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30 Epic Graduation Trip Ideas (2024 USA & International)

Whether you have a senior in high school or college, graduation is something to be celebrated! Some may want a party, a car, or help with their college tuition, but many would love to celebrate this accomplishment with a dream trip. As the school year begins its rapid roll toward the inevitable end of an era, it is time to start thinking about graduation trip ideas.

A grad trip serves the double purpose of celebrating the completion of this phase of schooling and an enticement for those fledglings to return to the nest from time to time. We put together a list of options for my high school senior to choose from and for those of you looking for high school graduation trip ideas, college graduation trip ideas, or senior trip ideas, I have some great suggestions for you!

The thing to consider though when planning a high school or college graduation trip is that while you may want it to be a bucket list experience or a trip of a lifetime; if you really want to take a trip right after graduation in May or June, you need to keep the season in mind.

Summer is the high season for family travel, which means crowds, peak pricing, and a need for advance planning. If you can travel in early to mid-June, you can avoid the high peak that starts in early July as European schools let out for the summer.

It is also an ideal time to visit destinations in the Northern Hemisphere, but Southern Hemisphere destinations vary in attractiveness from June-August as they experience their winter months. So forget the idea of seeing penguins in Antarctica and it may not be ideal for hiking in Patagonia or New Zealand either unless you want to wait for Christmas break. But there are still so many fantastic destinations to choose from.

Need help planning a special graduation trip? Let me know and I’ll refer you to a travel advisor that specializes in family trips.

15 U.S. Graduation Trip Ideas

Note: This content is sponsored by Allianz Partners (AGA Service Co.) and I have received financial compensation but all opinions expressed are my own.

Even if you have traveled extensively in the United States, there are still so many destinations and experiences that can make a graduation trip truly special. Here are a few that particularly shine in June.

The exotic allure of the Aloha State may be the perfect balm after a stressful senior year. The Big Island of Hawaii is the only place in the United States to see a live volcano, while Maui is the perfect place for adventure activities like sunrise cycling down a volcanic crater or driving the road to Hana.

Just keep in mind that June through November is technically hurricane season, although big storms are rare. We visited in late June and had pretty great weather, with just some rainstorms that delivered beautiful rainbows. Find out how much a family trip to Hawaii costs .

Summer is the best time to visit Alaska. An Alaskan cruise is definitely a great way to see the most popular ports in Alaska, but to get a real sense of this vast and rugged state, you need to spend some time on land too (and not just on excursions .) If planning a trip to Alaska feels too daunting, you can join one of Austin Adventures’ group family trips, like the one to Kenai Fjords and Peninsula .

You can experience calving glaciers, search for wildlife, and experience the brilliance of the Midnight Sun in the Last Frontier.

Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park can get crazily crowded in the summer, but if you go early enough in June, you can get there before the worst of the crowds and when the water is still strong, resulting in beautiful, powerful waterfalls. (See this guide to easy hikes in Yosemite .)

Listen to our podcast episode on Yosemite National Park for ideas on the best places to stay, hikes, and other things to do in Yosemite .

Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park is one of the most popular destinations in the U.S. National Parks system and getting a reservation in the summer can be challenging. But head to Glacier Country in early summer to beat the crowds and get better rates. Just keep in mind that there will still be snow on the ground, and it is likely that parts of the Going-to-the-Sun road that connect the parts of the park will still be closed until sometime in July, although I was there in mid-June last year and it was open.

But there is still plenty of hiking and wildlife viewing to enjoy (plus a chance to see glaciers!). After a few days in the park, you can enjoy some fun adventures near Glacier or relax at Flathead Lake Lodge, an all-inclusive dude ranch , or spend time exploring more of Western Montana .

Walt Disney World, Florida

From weddings to birthdays, every special occasion is a good fit for a trip to Disney for lovers of magic and the mouse. It might be the perfect time to splurge on a VIP tour to make the trip extra special.

While there are plenty of rides at Disney that teens love, thrill-seekers will also like adding on a few days at Universal or some of the water parks , especially for those hot June days. And when it rains, try some of these nearby Orlando attractions .

Grand Canyon, Arizona

There are two huge downsides to visiting the Grand Canyon in the summer — the crowds and the heat. But, if you go in June it is a little more manageable, especially if you go to the less-visited North Rim, which doesn’t even open until mid-May.

To make the trip extra special, and thrilling, you can arrange for helicopter flights over the canyon, mule rides or hikes into the canyon, or multi-day float trips along the Colorado River. You can also make this part of an epic southwest road trip .

New York, New York

Bright lights, big city — if your graduate has never visited the Big Apple, a visit to New York City can make a great graduation trip. Get tickets for the must-see Broadway show. Visit museums. Take a food tour. Go shopping. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. The possibilities are endless in the city that never sleeps.

Make sure you fit in some of the newer attractions like Hudson Yards, Summit at One Vanderbilt, Little Island @ Pier 55, the 9/11 Memorial, the Highline, or even try the new Edge NYC Skydeck. Teens also love Instagramable food stops like rainbow bagels, taiyakis, specialty cupcakes, crazy milkshakes, and more.

Las Vegas, Nevada

College grads may enjoy exercising some of their new liberties in Las Vegas, but even high school graduates can enjoy under-21 attractions. The hotels along Vegas’ famous Strip are a spectacle in and of itself. Add to that one-of-a-kind entertainment, celebrity chef-owned restaurants, and thrills like the X-Scream ride at the Stratosphere Hotel, FlyOver Las Vegas , or the SkyJump off the Stratosphere Tower.

Of course outside of Las Vegas, you can also go hiking in Red Rock Canyon, visit Hoover Dam, or drive a luxury sports car or race car.

California Coast

Rent a convertible and take your grad on a classic U.S. road trip down the California coast . Start off with a few days in San Francisco , then head down to Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea . Next, take your time exploring the beautiful coastline along Highway 1 down to Big Sur.

On the central coast, you can ride on the sand dunes, zip line through a winery, and enjoy all the small beach towns on your way to Los Angeles . Finish off with surf lessons in Huntington Beach, a tour of Universal Studios, or a day at Disneyland. If you have a college grad you can even add on a few days in Sonoma or Paso Robles for wine tasting.

Puerto Rico

Craving an island vacation? You don’t need a passport to visit Puerto Rico. There you can enjoy gorgeous beaches, the El Yunque rainforest, outdoor adventures, and soak up the history in Old San Juan.

In Vieques and elsewhere on the island, you can even experience the magic of bioluminescence with a nighttime kayaking excursion.

Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks

Things are starting to heat up in the southwest in June, but you can still fit in an epic trip to all five of Utah’s national parks — Arches, Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef National Parks. Or, if you really enjoy hiking and getting off the beaten path, focus on just a couple of the parks. If you are visiting two parks or more, be sure to invest in the National Parks Pass .

Start off in Salt Lake City and then head to Moab to explore Arches and Canyonlands. Next, head over to Capitol Reef and Bryce. Finish up in St. George and Zion National Park. You can then fly out of Las Vegas or loop back up to Salt Lake City. Be sure to listen to this podcast for some great tips on off-the-beaten-path stops on a Southwest Grand Circle road trip or read my friend Lesli’s Utah National Parks road trip itinerary .

Maine Windjammer Cruise

Large ship cruising may not be your cup of tea, but there are other small ship possibilities available. If your student loves sailing, then a trip aboard one of the Maine Windjammer cruises will be right up their alley. Enjoy gourmet meals and lobster bakes on the beach. Assist the crew and enjoy watching the scenic coastline glide by. Explore the rugged coastline and small seaside towns of the Maine coast .

For a real splurge, book cabins with your friends and family for a group vacation on the sea. Pair it up with a Coastal Maine road trip or a fun glamping stay near Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park .

Key West, Florida

One of my favorite east coast road trips is along the Overseas Highway in the Florida Keys . This scenic trip is great for graduates that love water sports — like windsurfing, snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving.

It is also a perfect spot for future marine biologists to visit a sea turtle hospital, explore marine preserves, study dolphins, and enjoy nature up close. Of course, all the key lime pie is also a great perk!

New Orleans, Louisiana

Your foodie teen will enjoy a trip to the Big Easy for a food and music extravaganza. Enjoy food tours, cooking classes, and everything from celebrity-chef restaurants to the best of diners, drive-ins, and dives.

Then soak in the culture with history tours (or ghost tours), a visit to Mardi Gras World, and plenty of live jazz music. If you have time to get out of town, be sure to try an airboat tour!

Black Hills, South Dakota

There are tons of ways for teens and young adults to seek adventure in the Black Hills . You can bike along the Mickelson Trail, one of the old rail trails that runs for 108.8 miles from Edgemont to Deadwood. Don’t worry, you don’t need to bike the whole thing. Instead, you can rent bikes and arrange for shuttle pick-ups and drop-offs to only bike as far as you choose. There is also go rock climbing, horseback riding, and enjoy amazing wildlife viewing in Custer State Park.

Be sure to leave extra days for side ventures to Devil’s Tower in Wyoming and the stunning Badlands National Park . And even if they haven’t had enough of learning for a while, make sure to visit Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and the Minuteman Missile Silo Historic Site.

15 International Graduation Trip Ideas

There are so many bucket list destinations that are great places to visit in June for a graduation trip. Here are a few options for adventure seekers, outdoor lovers, cultural explorers, and wildlife lovers.

June is my absolute favorite time to visit Iceland, especially if you can be there for the Summer Solstice. Just be aware that many businesses and attractions are closed on June 17th for Iceland Independence Day. The weather is starting to warm up and you have full days of sunlight to explore.

Iceland is the perfect spot for outdoor adventurers. Spend a few days on the gorgeous South Coast chasing waterfalls, visiting black sand beaches, hiking on glaciers, and sailing between the icebergs. To get away from the crowds, spend a few days up in the rugged and remote West Fjords . Find out how much a trip to Iceland costs and read my Iceland travel tips .

It took us until my daughter was in college to finally get to Japan, but this bucket list destination is perfect for a graduation trip. Immersing yourselves in a new culture is great practice for the new challenges that lie ahead for your grad. While things will be heating up in June and you can expect some rain, your grad will love exploring the food, shopping, and cultural quirkiness that lies side-by-side with ancient shrines and temples.

If you can spend two weeks in Japan , it would be ideal for getting to see Tokyo , Kyoto , and Osaka , with time for a day trip or two as well.

With a drinking age of 18, graduates might enjoy some newfound freedoms in the pubs of Ireland — after all, what better place to soak in the Irish culture? Start off in Dublin , and then head off to Northern Ireland and the Coastal Causeway .

In the Republic of Ireland, don’t miss the Cliffs of Moher and a drive along the Wild Atlantic Way. The town of Killarney and the Dingle Peninsula are some of my favorite spots in Ireland. Find out how much a trip to Ireland costs and tips for traveling to Ireland .

Azores, Portugal

Natural beauty abounds in the Azores , the archipelago of Portuguese islands in the Atlantic. In June, big hydrangea blooms decorate the island in a mix of pinks, purples, and blues. This is a perfect setting for outdoor lovers, particularly on the island of Pico, home to the Mount Pico volcano. For adventure seekers, you can go coasteering, canyoning, hiking, surfing, and more on the largest island of São Miguel .

Finish up with a few days on the mainland enjoying the colorful festivals taking place in Lisbon or Porto . The Azores are a great destination for the grad that likes to do something different than everyone else and its blend of the best of Hawaii, Iceland, and Ireland make it truly unique.

A week or two spent island hopping in the Cyclades is a perfect way to chill out after the exhaustion of final exams. Mid-June through mid-July is the perfect time to visit. The islands of Santorini and Mykonos are jammed in the summer, especially once the cruise ships start coming to port, but you can still avoid crowds on smaller islands like Naxos or spread out on Crete . The weather is warm but not scorching hot, and the daytime winds are not as strong as later in the summer.

