #8.

5. How to use the timer on the iPhone camera

We quickly realized that the most valuable thing our parents were on trips was the photographer. But if you prop your phone up on a nearby rock, set the timer to 10 seconds, press the button and run, you can get some pretty classic photos.

6. Heavy cream and heavy whipping cream are the same thing

Feeding ourselves was one of the hardest aspects of traveling alone, especially because the cheapest, most convenient foods were extremely unhealthy. The one healthy meal we made for ourselves needed heavy cream, which (by the way) is best kept in a cooler while you travel because it will be in the car for longer than expected. Also, if you drink 2 Dr. Peppers, eat a box of candy and a whole sheet of cookies you won't sleep. Just saying.

7. Don't shop with enablers

Yes, everything will look cute on you, but that doesn't mean you should get everything. This is also where you find out if you're the mom or dad of the friend group (like me) because you act as the voice of reason as you hold all the shopping bags and sit on a bench at the front of the store.

8. If you stub your toe, the water park will blow all the whistles, halt the entire park, and make you write up an incident report

Oh, and they'll ask you where your parents are....See #4.

9. "The Roommate" is the most underrated movie on Rotten Tomatoes

You'll watch your fair share of movies on your girls trip. I especially recommend "The Roommate" if you're going to college this year and don't know who your roommate is yet. It makes it a lot scarier....

10. I love my friends

Google Maps may be unreliable, photos may be hard to take, and movies may be hard to watch but everything is worth it if you are with a group of people that you love.