I've only traveled without my parents once in my twenty-one years of existence. However, there were adultier adults on that excursion who gave me the low-down on how to travel by myself. Nevertheless, I have just booked a 10-hour flight (my first layovers included) to Los Angeles to see one of my best friends who took the plunge that I am still too scared to do and followed her dreams. Now, to say I am extremely excited would be a gross understatement. It's 5 whole days during the Columbus Break vacation where I get to adventure in a new state and experience cultural lifestyle (we all know that New York and California have a vastly different way of being!). Aren't I supposed to travel in my twenties anyway?

I am no stranger to travel. In fact, my parents have dragged me many places since I was born with my first journey via plane was when I was an infant. Yet this trip is different for several reasons. I booked my flight myself, this trip will be the longest one on a plane I've ever been on, I am going to be on this plane completely by myself, and I have a layover (luckily I've been to the cities and airports I have my layovers in). So, how will I venture out to California by myself? Well, here are 12 tips that I picked up from my parents that I can hopefully replicate on my own first solo excursion.

1. Be three hours early to the airport

With bag check and security, it may seem like 3 hours is a little excessive (and, most of the time, it is). My mother lives under the mentality that it is better to be safe than sorry. With this thought comes having an early AF flight and being 3 hours early to it. Yet I can understand, respect, and utilize the logic for this one. The idea is that security can take FOREVER and you don't want to be running from there to your gate because that's unnecessarily stressful, you might forget/lose something, or you might miss your flight. I rather be early and sit around at the airport than miss my flight and waste the hundreds of dollars I spent on a ticket.

2. Save your money

Traveling is NOT cheap. There's the hotel (thank god I do not need one this time), food, transportation to and from the airport, souvenirs... the list goes on and it all adds up. The moment you book your flight, start saving up for the actual trip. Think of it this way, this is a good lesson for the rest of your life too.

3. Wear something comfortable to the airport

Listen, none of us is Victoria Beckham. We don't need to trot through airport security wearing 7-inch heels and a mink coat. Leggings, a pair of Keds, and an old t-shirt is an outfit that has the ability to be super fashionable yet hella comfortable. Aim for comfort.

4. Bring a sweater

So LA is in southern California so it is still relatively summery in October but the airport and the airplane are notorious for blasting the air conditioning. There have been many times during my travels where I am left shivering and having to splurge on an expensive airport sweater because I lacked the forethought to think that layers might be the best option.

5. If possible, eat before you get to the airport

Now I have had flights that leave at 6:00 in the morning and my butt needed to be there by 3-freaking-am. Therefore, the idea of grabbing a bagel from Dunkin Donuts at that ungodly time is pretty much moot. Sometimes you have to eat at the airport, but be warned that it will cost you an arm and a leg to get something barely edible to eat at the airport.

6. Don't overpack

I've learned this lesson early. As a shopaholic, I like shopping in different states. It's cool to see what different areas have in their stores. Plus I live in an area where online shopping is essential so being able to shop at places I don't usually physically go to is a lot of fun. Also, I like souvenirs as well. Only packing the bare necessities like two pairs of universal shoes, a few outfits plus a back up one, and very few hair products should keep you under the 50-lb weight limit.

7. Try out your outfits before packing

This will save you time both while packing and while getting ready for your day. Check the weather a week out before you travel and go from there. This also allows you to figure out what you need to buy before you go on your trip.

8. Pack a few days beforehand

You are an adult. As someone who can travel unaccompanied, you shouldn't be packing the night before or the day of. A) That's stressful, why would you do that? and B) What if you don't have something? I'm not saying you should pack a month before your flight (looking at you Mom), but if your flight is leaving Tuesday, you should at least begin assembling your travel essentials on Saturday.

9. Pack your carry on with care

This is a skill I've honed over the years. I have found that I do not need to bring a laptop, 3 books, and a magazine with me on the plane. For me, I usually bring my iPad for movies, one book for when I get bored at staring at a screen, Advil, noise canceling headphones, a snack, and a phone charger. It takes time to figure out what works for you.

10. Purchase traveler's insurance

It may seem like a scam but if you take the time to read the terms and conditions while booking your flight, it could save you a lot of money. You could miss a flight during your layover and sometimes emergencies crop up. This gives you the ability to make sure that you and your flight are protected.

11. Double check

Make sure the people you're staying with have your itinerary. If you're staying in a hotel, make sure that you know the check-in times and the hotel policies. Make sure you have a ride to the airport. Do you have cash? Do you have the essentials pack? Double check everything!

12. Have a killer playlist

This is arguably the most important thing to remember, but music makes or breaks your trip. You don't want to be skipping through all the terrible songs that have somehow wormed its way onto your Spotify library. You're an adult with refined music tastes, make a playlist that reflects that!

Be off my fellow travelers. Go on those adventures and make all your Snapchat friends jealous. Experience different cities and different countries. Travel by yourself and learn new things from the places you visit.