Start off in Mykonos or Santorini for an introduction to the Greek Islands’ party scene, and then spend some time at some of the quieter islands, like Naxos, Paros, Crete, or some of the off-the-beaten-track islands. Find out how much a trip to Greece costs or check out our 10-day Greece itinerary.

Like much of Europe, Italy is beautiful in early June, before the heat and tourists descend. You will want to hit the highlights in Rome and Florence , but then take some time to relax and enjoy the Tuscan countryside where you can bike through vineyards and swim in thermal pools.

You may even be able to arrange to test drive a Ferrari or sample the culinary delights in Bologna or Parma on your way to Venice . Finish up with some hiking in the Italian Dolomites. In June you are guaranteed sunny days and warm evenings in the mountains, with not too much humidity. After a day of hiking or biking, enjoy the local culinary delicacies over lunch at a mountain rifugio or a slopeside picnic.

If your grad prefers lazing on the beach, skip the gondolas and mountains and head down to the Amalfi Coast or the gorgeous island of Capri . Just make your reservations early and don’t be surprised to be rubbing elbows with newlyweds and retirees.

History buffs (and Game of Thrones fans) will love the medieval city of Dubrovnik on the Dalmatian Coast. June is the perfect time to explore before the peak summer crowds and cruise ships arrive in July and August. 

To escape the crowds, the best way to explore Croatia is by boat. Charter a sailboat and head out on the Adriatic Sea to nearby Lokrum Island or further to Korcula, one of the more charming islands in Croatia. There are also adventure activities for active teens such as biking trips, hiking, and water sports.

Switzerland

Your young adventurer may enjoy hiking in the Swiss Alps after graduation. It can still be rainy in May and early June, or snowy at higher altitudes, so shoot for late June or even early July. There are many routes for hut-to-hut (or hotel-to-hotel) hiking. Or you can settle in near Interlaken and soak in the scenery and outdoor adventures.

Interlaken is home to many extreme sports, including mountaineering, bungee jumping, zorbing, skiing, snowboarding, paragliding, helicopter skydiving, white water rafting, canyoning, ice climbing, rock climbing, trekking, and so much more.

Art lovers will also want to check out the international art show at Art Basel in Basel, Switzerland, which draws top artists from around the world. In Basel, you can also bike to three countries in one day! Bike to France and have a croissant, have a beer and lunch in Germany, and return to Switzerland and float down the river before dinner.

The weather in Paris in June is perfect, the cherry blossoms are in bloom, and there are long days of sunshine to explore the city at its most romantic. Of course, summer is also when the tourists descend so it is critical to go in June (the earlier the better) before school lets out for summer in France and the United Kingdom.

Even so, it is important to book early for prime locations (see my guide for renting an apartment in Paris ) and attractions (reservations and/or timed entry tickets are needed for many attractions, including the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.)

It is also a city where you can give your teen a little independence to practice language skills and prepare to go out on their own. Indulge your graduate’s interests in art, history, or food with private tours and cooking classes. Find out how much a trip to Paris costs , check out our 5-day Paris itinerary , and download our Paris trip planning checklist .

South Africa

June to August is winter in South Africa, but it is also the ideal time to book a safari in Kruger or other parks. The game viewing is ideal because the bush is less dense, but the beautiful golden grasses capture the light and provide excellent photo opportunities. Plus, the dry weather typically means few to no mosquitos!

While June is typically the rainy season in Cape Town, it has a little bit of everything, which makes it the perfect destination for a graduation trip. The city is surrounded by beaches and mountains, with plenty of opportunities for adventure from cage-diving with sharks to zip-lining through mountains and forests. Your graduate can also snorkel with seals or go sea kayaking with penguins. There is also the potential to see whales along South Africa’s Whale Coast between June and November.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Watching The Great Migration in Serengeti National Park is an unforgettable experience, and June is a great time to see it. In the Western Corridor area, you can find herds of wildebeest, gazelles, and zebras as they make their way north in search of food, water, and breeding grounds.

Because June falls within Serengeti’s dry season, you’ll find less foliage, making animals easier to spot, as well as fewer mosquitos. The temperature is moderate and pleasant during the day, but chilly for early morning safaris or nights in the safari tents. This is truly a bucket list experience for families.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

While technically winter, the weather is never too terribly cold in Australia and you will find good deals on flights and hotels. It is also a perfect time to see the Great Barrier Reef. There is very little rain so diving conditions are at their peak — perfect for checking scuba diving off a bucket list.

Beyond the Reef, northern Queensland, the Northern Territory, and northern Western Australia are at their best in June. Remember, the further south you go, the colder it will be.

If a tropical escape is what your student needs to relax, set your sights a bit further than the Caribbean all the way to the South Pacific. It is also technically winter in Fiji in June, but the temps never get too cold and you can just miss the summer rush that starts in July. June is one of the best months to visit Fiji, with ideal weather, countless activity options, cheaper hotel rates, and smaller crowds.

From the rich Fijian culture to the incredible beaches, there are countless reasons why Fiji’s 333 islands are the perfect vacation destination for a graduation trip.

Does your student love to learn about ancient civilizations or archeology? Summer is a great time to visit the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu. Start your journey in Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital city, or Cusco, a scenic three-hour train ride from Machu Picchu. Just be sure to give yourself time to adjust to the altitude, especially if you are considering hiking in the Sacred Valley. Reservations are also needed at this popular tourist destination.

The Amazon’s dry season starts in June, so you can pair a visit to Machu Picchu with time spent exploring the rainforest or traveling the Amazon by boat.

Sitting below the hurricane belt, Aruba, along with its neighboring islands of Bonaire and Curaçao, enjoys a dry season in the summer. Yet since summer in the Caribbean isn’t high on many people’s lists, you can also enjoy lower rates and fewer crowds.

Off-road on this desert island, go horseback riding on the beach, enjoy sunset catamaran sails, and spend some time with flamingoes on this Dutch island.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

Once you have booked your dream trip to celebrate your graduate, don’t forget to purchase travel insurance! Travel insurance can protect you in the case of unexpected and unforeseen circumstances that may arise on your trip such as trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, theft, emergency medical expenses and transportation (this is especially important when traveling out of the country!), travel delays, rental car damage, and more.

Even better, also gift your graduate an annual travel insurance plan that protects their trips all year long. It is the perfect gift for kids that will be flying back and forth to college or young adults just starting out in their career and spending their newfound paid time off traveling.

Before we sent our daughter off to college in Arizona, I made sure she was covered by an AllTrips Premier annual travel insurance plan from Allianz Travel. Allianz Travel has been our trusted travel insurance provider for years and the investment has paid off in multitudes. Not only do I know that her trips to school and back are protected against flight cancellations, travel delays, and lost luggage, but as an inexperienced solo traveler it gives us both peace of mind knowing that she has access to a 24-hour hotline for assistance on all sorts of travel emergencies.

Shop for the Allianz Travel Insurance policy that is right for you!

Need more ideas? Try one of these:

• Best vacations to take with teens
• Service trips for teens

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Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.

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Publish Date: November 19, 2023

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9 Graduation Trip Ideas for Every Budget

By Megan Spurrell

A graduation vacation is about more than knocking back drinks in a foreign land. Such adventures can also offer moments of reflection on what lies ahead. Choosing how to spend this milestone trip isn’t easy, either. In addition to setting a budget and choosing your travel companions, recent grads should consider what they want to get out of the trip, advises Shelby Albo, travel consultant at Embarc Collective . Here, we’ve pulled together nine unforgettable graduation trip ideas that appeal to a range of travel styles—no matter what your budget is.

The other Southeast Asia loop

“Backpacking trips in a foreign country are truly unbeatable, especially for graduation,” says Jen Richardson, a travel planner at Scouted . We all know the classic loop through Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos, and it’s a great one—the region is affordable for travelers spending U.S. dollars and there is no shortage of cultural sites, natural wonders, and lively parties. But you can find all of that and more on a less-traveled path farther south.  In Indonesia, visit the bustling capital of Jakarta, scooter between rice fields in Ubud, and kick back on the postcard-perfect islands of Lombok and Bali . Experience a mix of cultures in Malaysia by tasting laksa curry on the streets of Penang and visiting the Hindu temples in the Batu Caves, then swing down to Singapore . It isn’t cheap by any stretch, but a few days in the street food capital—which has colorful architecture, lush hiking trails, and a high-tech airport with a butterfly garden and movie theater—are worth the end-of-trip-splurge.

A weekend (or longer) in Puerto Rico

The Commonwealth is an easy flight from much of the U.S., and you don’t even need a passport. If you have just a weekend, book an Airbnb in one of the candy-colored colonial buildings of Old San Juan, where reggaeton and salsa fill the streets and the Bad Bunny–approved cocktail bar La Factoría comes alive seven nights a week. If you have five to seven days to explore, plan a multi-stop road trip around the island—surfing on the West Coast, night kayaking in one of Puerto Rico's three bioluminescent bays, and baking on the dazzling white sands of Culebra Island.

South India immersion

You want to go far, but you don’t want to go alone: Intrepid Travel’s group trips are built around this premise, with accessible price points always front of mind. The outfitter’s two-week Real South India trip (from $909 per person) is a great graduation trip idea—it takes up to 16 free spirits (ages 18 to 29) from Hyderabad to Kochi, with five stops and two overnight trains in between. See Bollywood film sets in Ramoji Film City, explore Hindu temples in Mamallapuram, observe elephants and tigers in Bandipur National Park, and feast on stuffed dosa in Madurai. The rate covers guides, accommodations, select meals, and numerous activities; set your Google Flights tracker now for a stellar airline deal.

The Utah parks circuit

Grab a few pals and pile into a van to go park-hopping in Utah . The state’s national parks and monuments promise slot canyons ( Zion and Grand Staircase-Escalante), forests of rock hoodoos ( Bryce Canyon ), sand dunes (at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park), and bright red rock carved by the Colorado River (Canyonlands), to name just a few of the Beehive State’s otherworldly landscapes. Spend your days hiking and evenings camping under the stars—the Fruita Campground in Capitol Reef National Park is worth planning around—in settings so stunning, they'll stick with you for a lifetime.

Harrison Pierce

María Casbas

CNT Editors

A sunny Caribbean cruise

After years of grinding, you might be ready to simply laze in the sun—a true treat-yourself moment before starting college or before your first job begins. Book a spot on a Caribbean cruise , which will have space for all of your friends and won’t require you to lift a single finger once you are onboard. Royal Caribbean offers a huge selection of affordable cruises departing from New York, Florida, and Galveston, Texas. Go for one of the five-night options , which stop in the crystalline waters of Cozumel, Mexico, and George Town, Grand Cayman, and offer plenty of nightlife and poolside entertainment options to keep things interesting.

Southern U.S. road trip

For a memorable American road trip, make the drive from Atlanta to West Texas , with stops in New Orleans and Austin en route. You’ll find music and nightlife all along the way—Atlanta’s Trap Music Museum and Second Line parades weaving through the streets of NOLA are not to be missed—plus roadside photo ops (hello, Marfa Prada store ). Scrimp by staying at Airbnbs in each destination; if you’re traveling with just a friend or two, rented rooms, instead of private apartments, are a great way to meet other travelers. Staying at locally owned properties is "such a good way to support the local culture and will make for a rich experience,” says Richardson.

A tour through South America

This may not be among the first graduation trip ideas that come to mind, but why not put those years of Spanish to use in South America? While the distances are greater than those in Southeast Asia, and the prices somewhat higher, sticking to the northwestern edge of the continent will give you the best bang for your buck. Plus, “planes are super affordable,” says Katalina Mayorga, founder of El Camino Travel , thanks to new budget lines such as Viva Air Colombia and Star Perú.  In four to eight weeks, you can hit the Caribbean coast in Colombia (with stops in Cartagena and Tayrona National Natural Park); the Andean cities of Medellín , Quito , and La Paz ; and ogle natural wonders like the Amazon rain forest (best accessed via Iquitos, Peru), the Uyuni salt flats of southwest Bolivia, and, of course, Machu Picchu . From learning about Afro-Caribbean dance to touring Inca archaeological sites, you’ll have loads to talk about with the fellow travelers you meet in hostels along the way.

