I just got back from a 3-day trip to Atlanta, Georgia. A 12-hour drive there. Just one full day in Georgia. And then a 12-hour drive back. This was the first time I had ever traveled alone. I figured I’m 18 years old, a legal adult, I can do this. I’m proud to say I completed my first trip alone without much difficulty! But that doesn’t mean there weren’t multiple things I learned along the way.

1. Don’t put your hotel key next to your phone...

The women working at the hotel lobby desk must’ve thought I was an idiot. Within the two nights I stayed at the hotel, I had to go up to her four times and ask for a new room key. Don’t put your room key next to a phone…it will stop working.

2. 12 hours is a LONG time

I’m sure it’s not news to anyone that plane tickets can be expensive, and it’s also not news to anyone that college students have no money. So I decided to save a few bucks and drive. My family had done the drive to Atlanta before and it didn’t seem too bad. My mom tried to tell me the reason it didn’t seem so bad before was because I was 14 and slept most of the drive. I brushed her off and told her I’d be fine. She was right though. 12 hours is a LONG time, especially if you’re driving all alone. Although I got through it, I won’t be driving 12 hours again anytime soon.

3. Hotel coffee is awful.

This really has nothing to do with traveling alone or being an adult, but seriously, next time you stay at a hotel, do yourself a favor and don't get a cup of coffee. Your taste buds will thank me later.

4. Not all hotels let 18 year olds stay alone.

Read the fine print. I can’t stress it enough. I booked a hotel just to figure out they don’t actually allow anyone under 21 to stay alone. Apparently to a hotel you aren’t considered a real adult until you’re 21? Thank goodness for the kindness of the women working at the hotel who allowed me to stay even though I was under 21. She saved me from a $100 cancelation fee.

5. You will miss your mom.

My mom offered multiple times to take a day off work and go with me down to Georgia. I declined her offer every time. Although I’m so glad I experienced traveling alone, I did miss her. It’s a scary feeling being completely alone without a parent. If I did it again, I’d still go alone. However, I wouldn’t have been so quick to act like I didn’t need my mom. I may be 18, a legal adult, but this trip made me realize I have a lot to learn about living in the adult world.