More than likely when the idea of taking a vacation without your parents pops into your head, you're thinking of going with a couple friends. So, as a group, you start brainstorming and coming up with ideas. The where and the when and who is going.
Once it's decided who you are going with (it usually comes out to be about four people), you decide on a place to go, like the beach. The four of you get together either in person or over the phone and look up different beaches to go to and where to stay. In some states you are not allowed to rent out a hotel room unless you are twenty-one, so often the best bet is to go with something like an Air BnB.
It typically can take a little longer than everybody had hoped to get the basic arrangements all sorted out, but the sense of relief that comes along with finally having it all figured out is well worth it. You plan the date to be months in advance to give everyone involved adequate time to plan and get their schedule sorted out.
Along the way, different things begin to fall in to place. And of course, there is a group chat that is basically blowing up any time someone mentions something about the trip or something else gets planned for that week. How else would you all communicate when you're all in different places working all the time?
The closer and closer the date gets, the more excited everyone becomes. Bags start to get packed and the anticipation from waiting those last few days begins.
Finally, the day has arrived and none of you could be more excited... well, then those of you that are still going at least. It wouldn't really be the first vacation if someone didn't back out at the last second once they realized they didn't actually save any money for this trip over the numerous months that it was being planned.
Nonetheless, the rest of you still have fun anyways. It just makes it a whole lot easier to fit everyone and their bags into one car instead of two. When the doors shut, you settle in and get ready for the car ride that's guaranteed to take at least four hours.
A few hours and many great songs later, the three of you arrive at the place you will be staying. It's quite small and cozy and stocked with various things you could need during your stay. It's actually perfect.
You all settle in and unpack, taking the rest of the afternoon easy. From there you plan out what to do the next day, and also do a bit of grocery shopping and meal planning. Part of being an adult means being able to make plans, and save money on food without your parents help.
The rest of the week you stay busy doing all sorts of things and even just relaxing in the house. Of course, there are some mishaps, but nothing to really worry about. Before you know it, the rest of your vacation days are up and it's time to head back home.
You can now officially say you've gone on your first vacation without your parents and you didn't die or accidentally burn the house down. And somehow, you've managed to save a few dollars by the end of it. There's no question about it, that's a success and you've become a bit more of an adult.