Eastern Europe backpacking trip

“European backpacking trips are still very popular,” says Albo. “The ease of traveling from one country to another is an attractive aspect.” Not only is Eastern Europe more affordable than France, Spain, and Italy, it’s less crowded than its western neighbors—despite offering just as many reasons to visit. In dreamy Old World cities like Prague and Budapest , regal churches and castles are just as appealing as the edgy nightlife scenes. (Want to party in a converted bunker? Done.) By train or bus, get out to the scenic countryside and hike the Tatras mountains that border Slovakia and Poland before exploring the quaint old town of Gdańsk. Trust us—you’ll leave wondering why the rest of your friends haven’t considered Eastern Europe yet.

The Camino de Santiago

There’s something enticing about marking one milestone with another. For travelers who want to do it in hiking boots , a Camino de Santiago pilgrimage is an ideal challenge. The Camino refers to a network of trails that all lead to a shrine of Saint James the Great in Galicia, Spain, with several starting points throughout the country. Beginners, however, are recommended to follow the Camino Frances route, which begins just over the border in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in the French Pyrenees. The journey takes 30 to 35 days and includes overnights in albergues (bed-and-breakfasts). If you find yourself needing a little motivation along the trail, just visualize the tapas and vino waiting for you each night.

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10 Graduation Trip Ideas for Every Budget and Travel Style

From Peru to Paris, these are some of the best trips to take after graduation.

Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure

Everyone travels for a different reason. For some, travel is an adventure, a way to discover all that the world has to offer. Others use it as a means of escaping everyday stresses. It’s also one of the best ways to celebrate life’s biggest moments, whether it’s a new beginning, an exciting achievement, or both. Graduation certainly falls into the latter category, and you’ll often see those earning a high school, college, or post-grad diploma marking the accomplishment with a memorable travel experience. Plus, this is an occasion that’s often accompanied by the rare chance to travel without missing classes or taking off work. So if there’s ever a good time to go on that trip you’ve always dreamed about, it’s right after graduation. 

When it comes to graduation trips, there are no hard-and-fast rules about how or where you should travel; they can run the gamut from quick beach weekends to week-long, multi-country adventures. It all depends on your preference, budget, and availability. To help narrow down your choices, we spoke with two of Travel + Leisure ’s trusted A-List advisors, Maria Diego of Diego Travel and Jean Sanz of JSB Journeys , to curate a list of the best graduation trip ideas.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

When you want a graduation trip with lots of sunshine, salt water, and beautiful scenery, but you don’t want a super long flight, choose Costa Rica, T+L’s 2024 Destination of the Year . “The proximity to the U.S. makes this a quick jump over if time is of the essence,” Sanz tells T+L. Start your journey by indulging in a bit of luxurious relaxation — “You can enjoy hot springs and hang out with friends at The Springs Resort & Spa while sipping on a drink as you overlook the Arenal Volcano,” says Sanz  — then move on to something more active. There are numerous hiking opportunities in this biodiverse country, ranging from beginner to more advanced trails. If you’re really looking to challenge yourself, embark on the 174-mile Camino de Costa Rica .

Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure

Thinking about a West Coast trip? San Diego could be in the cards. The Southern California city is known for its warm, dry summers, and there are plenty of activities to fill an itinerary, no matter your interests. If you want an active graduation trip, book a surf lesson with Surf Diva , hike Torrey Pines State Park Loop, and practice your swing at the famed Torrey Pines Golf Course . For a trip that’s centered around art, explore the collections at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego , The San Diego Museum of Art , and the Mingei International Museum . If you want to do nothing but lounge by the beach or pool, check into Hotel del Coronado or The Lodge at Torrey Pines for a few extra-luxe nights.

Eleanor Scriven/robertharding/Travel + Leisure

While Diego notes that she wouldn’t recommend St. Barts for a high school graduation trip, it is a special, celebratory destination that could be a good option for those graduating from college. In Diego’s words, it’s an “island that outshines them all,” and if you visit in the late summer (as opposed to the popular winter season), you’ll often see lower prices and fewer crowds. “ Eden Rock is always a popular choice if you want to see and be seen, or if you're looking for more of a hideaway with an ultra-chic clientele and [a] lower-key beach club, I recommend Le Toiny ,” she says.

Buenos Aires and Patagonia

“Aside from the fact that it should be on everyone's bucket list, Buenos Aires is an eclectic cosmopolitan city, with cocktail bars, nightclubs, and an incredible food scene,” says Sanz. After spending a few days in the city, make your way to Patagonia , where you’ll need your hiking boots, waterproof layers, and plenty of bug spray and sunscreen. “You can hike from camp to camp as you overlook the amazing Fitz Roy mountain and end in a fabulous adventure lodge like Explora . The food and the dramatic landscapes are also a great way to treat yourself as you walk into a new world,” she adds.

National Park Road Trip

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

“A road trip is always a great way to celebrate a milestone. We have some of the most beautiful parks and animals on the planet in our own backyard,” says Diego. If you’re planning an extended graduation trip, spread out over several weeks, you could try to plot out some of our nation’s biggest national parks out West— from the Great Sand Dunes to Zion — and check them all off on an epic road trip. But if you’re only planning on traveling for about a week, and you still want to see some impressive wildlife and scenery, head to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, which are about an hour’s drive from one another. Most travelers fly into Jackson Hole Airport, the only commercial airport within a U.S. national park, and use Jackson Hole as their base camp for exploring Grand Teton National Park over a period of two to three days. Yellowstone takes a bit more time; plan on spending three to four days traversing the park and checking off your top highlights and points of interest.

New York City

Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure

New York City has something for everyone — and that includes recent grads. If it’s your first time in the Big Apple, you’ll probably want to experience all of the classics: a Yankees game, Central Park, a slice at a quintessential pizzeria, a Broadway show, and some of New York City’s best museums , including The Metropolitan Museum of Art , The Guggenheim , and The Whitney . It’ll be a packed trip, so don’t forget your best walking shoes; depending on your schedule, you’ll probably end up trekking multiple miles as you make your way through the boroughs. While NYC isn’t known as a particularly cheap destination, it does have a whole host of free things to do if you’re looking to keep costs down.

guenterguni/Getty Images

“I think Africa is the perfect option for a graduation trip, particularly gorilla trekking in Rwanda ,” says Diego. “In order to do the chimpanzee and gorilla treks, the minimum age requirement is 18, which would be a fantastic age to have this experience.” She also suggests starting your trip at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in the capital of Rwanda: “While extremely sad, it is very educational and sets a context for the entirety of the trip.  Once you see the history of what this small country has gone through, and overcome, it changes you in a very impactful way.  I can't think of a better gift to share with a young adult than the entire experience that is Rwanda.”

London and Paris

Leopoldine Bauer/Travel + Leisure

Out of all the cities in the world, London and Paris are two of the most iconic — and they’re only two hours apart by train. Start your trip in the Big Smoke, where you can cheers to your diploma over Champagne afternoon tea at The Ritz and get your steps in while walking through Green Park, St. James’s Park, and some of the city’s most picturesque neighborhoods. Rest up at The Laslett , an expertly designed boutique hotel in Notting Hill, before hopping aboard the Eurostar to Paris. You may have a long list of must-sees in the City of Lights, but leave time for the best parts of a Parisian adventure: leisurely coffee breaks at cafés, croissant and baguette runs, and a long stroll down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. For a particularly memorable stay in Paris, Diego recommends Le Grand Contrôle , “the hotel in the Château de Versailles that allows special access without the crowds.”

Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure

Travelers might want to use this time off to tour Peru, the home of Machu Picchu and part of the Amazon rainforest. “Hiking the last part of the Inca Trail and arriving at the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu gives you a mystical sense of being — and [it’s] a great feeling of freedom to have after several years of university,” says Sanz. She suggests staying at the Palacio del Inka in Cusco, where you can sip piscos on your balcony, and leaving time for Lima. When in the capital, follow Sanz’s advice and “explore the culinary delights of Mayta [and its] fantastic cocktail menu.”

When the only thing you want to do after graduation is soak up some sun on the beach, look no further than Charleston . The Holy City is known for its laidback lifestyle, and there are several beaches within driving distance of the downtown area. Folly Beach is where you’ll find kitschy beach shops, amazing seafood restaurants, and opportunities to surf. Sullivan’s Island is a bit quieter, but its main street, Middle Street, becomes a hub of activity on summer weekends. If the whole family is joining your grad trip, book a stay at Wild Dunes Resort on Isle of Palms. No matter which beach you choose, you’ll be able to find plenty of R&R before starting your next life chapter.

The 10 best graduation trips to take in 2024

Feb 19, 2024 • 7 min read

Grab your friends and get ready for the trip of a lifetime © Frazao Studio Latino / Getty Images

There's nothing like graduating to make you want a celebratory vacation.

Both a massive accomplishment and a bittersweet end of an era, completing your studies can also be a reality check as you begin the next phase of your life.

So, where should you go once you graduate? These 10 incredible destinations allow you to put off real life for a little bit longer.

Affordable and with a wealth of diverse things to do, Mexico is the perfect post-graduation escape. The country has a happy place for everyone. Head to Tulum for a beachy, out-till-dawn vacation that is bursting will beach clubs, upscale cocktails and cerulean cenotes. Look to Puerto Vallarta for a classic, lay-by-the-pool escape. In Mexico City , you can try local delicacies and get lost in a museum for the afternoon. Stop by the stunning Museo Universitario del Chopo , which boasts an extensive contemporary art collection.  Oaxaca offers a mix of Indigenous and colonial influences, with day trips out to explore the natural world and local villages. Head to Santiago Apoala for a look at a remote Mixtec village in the heart of a towering mountain range. If the last four years in the library require some sunshine and a warm place to recover, there is no better place than Mexico to finish that beach read. 

2. Road trip across the US

Nothing bonds a group together like a long car journey, making a road trip across the US with your mates the perfect post-graduation send-off. It's hard to grasp the magnitude of the United States until you drive through it. Pick between visiting iconic national parks like Yellowstone ,   Yosemite  and the Grand Canyon , or cruising along the West Coast from the Redwoods to Joshua Tree  with a stop in some of the Golden State's famed cities, like San Francisco and Los Angeles . Uncovering the mysteries of the West has long been an American tradition, not to mention watching the landscapes change and evolve in a matter of days is a mesmerizing experience.

To keep this adventure affordable, try camping in the national parks rather than staying in hotels. It will require some advanced planning, maybe even some reservations. Visit nps.gov for more information.

Few places have the same vacation appeal as Greece . With its hot, sunny climate and stellar museums, especially the Acropolis Museum , the fantastic restaurants and endless island hopping opportunities, it's hard to have a dull moment. Pro-tip: Don't skip Athens . The birthplace of Western civilization and a paradise for thinkers, artists and scientists, come see the starting place for man's greatest ideas. 

When it comes to Greece's islands, Mykonos is where the nightlife takes center stage, while Santorini provides a more romantic and relaxing atmosphere. Beware, a steep price tag comes with Greece's most popular island spots. Alternatively, if you crave a slightly less touristy experience, the Ionian Islands in early autumn make a great escape. Slow down, eat your way through fresh local delicacies and see what makes the Mediterranean way of life so revered. 

4. Costa Rica

If college wasn't enough of a thrill, head to Costa Rica . Considered one of the happiest places on earth and packed with adventure opportunities, you can white water raft, zipline, traverse sky-high bridges, and surf the most stellar waves to your heart's content. 

If you've spent the last four years in the heart of a city and are in dire need of some nature, warm weather, and delicious food , this after-graduation trip is for you. Start your day with a hearty serving of gallo pinto , take refuge from the heat with a street mango smothered in lime juice, salt and chili powder and wrap up the day with chifrijo,  a local dish of fried pork and beans with all the toppings. Not to mention, eating your body weight in ceviche is considered a right of passage. Pura Vida is right!

5. Vietnam 

Affordable, beautiful and warm, a graduation trip to Vietnam gets you out of your comfort zone. Get lost in a sea of mopeds in Hanoi and slurp pho on stools along the sidewalk. Head up to Halong Bay , where you can tour its limestone islands on a junk boat. Enjoy an urban metropolis like Ho Chi Minh City , wander the Binh Tay Market  or visit Vietnam's only Taoist temple,  Khanh Van Nam Vien Pagoda , before cruising along the Mekong Delta and getting to know the locals at the Cai Rang Floating Market .

6. New Orleans, Louisiana

For a graduation trip that melds celebration with culture, look no further than New Orleans . The loud streets of this city burst with energy: live bands, dancing, cocktails and more. As New Orleans continues to be impacted by climate change, try to reduce your impact during your visit by using trains, bikes and public transport to explore the city.  Eat beignets (deep-fried pâte à choux pastries) in the French Quarter , listen to jazz in a dimly lit bar, and if you time it right, join in with the commotion of Mardi Gras . Beyond the nightlife, the Big Easy is famous for its flavorful cuisine and unique rich history. Make sure to take the time to appreciate both. Don't miss having a steaming bowl of gumbo or biting into a massive Po'boy. Follow it up with a visit to the  Ogden Museum of Southern Art , which explores the city's complex influences and longtime connection to the natural world.  

7. New York City

A graduation trip can also be an opportunity to test out potential places you may want to live. For many, that means New York City . Visit before you commit to living here: it's busy, loud, (sometimes) stinky and eye-openingly wonderful. But it's not for everyone. For this test run, spend your time checking out galleries and parks while eating at some amazing restaurants. It will be a pricey trip, no matter how hard you try to budget. Still, it's a great chance to meet new people and try every cuisine you can imagine. Make sure to catch the train to Brooklyn for an afternoon in the Botanical Gardens .

8. South Africa

Not ready to stop learning? Head to South Africa . With a tumultuous and storied history, a trip to this stunning country can be life-changing. Apartheid isn't that far in the rearview mirror, and its lasting effects are visible across much of the nation. Dedicate time to visiting some of the historical sites in Johannesburg, such as the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill , a former prison turned Constitutional Court. Then, hit the beach to surf some famous waves at Addington Beach along the iconic Golden Mile or catch glimpses of South Africa's diverse wildlife in the expansive Kruger National Park . Keep your eyes peeled for big cats, elephants, rhinos and more. Find time to catch at least one sunset from the top of Table Mountain . Its unmatched views are accessible by cable car in Cape Town.

With stunning fjords, shooting geysers, natural hot springs and the northern lights – Iceland offers an otherworldly reset from your studies. A nature-first vacation, try and dedicate some time beyond the beautiful capital Reykjavik . You'll need a large budget to chase waterfalls, sip pints and toast your graduation in Iceland, but you'll look at the world entirely anew. 

10. Florence, Italy

Florence offers a decadence and youthfulness that is easier to access than in Rome or Naples , and its Renaissance beauty will fill your aching heart if you don't want to leave university or college. Marvel at Botticelli's masterpiece, the Birth of Venus, in the Uffizi and wander the expansive Boboli Gardens . Luxuriate with two-hour dinners on one of their many piazzas, climb to the top of the fabled Duomo to take in the rolling hills in the distance. There is so much to love about Florence, but like most major cities in Italy, it can be expensive, but it's the price you pay to heal your heartache.

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Top 10 Amazing Destinations for a Graduation Trip in 2021

Published by rachel bicha on may 23, 2021 may 23, 2021.

You’re graduating! Now what? Well, amidst the job searching, deciding where you’re going to live now that you’re not next door to all your college friends, generally trying to figure life out and dealing with a impending sense of doom (or is that just your student loans?), it’s probably time for a quick vacay. And by quick vacay, we mean an epic graduation trip, of course.

After four years (or more!) of hard work at school, you definitely deserve a week (or two or five) of relaxing and exploring the world before you settle down and actually start that 9-5 life. TREAT YOSELF.

But since the world definitely looks different now than it did when you started college, the hardest part might be deciding where to go—and where you can go. Need some inspiration? We’ve got 10 of our favorite destinations for graduation trips in 2021. Need some cheap deals ? We can find those for you, too.

1. Go diving (or snorkeling) in Belize.

Belize is an underrated destination that makes for a perfect graduation trip in 2021. From world-class scuba diving and snorkeling thanks to the massive Belize Barrier Reef, you can soak up the summer sun exploring a completely new world in the ocean. Not a swimmer? No problem. Belize is also home to jungles, rainforests, Mayan ruins, tiny islands, caves, waterfalls, trails and more. If you want some adventure before diving into real life, Belize has literally everything you need.

Check out Belize’s Covid-19 travel requirements before you go.

Last-minute summer flights : from $340* roundtrip

2. Camp at a National Park.

Wanna spend some time in the great outdoors after weeks of late-night cram sessions? Camping at a National Park is a great (and cheap!) way to enjoy some low-key adventuring. If you haven’t been to Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion or the Grand Canyon, the summer (and early fall) is definitely a great time to go! Pro tip: summer prices at the parks can be more expensive than other times of the year, so plan ahead and travel in early or late summer (i.e. May/June or September) if you can.

3. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Go big or go home, right?

Dubai has a little bit of everything, which makes it the perfect destination for a graduation trip. Aside from being an absolutely stunning city, located right on the coast, it’s an absolutely perfect destination for adventure. From sandboarding to skiing (yes, even in the summer!), dune driving to hot air ballooning, Dubai has just about every adventure activity you can dream of, plus more.

Of course, you should also take the time to soak in Dubai’s city life, too. Dubai is FULL of entertainment and things to do. From the ultra-modern skyscrapers like the famous Burj Khalifa to Dubai’s Old Quarter, Dubai is a city where modernity meets centuries of culture and history.

Check out Dubai’s Covid-19 travel requirements before you go.

Last-minute summer flights : from $560* roundtrip (plus get $75 off flights to Dubai when you book on StudentUniverse )

4. California

Ok, maybe you’re way ahead of the game and already have your new job/apartment lease/life figured out and only have a week or two to spare. Don’t think you don’t have time for an awesome trip! Head to Los Angeles and soak up the sunshine with endless beach days and amazing food. Or go north to San Francisco and explore the Golden Gate Bridge, Ghirardelli Square and Pier 39. Can’t decide between the two? Make it a road trip—the drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles on the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most scenic road trips in the country.

Check California’s Covid-19 travel requirements before you go.

Last-minute summer flights : from $85* roundtrip

5. Island-hop in Greece.

Dreaming of a trip to Santorini ever since you first saw Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants? It’s time to make it happen for real. Greece is the perfect place for a graduation trip—unless endless beach days, crystal-blue water and hopping from island to island with some of your besties sounds like a bad time to any of you. Santorini, Paros, Mykonos—with over 200 islands to choose from, there’s no shortage of epic destinations for your grad trip.

Check Covid-19 travel requirements for Greece before you go.

Last-minute summer flights : from $605* roundtrip

Need a slice of paradise that’s a bit closer to home? Try Hawaii. Of course, Oahu is the most well-known island, home to the famous Waikiki beach. But if you want to get off the beaten path a bit, a trip to Kona, Hawaii (aka “the Big Island”) or Kauai will provide just what you’re looking for. Tropical jungles, black-sand beaches, waterfalls, camping, hiking, surfing and more make for an adventure in paradise. Whether you’re looking to chill out on the beach with shave ice in hand or to go hiking up mountains in Kauai, Hawaii is a great place to relax post-graduation.

Check Covid-19 travel requirements for Hawaii before you go.

Last-minute summer flights : from $315* roundtrip

For an other-worldly vacay before you launch yourself into the real world, head to Iceland. Although Iceland was basically unknown as a tourist destination even just ten years ago, it’s become insanely popular since then—mostly due to Iceland’s stunning outdoor scenery and adventures. Take a dip in the Blue Lagoon or hike out to some of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, Skogafoss or Gullfoss. Game of Thrones fan? There are plenty of tours that can show you around to some of the epic filming locations in Iceland. And if you really want to take it all in, Ring Road is an 800-mile-long highway connecting all the major cities in Iceland and wrapping around the entire island. Icelandic road trip? Sign us up!

Check Covid-19 travel requirements for Iceland before you go.

Last-minute summer flights : from $332* roundtrip

8. Barcelona

Barcelona is a must on your bucket list, and when better to make this bucket-list than as a celebration for graduating? Head to this seaside Spanish city and get ready to fill up on all the tapas and sangria your heart desires! Barcelona is really a city that has it all: stunning beaches, incredible history and culture, exciting nightlife and delicious food, plenty to do, a beautiful downtown and Old Town and nearby mountains for adventure days out of the city. Nearby islands of Ibiza and Madeira also make great weekend trips from Barcelona . Whatever kind of traveler you are, Barcelona has something to offer you!

Check Covid-19 travel requirements for Spain before you go.

Last-minute summer flights : from $491* roundtrip

9. New York City

Ok, if you haven’t been to New York yet, graduating is the perfect excuse to celebrate with a trip to the Big Apple. Don’t miss out on the iconic New York experiences: see the Statue of Liberty, shop ‘til you drop in Times Square, wander through Central Park, catch a Broadway show and eat a slice (or seven) or authentic New York pizza . And don’t forget to experience some of New York’s nightlife. Even if you didn’t get much sleep in college, NYC takes it to a whole new level—there’s a reason it’s called the city that never sleeps!

Check Covid-19 travel requirements for New York before you go.

10. Backpacking around Europe

Ok, it’s the quintessential post-graduation trip, so what would this list be without it? Whether you’ve got a week or two months, Europe is always a killer graduation trip destination. Start in an iconic city like London, Paris or Rome, then hop around to some of Europe’s best hidden gems or head to a budget destination like Prague or Budapest. No matter where in Europe you are, you’ll find iconic sights, amazing art and history, delicious food, breathtaking scenery… ok, we could go on. But we’ll just let you go discover it for yourself.

Check Covid-19 travel requirements for Europe before you go.

Last-minute summer flights : from $478* roundtrip

So, what’s your dream graduation trip? Treat yourself this year with a bucket list adventure—we’ll make it easier by helping out with the cheap flights (P.S. you can still save on flights even after you’ve graduated!)

*A Note About Flight Prices: All prices were current at the time this was published. Prices are subject to availability and subject to change without notice. Prices are based on searches done at the time of writing for roundtrip flights from the United States to select destinations between May 2021 and September 2021. Flight prices vary by date, departure city, arrival city and availability. All taxes/fees are included in the price, except certain government taxes, change fees and fees imposed in destination and airline baggage fees if applicable.

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Traveling After College Graduation: Why, Where, & How to Pay for It

Hailey is a lover of mountains, photography, travel, coffee, and good books. She’s from Boi...

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Should I travel after college? YES! Traveling for a year after college won't just give you a taste of the real world. It'll give you a whole dang feast.

Here's why you should (and how to!) travel after college graduation.

So you just finished college, and you’re about to take the next step forward, moving from the life of a student into the life of a professional. Maybe you studied abroad, maybe you didn’t, but you know you want to seek out adventure travel . You think it might be best to establish a career first, and then travel later.

You’ll be more stable, you’ll have more money, you’ll know who you are, and you’ll appreciate travel adventures more because you’ve got things “figured out.” Good idea, right? Wrong!

All those things that make life worth living like sunrises and sunsets, new friends made during late nights around campfires, and in neon lit city streets, worn backpacks, stamped passports, and journals bursting with notes from adventures .

That’s what you find in adventure travel, and you shouldn’t wait to seek it. Although counter-intuitive as a first step into a career, traveling as a recent grad is the perfect time to go for many reasons. Read on to learn the reasons for traveling after college graduation.

Why consider traveling after college graduation?

If you're still on the fence about whether or not to travel after graduation, you've come to the right corner of the internet. Here are compelling reasons to help you decide your next step:

1. You’re Not Tied Down.

You probably don’t have kids or pets to worry about. You might be living with your parents again (normal in this economy) or with a friend or two in an apartment, so you most likely don’t have a mortgage to pay off yet.

You likely haven’t nailed down your dream job, and traveling before you start a new, maybe serious job allows you freedom to explore the world without the time constraints of vacation days.

2. You Can Be Selfish with Your Money.

You most likely aren’t concerned about saving for a house yet, or retirement, or your children’s college educations. What little money you have is all yours to stretch as far as you can across the globe.

3. You're Able-Bodied & Resilient.

It’s good to be quick on your feet while traveling. You can handle the stress of lost luggage or missed connections. You won’t mind sleeping in an uncomfortable hostel bunk bed.

Well maybe you’ll mind, but your body will function just fine all the same. You can stay up late and wake up early and walk, swim, hike, and climb all day. You have the energy and drive to seek adventure.

4. You Can Make Connections.

Making new, like-minded friends is a major perk to traveling after college!

You want to meet new people, and your freshly finished university days have you well practiced in the social arts. Hostels are hot spots for young travelers, and many times you can band together with bunkmates to share in adventures. You might just make a lifelong friend, which may lead to future world travels.

Maybe you’ll meet a guy from Sweden in Australia and next summer he’ll show you around Stockholm and introduce you to a friend who’s moving to the city where you live. Connections are important, and who knows, maybe they’ll be the path to that dream job!

5. You Can See a New Perspective.

When you decide to get a backpack and buy a one-way ticket to anywhere, adventure travel will help you put things in perspective. No matter where you go, you will see things. You will see that people live differently than you do.

They eat different things, they talk differently, they wear different clothes, but they are all human and they are proud of where they come from, and meeting them will inevitably change you.

You might want to live differently after your eyes are opened by other cultures and places. When you get home, maybe you’ll be more inclined to live, work, or travel abroad again. It might change your professional goals.

Maybe the meaningful work you yearn to do will come from an idea sparked by someone, or something, or somewhere that you haven’t yet found.

6. You Can De-Stress.

Say goodbye to normal life and live something more exciting!

What traveling will do, most definitely, is help you to see your life in context of the whole world. You will see that petty problems don’t matter in the scheme of things. You will know, in some abstract inarticulate way, more about life itself. It might not be a big revelation, but while you are out in the world, you are absorbing everything and cogs are turning within you. 

By choosing to travel while you are young, your horizons will be broadened rather than bogged down by the stresses of being ‘successful’ at home immediately after college. Plus, you probably need a break. You just earned a degree after working hard and studying for years. Wouldn’t some time to explore the world, and to reflect on what you just accomplished be pretty nice?

Where to travel after graduation

Just graduated college—what now? Find a place to go! Figuring out where to travel after graduation is a pretty big step. We have a collection of articles here that can help you zero-in on the destination and experience that's right for you. Learn our favorite places and college graduation trip ideas!

From the Best Places to Travel for Adventure Around the World :

When you travel, are you more of an all-inclusive resort kind of guy/gal or do you prefer to sign up for a homestay with a local family? Do you take the road less traveled rather than follow the crowd? Would you peek behind the curtain to see the real wizard of Oz or be too chicken to do so? Do you like to challenge yourself and step outside your comfort zone in a foreign country?

If yes, then you are an adventure traveler hands down. Instead of spinning a globe with your eyes closed and going wherever your index finger lands, why not check out our list of the world’s most adventurous places to visit this year. Here are 10 best places to travel for adventure around the world!

Figuring out how to travel after college graduation may take some work, but it's 100% worth it.

From the 5 Best Destinations for a Gap Year After College RN :

Have you had it up to HERE ^ with hearing about everyone and-their-mothers’ plans to take a gap year? Has the green monster of jealousy finally got you considering your own options for a year of travel and self-discovery? Way to take that grumpy energy and turn it gold, my friend.

Taking a gap year is totally en vogue, but this is one trend that won’t go the way of Vine. (RIP, Vine.) If you’re in the early stages of planning your gap year, unsure where to go, we’ve got a handy-dandy infographic to give you all the deets on the best gap year destinations for college grads.

From 16 Incredible Study Abroad Graduate Programs :

Bottom line: furthering your education shouldn’t be a mystery, especially when it comes to finding programs best for you. In our lists below we’re giving you study abroad graduate programs that will rock your socks (and your passports). Keep reading to catch some deals and discover some grad school gems.

What are the perks of doing study abroad graduate programs? A graduate degree abroad is definitely an experience with many positive outcomes. You can live in a new country, advance in your career, or grow your global network to name a few. While it’s not that same thing a studying abroad in your undergrad, grabbing your master’s abroad will give you a leg up in an increasingly globalized world.

From The Busy Student’s Guide to Finding Work Abroad after Graduation :

After all, uprooting yourself to work abroad after college can be daunting—scary even—and maybe you’re afraid that it’s too much—too much to plan, too much to do, and there isn’t enough time. However, it can be done—all of it, and it’s easy once you know what you’re doing. It’s easy to find work abroad after graduation—work that will propel your career and give you a profound sense of wanderlust.

From 12 Stellar Teaching Programs for Recent College Graduates Abroad :

You’re probably thinking, “But I majored in marketing, what does that have to do with teaching?” Well, everything! With a little bit of training, nearly anyone can become a teacher, and having extra knowledge in a specific field can make you even more attractive for some teaching positions. Just because you didn’t get a degree in education doesn’t mean you’re not qualified to teach!

How to travel after college with no money

Did you know there are ways to travel the world and make money?

It's not easy, but there are ways that you can figure out how to travel after college with no money. Follow these tips and advice to get as close as possible to traveling after graduation for free.

1. Go somewhere affordable on a budget.

Don't set up your new life after college in a place like Tokyo or anywhere near Scandinavia. Research general costs of living and currency exchanges to ensure that you find a destination where your dollar and relative buying power is strong.

Avoid destinations with high costs of living—especially high start up costs—other traveling after college graduation will just be another exercise in going into debt.

2. Apply for scholarships.

If you are game for having a more structured experience when you travel after college (rather than roughing it a la solo backpacker), then you will have more finance options also available to you.

We have an entire article on Scholarships for Studying Around the World , and a portion of our website dedicated entirely to Travel Abroad Scholarships . It's not instant free money, but it's a start!

3. Set up a FundMyTravel account.

Crowdfunding has financed thousands of dreams, and with the right fore-thought and goal setting, you can easily get friends, family members, and your extended network on board with supporting your travels financially.

It's helpful to have intentions for your adventure beyond "getting drunk in a new city every three days," so think hard about what you want to accomplish—a travel program can help—and then invite everyone to support you.

4. Do a work exchange.

How to travel after college with no money? Work exchange programs! These opportunities are an awesome way to alleviate the financial stressors of paying for travel after college. In exchange for a few hours of work every day, you essentially "earn your keep."

While this varies from opportunity to opportunity, it oftentimes covers some meals and room and board. Becoming an au pair is another alternative to work exchanges that can be a great option if you dream of learning a second language of your own or developing meaningful, serious, and deep relationships with people from another culture.

5. Digital nomadism.

Here are the most popular digital nomad jobs hiring right now . Work and travel might not sound like as much fun as plain ol' travel, but getting to travel long term because you don't have as much money stresses does sound like fun (no?).

There are many places where you can work remotely and save money if you're ultra-strategic in your path towards digital nomadism.

Traveling after college graduation is brilliant!

Just graduated college—what now? T-R-A-V-E-L

So please, travel now in your youth. You are as free and able-bodied as you will ever be, and you don’t know what you’ll find unless you look. As Jeff Johnson said in 180 Degrees South, “The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning, you didn’t even think to ask.”

The world is yours. Take it.

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Graduation Trips: Top Ideas and Places to Visit

Travelpro Travel Expert Editor

Tips & Tricks

Psychology tells us that receiving the gift of experience will result in more – and longer-lasting – joy and happiness than receiving a gift that’s an item. While material things don't last forever, the memories you can create on a trip with your recent graduate will stick with them for the rest of their life. And if you want to deliver the news in something you can wrap, start by gifting your graduate some durable new luggage that will carry them through all of their adventures.

Related: Shopping on a budget? Grab these luggage  gifts for less than $250 .

Bonding trips don't have to be long or include extensive backpacking through Europe (although that's certainly an exciting option). Below, we offer a wide range of trips that run the gamut of length and adventure.

Top Graduation Trip Ideas

The best trips for recent graduates should consider their personality and family dynamics. They’ve worked hard, accomplished much, and now deserve a break before entering the next stage of life.

Grad Trips with the Fam – Ideally, family trips include places that please the whole crew. (Read up on  how to plan a family vacation to avoid mishaps). The more people traveling, the wider the range of available activities should be. As you consider a graduation gift for your senior, think about family-friendly trips like theme parks, cruises, or beach destinations with boardwalks. Throw in a new set of luggage to remind your graduate that this trip is for them.

Weekend Trips for Grads – Sometimes, long, elaborate trips just aren’t doable. The best trips of any length are customized to the individual. Does your graduating senior love the outdoors? A few days exploring the Grand Canyon, snow skiing, or learning to surf could be perfect for your adventure seeker. If your senior craves relaxation, a couple days at a spa or on a beach may hit the spot.

Head Abroad with the Family – One of the best ways to better understand other cultures is to experience how different people live around the world. New shared experiences and discoveries build bonds and lasting memories. It will also give you and your family opportunities for conversation and banter for years to come.

Go it Alone – If your graduate is very independent, maybe a solo trip is in order. Letting your kids travel and experience the world on their own helps them learn about other ways of life, which also helps them figure out who they want to be in the world. Solo travel lets them explore at their own pace, meet others, and do the things that interest them most.

Affordable Graduation Trips in the USA

Travel doesn’t have to be elaborate (or expensive). Some of the best places for a senior trip can be done on a budget. Focus on planning ahead, creating memories, and leaning into experiences.

Drive There  –  A cross-country trip can be daunting, but sometimes the adventure can be all about getting there.  Plan for three to four hours per day in the car, and spend the rest of the time exploring new areas.

Book a House  –  Skip the hotel, and book a place with at least a small kitchenette.  Eating out is one of the most expensive parts of travel; if you cook even some of your own meals, you’ll save a bundle.

Find the Hostel  – If your grad is headed to Europe, one of the best ways to experience the trip and meet fellow travelers is to book low-cost hostels.

Use Rewards Miles  – Accumulate rewards points on your credit card and redeem them for flights or hotel rooms. Rooms are often drastically cheaper with points instead of cash.

Plan in Advance  – Don't plan at the last minute when prices are at a premium. Prices can be nearly half if you plan and pay in advance.

Travel Off-Season  – You can give the gift at graduation but then take the trip when tourist seasons have died down.

Top Destinations for New Graduates

Need a few more places for those graduation trip ideas? We gathered up five awesome domestic destinations and 5 international destinations that will spark a love for travel and immerse your grad in different cultures.

Hawaii  – There’s a reason Hawaii is a popular destination for travelers. The big island and its sister islands offer consistent weather year round, pristine beaches, and loads of local food and entertainment.

New York City – If your grad hasn't been to the Big Apple, the summer after graduation may be the perfect time to go. The world's cultural, financial, and media capital is always bustling with activity and event.

Alaska –The Last Frontier should be on every bucket list for those who love nature. Experience towering mountains, vast landscapes, and wildlife - right in town. Salmon fishing in the summer is a wildly popular trip activity.

Puerto Rico – No need to break out the passport to visit this Caribbean Island. Beautiful beaches and the unique culture of Puerto Rico get you the feel of international travel without traveling internationally.

Nashville, TN   – A must-see destination for any music lover. Nashville’s Honky Tonk Highway consists of several blocks of music venues pumping tunes into the street all day and into the night.

Italy – Italy, steeped in culture and history, is an excellent place for any graduating student to visit. From the Colosseum in Rome, to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, to the canals of Venice, there are endless wonders to discover.

Switzerland – The Alps contain beauty many other mountain ranges can only hope to mimic. Discovering the Swiss Alps in person turns the iconic images of these peaks into lasting memories.

New Zealand – With a more temperate climate than Australia and sheep that outnumber people six to one, you can discover the land where the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed.

Ho Chi Minh City – One of the top travel destinations for 2023 (and undoubtedly subsequent years to come), Ho Chi Minh City ( one of Travelpro’s destination spotlights ) in Vietnam has so much to do and see; you'll likely be back for another trip .

Peru – Heading into South America, Peru has incredible mountains and rich culture. For the adventuring graduate, a hike to Machu Picchu will be remembered forever.

From a weekend trip that's a half day's drive away, to a two-week excursion around the world, the memories you create will be based on the planning and inspiration you put into your graduate’s trip.

Make your gift extra special with luggage that lasts. Peruse  our gift guides for travelers to find the perfect fit.

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The 8 best graduation trips to book now

Congrats, grads! What better way to celebrate the accomplishment of graduating high school or college than giving the gift of travel? Whether you’re a parent looking to reward your grad in a special way or classmates looking to celebrate your achievement, taking a trip together is the stuff lifelong memories are made of. Graduation vacation destinations can be a bonding, educational, and just-plain-fun shared adventure. It’s also a great way to invest in your graduate’s future. Read on to see some of our best graduation trip ideas.

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Best Graduation Trips

There is rarely a time in your life when you will feel more free than after you receive that diploma. Travel Channel editors recommend top places to travel post-graduation.

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Backpack Through Brazil

"Throw caution to the wind and live life with reckless abandon by backpacking through Brazil. Traverse the thick Amazon rain forest in Manaus, immerse yourself in the Afro-centric culture of Salvador, go nude sunbathing on Praia Mole in Florianopolis, witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Iguazu Falls, and stand at the top of Sugarloaf Mountain for panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro. Go — you’ll be glad you did — and prepare to get a lifetime of great memories." — Kwin Mosby, Managing Producer

Camp in Canadian Backcountry

"What better way to kick off your first step into the real world than by getting away from the hustle and bustle that you have come to call normal? There may be no better place to do that than the Canadian wilderness of Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario. Spread out over nearly 3,000 square miles of pristine backcountry, Algonquin boasts more than 1,900 campsites set along the shores of more than 2,400 lakes, with plenty of different ways to enjoy them. Grab a canoe, a backpack and a few friends, and paddle off into a sunset-drenched backdrop of the open water and woods to jump-start your trip. After a few days of traveling through the natural highway of portages and lakes, you’ll be relaxed, refreshed and ready to take that next step." — Matthew Dewhurst, Producer

Live Out Your Own Euro-Trip

"First time across the pond — you don’t say! There’s not a better way to christen a newly minted passport than with a classic Europe trip. London is the perfect place to wet your whistle with a pint between checking off bucket-list attractions such as Big Ben and the Beatles’ Abbey Road. Then, ride the Eurail to your heart’s content. Hip hostels make traveling to stylish cities such as Paris, Barcelona or Prague possible even before you earn your first 'big kid' paycheck." — Sara Gilliam, Senior Producer

Party Vegas Style

"As four-plus years of studying comes to a close, celebrate with one last hurrah in Las Vegas! Be a high roller for the weekend and spend some graduation money on high-stakes gambling and bottle service. Enjoy the beginning of summer with crazy Vegas pool parties at the Venetian’s Tao Beach and Encore Beach Club ." — Michelle Tran, Ad Sales Producer

Cuddle a Koala on Magnetic Island

"Australia is a place on most people’s bucket lists, and it’s a fantastic destination to let go and have some fun after years of studying and exams. Make your way to Magnetic Island in the lower part of the Great Barrier Reef. Go snorkeling to see the colorful fish and coral, and take a free hike along the Forts Walk to catch the sunset while perched atop the historic World War II fortifications. Be sure to keep your eyes on the eucalyptus trees to spot koalas. If you don’t see any, go cuddle one at the Bungalow Bay Koala Village, which is also a backpackers' hostel." — Arthur Hsu, Video Project Manager

Island-Hop in Greece

"Enjoy beautiful beaches, island-hopping and a warm but cooler 77 degrees during the month of June — the perfect time to go, just before the rush of summer tourists. Charter a catamaran through Blue Lagoon Cruises, whose boats come equipped with swimming platforms, bars, trampolines and much more! Enjoy hidden bays and hot springs on and around the islands of Santorini and Mykonos." — Rani Robinson, Digital Director

Cruise the Caribbean

"Grab a few friends and book a cruise to the Caribbean . Even just a three- or four-night sailing is the perfect way to kick back, party till the wee hours, and see a few new places — all in one vacation. Not to mention it’s budget-friendly, with most meals and entertainment included. Try a four-night Western Caribbean itinerary on Carnival, leaving from Miami and sailing to Key West and Cozumel, Mexico. Or, if you have the time and money, spring for a seven-night Southern Caribbean cruise on Royal Caribbean, leaving from San Juan with stops in places such as Aruba, Barbados, St. Thomas, Antigua and St. Lucia." — Hannah Prince, Copy Editor

Chill Out in Newport Beach, California

"If you’re searching for a great domestic post-graduation destination that blends both relaxation and excitement, then Newport Beach, is the place for you. Post up on the expansive plots of sand with a good book or your headphones and relax in the sun, enjoying some of the country’s best weather. Looking for a thrill? Newport Beach also offers a wide variety of adventure and fun, from Jet Skiing and cruising the waves on a surf or boogie board to setting up your teammate for the perfect spike on one of the many public volleyball courts. And if you start to feel parched after a long day in the sun, stop by S harkeez — a Newport staple — for a cold cocktail." — Ben Breslerman, Producer

Celebrate in the City That Never Sleeps

"Not everyone can afford a trip around the world to celebrate graduating, but you can take a budget shortcut and visit NYC instead! While it's still not the cheapest city in America, in one weekend, you can take the N/R train down to Chinatown for tasty soup dumplings at Joe’s Shanghai , walk up to Little Italy for some authentic Chianti from Parm , and then hop the A/C to Koreatown for homemade Miss Korea kimchi and barbecue. Not to mention the dozens of first-class museums, such as the Met and the Frick, that are also just a subway ride away. You'll leave having experienced the best of more than a dozen cultures without ever needing your passport!" — Liz Fraser, Photo Editor

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13 Places to Visit for Your Post-Grad Vacation

They say that traveling is the only thing you can buy that will make you richer, and we couldn't agree more. After four years of blood, sweat and tears while highlighting away at the books , pulling all-nighters, and putting in hours at your part-time job , you need this. If you're comfortable with traveling and are ready to get out of the house, get ready to dive into your next adventure with these 13 amazing destinations.

1. Santa Barbara, California: If you have been California dreaming lately, but don't want the Hollywood buzz, then Santa Barbara is just for you. With plenty of beaches, like Goleta Beach and Leadbetter Beach and Park , you can relax and learn to longboard in the coolest city around. You can't go wrong with cute shops like Crushcakes & Cafe and Lucky Penny . (Photo via Jeff W / Unsplash )

2. Paris , France: Paris is always a good idea, amirite? Stay at the chic boutique hotel, Mama Shelter , and explore the Parisian sites with a student discount (because technically you still are one). (Photo via Jeevan Jose / Unsplash )

Click here for France's updated travel restrictions.

3. Mount Rushmore , South Dakota: Not only is it cheap to fly there, but you can view the third largest cave in the world, the Jewel Cave . Thanks to the fossil-filled Badlands, you can partake in fossil hunting tours. (Photo via Dennis Guten / Unsplash )

4. Florence, Italy: Florence is a great alternative for an Italian experience over Rome, just don't forget to visit the Duomo . Oh, and make sure to stop at Grom for amazing gelato. We recommend picking a hostel so you can just spend the rest of your money on more gelato. (Photo via Jonathan Körner / Unsplash )

Click here for Italy's updated travel restrictions.

5. Greece: From Mamma Mia to Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants , Greece has been home to a variety of strong and independent women, and with colorful homes like this, how can you say no? Visit the Acropolis and the Santorini architecture, or spend an evening in Mykonos. If you are looking for a little more serenity on your trip, travel to Hydra, where there are little to no vehicles. (Photo via Ryan Spencer / Unsplash )

Click here for Greece's updated travel restrictions.

6. Grand Canyon , Arizona: Everyone has this place on their bucket list, so why don't you cross it off yours already? Try booking a helicopter tour or river rafting trip at Peach Springs. Whatever you do, just don't forget to bring your camera. (Photo via Alan Carrillo /Unsplash)

7. London : If you plan on being there for a week, make sure you get the London Pass to save you some money. Piccadilly Circus and Buckingham Palace are must-sees on your trip, in addition to all the Harry Potter sites, of course. (Photo via Benjamin Davies / Unsplash )

Click here for England's updated travel restrictions.

8. Dublin, Ireland: If drinking is your thing, book a trip to Dublin asap. After you visit the Guinness Storehouse , visit one of the seven ancient universities, Trinity College . Don't worry, we won't force you to go back to school. (Photo via Diogo Palhais / Unplash )

Click here for Ireland's updated travel restrictions.

9. Charleston , South Carolina: This charming place continuously tops Condé Nast Traveler's Best Small Cities in the US list. Stay at Zero George for some southern hospitality and enjoy the Charleston architecture by roaming around White Pointe Garden. If you're feeling adventurous, go hunting for Outer Banks filming spots. (Photo via Cameron Stewart / Unsplash )

10. Alaska: If you love seafood and great views, Alaska is for you. In Alaska, some bars stay open all night long, and you can even try a duck fart (don't worry, it's a drink!). (Photo via Rod Long / Unsplash )

11. Austin , Texas: Get mouth-watering BBQ from Franklin Barbecue and listen to live music at Parish . If you bring your dog, visit Zilker Park . You can view Austin's beautiful skyline and listen to live music too. (Photo via Ryan Duffy / Unsplash )

12. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Amsterdam is where you want to go for an amazing vacation that won't break your budget. Explore the canals in the Jordaan District on rented bikes and check out Keukenhof for priceless photographs. (Photo via Ethan Hu / Unsplash )

Click here for The Netherlands' updated travel restrictions.

13. New Orleans , Louisiana: Pack your bags and get a group together to travel to the party city of the south. It's an absolute must that you eat at Cafe du Monde and visit the French Quarter for some late-night adventures. (Photo via Rosie Kerr / Unsplash )

Where are you planning on going after you graduate? Let us know @BritandCo !

Additional reporting by Sarah Schuh .

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14 Great Graduation Trip Ideas

From strolling the streets of Rome to hiking Machu Picchu, there are so many great adventures waiting! Check out this guide for a list of great graduation trip ideas!

Graduating from high school or college is a huge step toward becoming an adult. Here at Let’s Roam, we know how much traveling can help shape a person, no matter how old they are. For many young people, graduation trips are a rite of passage. This is a chance for them to see just what they are capable of before they head out into the world alone. We understand the importance of a graduation vacation so we have compiled a list of great graduation trip ideas just for you!

Graduate to the next level with Let’s Roam !

Travel is always a great form of education, no matter what stage of life someone is in. Why not make every adventure even more memorable and educational by incorporating a Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunt in it? These hunts are expertly designed to help you find some of the best spots in a city ranging from tourist hotspots to hidden gems. They are short and sweet and serve as the perfect introduction to a new destination.  With hundreds of options to choose from all around the world, we are certain that there will be one that is perfect for you!

Great Graduation Trips for Adventurous People

Below you’ll find a long list of graduation trip ideas to help you and your family celebrate this momentous occasion whether you are a parent hoping to reward your son or daughter on this great achievement or a group of friends hoping to let your hair down a bit before you move onto the next stage of your life. 

We believe that everyone should have a chance to enjoy this important time so we have included a wide variety of trip ideas to match different tastes and budgets. While many of these can be considered bucket list trips and have the price tag to prove it, others are a bit more low-key but have a ton of great experiences to offer!

You’ll also find a handful of travel tips gained after decades of experience roaming around the world. These tips are designed to make your decision-making easier and to help ease any concerns that you have about particular locations. Rest assured that our team of in-house travel experts has experienced them all firsthand.

1. Embark on the All-American road trip .

Countless Hollywood movies have focused on the life-changing aspects of a good old-fashion road trip. With wide open spaces, some of the most beautiful national parks in the entire world, and an amazing array of coastlines, the United States is the perfect place for a road trip. Road trips give friends and family the chance to spend time together that they will look back on for a lifetime. Best of all, you can make them as long or as short as you want. They can also be done on a budget!

One of the best places to do a road trip is in the American southwest. States like Utah, Arizona, California, Colorado, and Nevada all have a lot of great attractions, all within just a few hours’ drive of one another. The number of big cities and, therefore the traffic, that you have to drive through is limited which also makes it great for people who have only had their driver’s license for a short period of time! You can even create an itinerary that takes in some of the country’s most famous national parks including the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Death Valley, Zion, and Bryce Canyon!

From doing a road trip on Route 66 to crisscrossing your way through America’s national parks , there are so many options to choose from, you may struggle to figure out which direction to go in, literally! Before you head out, make sure you download an epic road trip playlist where everyone can sing along!

2. Backpack across Europe .

This is one that mom and dad will probably want to stay home for! Backpacking around Europe is one of the best ways that young adults can learn about the history and the arts. They’ll also be exposed to incredibly diverse cultures within a relatively small space of land. If you don’t believe us, just ask what feels like every dignitary in European and American history who did their own little swing through Old World destinations like Paris, Geneva, Florence, and Venice as part of a Grand Tour.

Europe is always an easy continent to spread your travel wings thanks to the high level of infrastructure development and fantastic public transport which makes it easy to get around. This, combined with a massive network of hostels in seemingly every mid to large size city on the continent and a high level of English being spoken, particularly in Northern Europe, also makes it easy for travelers to make other friends. If that isn’t enough to make you want to pack your bags, most destinations in Europe are also very safe, especially when compared to major cities across the United States. 

One of the best countries for first-time backpackers to explore include Spain thanks to its low cost of living in relation to countries like Germany and France and the incredible variety of things to see. At one point, Spain was invaded by the Moors of North Africa so southern parts of the country have a distinct feel to them. The northern part of the country has oodles of UNESCO World Heritage sites, museums, and vibrant cities. As a bonus, this could be a great option for someone who wants to put their newly-gained Spanish skills to the test. Other great options include Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and, of course, Italy!

3. Go wild on an African Safari .

Africa is home to some of the world’s most spectacular wildlife. Although it’s possible to see many of these animals in zoos, nothing compares to seeing them out in the wild. It is a deeply humbling and breathtaking experience that everyone should have before they die. 

For many people, an African safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Why not take your recent grad for this magnificent experience when they are young? Give them the chance to see the animals that they only learned about at school or on fleeting trips to the zoo. Show them how to truly appreciate the beauty of nature’s diversity and realize just how insignificant our day-to-day problems are.

Some of the most popular locations to go on a safari include Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and South Africa. Despite having a few problems like many other countries, all of these countries are relatively stable with developed infrastructure that makes it easy to get between urban areas.  They also have several established and trustworthy tour operators that know exactly how to give the perfect safari experience.

4. Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu .

Although the ancient fortress of Machu Picchu has existed for nearly 600 years, it has only exploded onto the tourist scene within the last few decades. For something that was once hidden away high up in the mountains, it certainly feels like you can see images of it everywhere now!

Although it is crawling with tourists most of the year, there is still something magical and awe-inspiring about Machu Picchu. And there is no better way of seeing it than by walking there! Walking to Machu Picchu via the famous Inca Trail or the not-quite-as-famous Salkantay Trail takes you through some of Peru’s most beautiful landscapes as you climb high into the Andes Mountains. Hiking trips normally last four to five days with the final day being to reach the ruins of Machu Picchu well before the tourist crowds get there. 

Although the hike to Machu Picchu is considered challenging, most people with a decent fitness level should be able to finish it. It’s important to arrive in Cusco at least a few days before the hike begins, though, to give yourself plenty of time to get acclimated to the high elevation. Otherwise, you will feel like you’re hiking with an elephant sitting on your chest for the first few days!

5. Go on an Eco-Trip through Central America .

One of the best ways to experience the incredible biodiversity around us is to go out and explore it firsthand! An eco-trip through Central America can take you through the cloud forests of Costa Rica, up the volcanoes of Guatemala, or to the island paradise of Ometepe. Costa Rica has long been the poster child of Central America. However, other countries in the region like Guatemala and Nicaragua have really cleaned up their act so to speak and the number of visitors continues to grow!

When visiting Central America, you can either choose to spend all or the vast majority of your time in one particular country. Alternatively, if you are feeling adventurous, you can overland travel through the region, taking local buses from place to place. The unfortunately named “chicken buses” of Central America can take you to most parts of the region and are often converted American school buses that were once used to take kids to elementary school. It is a tight fit for anyone taller than 5’0 tall but getting there is just part of the fun, right?

If it is your first time visiting the region, Costa Rica is by far the best place to start. This relatively small country is blessed with spectacular nature including pristine cloud forests, belching volcanoes, a lovely coastline, and charming cities. English is also widely spoken. Although it is much more expensive than other countries in Central America, it is one of the safest. 

When you’re looking for something a bit more challenging, Nicaragua and Guatemala are overflowing with fantastic destinations. In Nicaragua, you can hike up a volcano or go bike riding around the beautiful island of Ometepe, go volcano boarding (yes, volcano boarding) in Leon, or simply immerse yourself in the lively colonial cities. In Guatemala, you can hike up a volcano (are you seeing a pattern yet?), visit unique tribes, hang out at Lake Atitlan which is surrounded by hippy-friendly villages, or stroll along the cobblestone streets of Antigua. It’s truly one of the best graduation trip ideas out there!

6. Cruise to Antarctica . 

A cruise to Antarctica is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This stunning continent is like no other place on the planet. Being surrounded by an endless sea of icebergs, frolicking seals, waddling penguins, and whales gliding by is an experience that you aren’t likely to forget anytime soon!

Virtually all cruises to Antarctica leave from the city of Ushuaia, tucked at the very bottom of Patagonia in Argentina. This lively port city is a great place to spend a few days recovering from the long flight before boarding your epic cruise.  

Most cruises last around 10-14 days including four days spent crossing the Drake Passage. From there, they will often cross the Antarctic circle before setting foot on “dry” land. It is a fantastic adventure, and although the trips can be painfully expensive, it’s worth every penny.

Travel tip: If you’re considering surprising your recent graduate with a cruise to Antarctica but are shocked by the hefty price tag, try booking at the very last minute. You can score some amazing deals which make the price a bit more bearable. Back in 2016, I was able to book a 14-day cruise a week in advance for $7,000. The original price was close to $20,000 which I would have never been able to afford. I had to book one of the first flights I could get out of New York City to get down there in time but it was definitely worth the money and the stress!

7. Island hop in the Galapagos .

The Galapagos Islands are famous for being one of the most ecologically diverse places in the world. This is where Charles Darwin did much of his research. More than a century later, the region is still enthralling scientists and tourists alike.

The Galapagos are well-known for being an expensive destination to visit as many visitors explore the islands via cruise ship. These cruises go to many of the islands that make are off-limits to island-hoppers but they do come with a high price tag attached.

However, there is a budget-friendly alternative—island hopping! Although you can do much about the hefty airfares to get there, you can easily DIY your own Galapagos trip that could save you thousands of dollars. To do this, you simply need to get to the Galapagos, book your accommodation, and grab a spot on one of the many adventure trips like snorkeling or kayaking. 

There are frequent ferries connecting the main inhabited islands which makes it easy to get from one island to another and there are many different accommodation options ranging from hostels to hotels. Although Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar as its de facto currency, things are still relatively inexpensive. You may be surprised at how budget-friendly a bucket list destination like the Galapagos can be!

8. Say hello to Mickey Mouse at Walt Disney World .

While Disney is one of the most popular destinations in the world to take youngsters to, this doesn’t exclude the young at heart! In fact, it may be just the thing that your high school grad needs to put a little magic in their life before heading off to college. And, to be honest, it may just be the last time your kid is willing to go there with mom and dad for a while!

A trip to Disney can serve as a symbol of moving on to the next stage of life. Of saying “goodbye” to childhood and taking the first tentative steps toward adulthood. It can also serve as an important reminder that no matter where you look, you can always find something magical around you!

If you are thinking of taking a family trip to Disney World in Florida or Disneyland in California, we highly recommend waiting until the fall when school is back in session. This will hopefully ensure slightly shorter lines and lower temperatures that can help make a trip to the Magic Kingdom much more pleasant. Alternatively, if you really want to go all out on this trip, you could even consider heading to Disneyland Paris, Shanghai, Hong Kong, or Tokyo. As crazy as it sounds, when you add up all the expenses associated with a trip (airfare, accommodation, food, rental cars, entry fees, etc.) you may find that you can fly from New York City to Paris, check out Disneyland, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower for the same price that you can fly to Orlando or Los Angeles!

9. Explore the interior of Mexico .

Thanks to horror stories of spring break craziness, many parents may shudder at the idea of sending their kids to Mexico. However, our spectacular southern neighbor has some amazing things to offer visitors once they leave the tourist trifecta of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. With charming colonial towns, cosmopolitan cities, and ancient ruins left behind by the Aztecs and Mayans, Mexico has such a diverse array of attractions, there truly is something for everyone. Oh, and did we mention the mouthwatering food and friendly people?  

Travel tip:  Unfortunately, Mexico has a reputation for being unsafe. After traveling alone as a solo female there for a year, I felt much safer there than in many parts of the United States. Much of the crime is caused due to the drug trade and prostitution, It’s very important not to get involved in any criminal activity while you are there.

10. Take a step back in time in Italy or Greece . 

Ancient Rome and Ancient Athens are two of the historical periods that nearly all students study at some point. These two countries both make for great graduation trip ideas! These two empires shaped the world that we live in in a myriad of ways. From the governments we live under to the roads that we walk on, going to see the ancient ruins of Rome or Athens can be a bit like going to see our great, great, great, great, great grandparents. 

These popular vacation destinations are at the top of many history buffs’ wishlists. So why not cultivate your young son or daughter’s interest in it as part of a graduation vacation?

A trip to either of these destinations can include heaps of ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, bustling cities full of fascinating museums, and an incredible selection of food on offer. The good thing about going with your graduate is that you can help guide them through what is likely to be one of their first trips to Europe. This experience may help spark an interest in studying abroad which can help their resume stand out a bit when they are applying for their first jobs or even for grad school. Even better, this could make them intrigued by the idea of doing their full undergraduate or graduate degree in Europe which can help save tons of money (higher education in many parts of Europe is completely free!).

11. Discover Hawaii .

Way back in the early 2000s, I was looking at where I wanted to go for a graduation trip. Some of my friends were going to Cancun but I begged my mom to take me to Hawaii. To me, the thought of spending my days snorkeling off of white sand beaches, hiking to waterfalls hidden in rainforests, and watching colorful sunsets seemed like a great way to say goodbye to my small town in Ohio and hello to the world. Luckily, the experience definitely did not disappoint. I have been lucky enough to go back in the decades since!

For many visitors, their Hawaiian vacation starts on the island of Oahu, home of the state capital of Honolulu , Diamond Head State Monument, and the haunting memorial of Pearl Harbor. It’s a great place to learn more about the history of the islands and the relatively sad story of how these far-flung islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean became part of the United States. 

From there, you can head to Maui and relax on one of the many beaches or go to the Big Island where you can explore Hawaii’s wild side on one of the many hiking trails located on the island. 

Travel tip:  Hawaii can be very, very expensive in terms of not only accommodation but also food. It is a wise idea to book a vacation rental that has its own kitchen so you don’t have to waste money eating out at restaurants for every meal. 

12. Explore Puerto Rico .

If you would love to give your graduate a taste of Latin culture but don’t have time to get a passport, the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico may be an excellent choice for a senior trip! Puerto Rico is famous for its beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes and is just a hop, skip, and a jump from the continental U.S.!

Old San Juan is a fabulous place to start your trip to Puerto Rico. Established in 1521, the colonial section of the city embodies the Old World. Here, you can find cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and explore centuries-old forts. Old San Juan also provides a great base to take day trips to nearby beaches of Culebra or Viequest or to the El Yunque Rainforest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. 

During your visit, don’t forget to check out the Old San Juan Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunt . This fun-filled hunt will take you past some of the best attractions in San Juan as you complete wacky challenges along the way. Not only will you learn a lot about this Spanish colonial city but you will have a great time doing it!

13. Take a bite of the Big Apple .

Long before Carrie Bradshaw graced our TV screens with her fancy wardrobe and eclectic group of friends, many young people from across the United States were dreaming of going to the Big Apple (myself included!). New York City seems to epitomize everything that made America powerful during the 20th century—money, architecture, innovation, and the arts. All of these things are still very much alive and kicking in the Big Apple.

If you want to introduce your recent grad to all of the different sides of New York City, what better way to do it than a week-long stay in Manhattan or Brooklyn? These two boroughs are crammed full of all of the iconic buildings, museums, parks, cafes, restaurants, and bars that have made NYC the perfect backdrop for tons of movies and TV shows. While you’re there, you can see the treasure trove of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, catch a Broadway show featuring an A-list celebrity, take a ride up to the top of the world-famous Empire State Building, and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.

NYC is an expensive place to visit with the hotels often offering tear-worthy prices. However, the great thing about the city is that you can easily hit up many free attractions in one day thanks to how compact and well-connected nearly everything is. Best of all, you can travel the city far and wide simply for the price of a metro card. 

Travel tip:  Many people are concerned about safety in New York City, but you don’t need to be. While it’s important to follow the same standard safety precautions that you would when you are at home, New York City is actually statistically one of the safest big cities in the entire United States!

14. Ride the rails in Alaska .

Alaska is famous for many things. It is the biggest state in the United States, lays claim to the country’s tallest mountain, is home to more than 100 volcanoes, and has more coastline than the rest of the U.S. combined. However, what some people don’t realize is that the state is also crisscrossed by a developed railroad network. The Alaska Railroad stretches 470 miles from Seward to Fairbanks with stops in places like Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali National Park, and more.  

The Alaska Railroad is a great option for anyone who wants to see the beauty of southcentral and interior Alaska without having to drive the whole route themselves. You can either book a sightseeing day tour or a multi-day ticket that allows you to hop on and off, spending the nights in lodges and the days hiking or kayaking along the way. 

If that isn’t enough for you, you can also hop aboard the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad that runs from Skagway to Fraser, B.C. This historic train was established in 1891 during the Klondike Gold Rush and today serves as a tourist train taking visitors into Alaska’s rugged terrain. Like the Alaska Railroad, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad gives you the chance to hop on and off if you want to take advantage of the hiking or camping opportunities nearby. 

Ready to roam with these great graduation trip ideas?

We hope that this list of great vacation ideas has made your travel planning just a bit easier!  As always, we would love to hear your feedback and please let us know if there are any other great ideas that we may have missed!

If you would like to learn more about any of these destinations when you are planning your next family vacation or friends’ getaway, make sure to head over to the Let’s Roam Explorer blog where you can find hundreds of travel guides, must-see lists, and blog articles. For additional advice on particular attractions, restaurants, and more, make sure to download the Let’s Roam app . Not only will you gain access to all of our fun-filled scavenger hunts, but you can also get travel tips and other useful information contributed by our users!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re looking for a great grad trip idea , why not consider backpacking through Europe or exploring the interior of Mexico? Check out the Let’s Roam Explorer blog to learn more.

Family trips to celebrate a recent graduation are a great way to spend time together. From hiking in national parks to enjoying the magic of Disneyland , there are plenty of great family-friendly ideas.

If you and your friends and family want to hit the road , the best place to start is the American southwest where you have wide open spaces and plenty of great attractions.

Places like New York City , Puerto Rico , and Disneyland are all good options. Head over to the Let’s Roam Explorer blog to read more great trip ideas!

Backpacking is easy there, and you can visit some of the world’s biggest landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, and the ancient ruins of Rome and Athens . Head over to the Let’s Roam app for more ideas.

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11 best cities for your post-graduation trip

Congratulations, all that studying and paper-writing is over! With graduation come not only more sleep and less cafeteria food, but also an open door to go see the world you daydreamed about while reading and note-taking in the library. (At least until you have to put that degree to good use and find a job.) With so many fascinating cities and interesting places to choose from, the decision where to go can be tough – so we’ve figured out the best destinations for pretty much everyone. Isn’t that handy?

1. San Diego for your shot at the American Dream

When you realize that a life in San Diego consists of sunset cocktails and cold beers on the beach, leisurely getting from A to B on a stand-up paddle board, and regularly gorging yourself on fresh fish tacos, you’ll not be able to book that one-way flight fast enough. The super-chilled way of life sure sounds like the American Dream and the perfect place for an unforgettable post-graduation adventure.

2. Sydney for die-hard beach bums

“Kick back and take it easy, dude.” Get used to hearing that from the mouth of a gloriously tanned surfer in Sydney. Sure, the city is one of Australia’s liveliest and most iconic, but it’s the stunning beaches, magnificent year-round weather, and world-class surf that draw the young’uns to this slice of the land down under. Pack sunglasses, flip-flops (thongs, as the Aussies call them), and a whole lot of sun cream for some hard days of sunning on the beach, tucking into a seafood barbeque, and literally doing nothing but relaxing. Sleep, relax and repeat – that’s a motto graduates can get behind, right?

3. New York to spend all of that graduation money

Three words: Treat. Yo. Self! After graduation, you deserve to lighten your wallet, and there’s literally nowhere easier to splash the cash than The Big Apple. So many shops to get through, so many Broadway shows to see, and so many cute brunch spots and rooftop terraces that need to fill your Instagram feed. Plus, now that you’re on the road to full-time employment, you’re going to need a whole new and professional wardrobe anyway, right?

4. Hawaii to reconnect with nature

With eight big islands and a smattering of stunning smaller islets to choose from, you’ll have your work cut out just deciding where to go, let alone, what to do when you arrive. No worries, you’ll be chilling out and connecting with nature in no time: Relax in the sun on a picture-perfect beach, enjoy a leisurely dip in a natural waterfall, or get ready for adventure with kayaking, surfing, scuba diving, and hiking hardened lava flows up to volcanic peaks. Nature doesn’t get much better.

5. London for the hustle, bustle, and opportunities

Graduation – a word that simultaneously means both “It’s time to blow off some steam” and “I suppose, I better get a job.” Where better, then, to head to than London? The streets are packed with people ready to party and thrive on life’s excitement, while the buildings are crammed with businesses of all sizes and industries. Balance the celebration with some serious networking in the Big Smoke and you might be able to tick two boxes at once. #winning

6. Barcelona to put all those Spanish classes to good use

Remember, how in math class, you’re taught all kinds of elaborate algebra that you spent weeks learning, but deep down you knew that you’re probably NEVER going to use it again? Yeah, we get that. But after studying so hard, don’t let all of your classes escape you just after graduation – instead, head to sunny Barcelona to practice and improve all of that Spanish vocabulary . Order tapas in the native tongue, congratulate yourself for being so clever, and treat yourself to a day of strolling along the beach.

7. Paris for a love affair (of the heart or stomach)

You don’t have to arrive in the arms of a lover or search for a dashing Frenchman in order to have a love affair in Paris. The City of Love has far more to offer than sweethearts who stroll hand in hand along the riverbanks, sharing expensive coffee and baguettes as they please: From the indulgent cuisine (hello, colorful macaroons and fancy cheeses!) to the elegant and iconic architecture that lines the city and will look great on Instagram (#EFMoment) – there’s a little something to tempt just about anyone.

8. San Francisco for entrepreneurs

Richard Branson has his own private island and all kinds of private jets to visit them. Who doesn’t like the sound of that life? Now is the time to channel your inner Richard Branson, come up with a multi-million dollar idea that will change the world and assign yourself CEO status. One recommended first step is to visit San Francisco – the renowned home of all things start-up and entrepreneurship – to surround yourself with other innovative types with good ideas. Even if you’re not setting up your own firm right away, they’re looking for creative and hard working people like you.

9. Vancouver for the adventurers

Though it seemed that the studying might never end, it’s finally time to get your nose out of that textbook and reintroduce your body to the world outside the library. You remember what sunlight is, right? Trade the stuffy indoors for the great outdoors in Vancouver – home to every kind of adventure your frazzled mind might be craving. Adventurous souls should already have Vancouver at the top of their bucket list: hike up stunning snow-dusted mountains before skiing back down, mountain-bike through forest trails, try out kayaking, and even hit up a beach or two. (And that’s just the first weekend.)

10. Tokyo for some crazy creative inspiration

Prepare to enter a whirlwind of bright lights, world-leading technology, and beautiful ancient culture in Tokyo, a city where creativity seems to know no limit . There’s something new or strange (the good kind!) around every corner – be it the tallest freestanding tower in the world, grand Shinto shrines surrounded by cherry blossom trees, sumo wrestling tournaments, robot cafés, bustling shopping districts filled with colorful Harajuku girls or streets lined with glowing TV screens. And that’s without even mentioning the fantastic cuisine – pass the sushi, please!

11. Washington, D.C., to catch election-fever

With election season in the U.S. heating up and everyone’s political opinions duly making their four-yearly appearances, there’s no better time to soak up the historic sights of the United States’ capital and wander the Mall in the footsteps of former presidents. Or perhaps (deny it all you like), you’ve already binged House of Cards on Netflix and are fantasizing about being the guy that Frank Underwood whispers to whenever he cuts away from his scene for a chat. Whatever your motive to visit Washington, D.C., you’re going to want to see the White House, no matter who will make it their new crib in the fall.

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• TRAVEL TIPS

10 Graduation Trip Ideas for Every Budget and Travel Style

When it comes to graduation trips, there are no hard-and-fast rules about how or where you should travel; they can run the gamut from quick beach weekends to week-long, multi-country adventures. It all depends on your preference, budget, and availability. To help narrow down your choices, we spoke with two of Travel + Leisure ’s trusted A-List advisors, Maria Diego of Diego Travel and J ean Sanz of JSB Journeys , to curate a list of the best graduation trip ideas.

St. Barts While Diego notes that she wouldn’t recommend St. Barts for a high school graduation trip, it is a special, celebratory destination that could be a good option for those graduating from college. In Diego’s words, it’s an “island that outshines them all,” and if you visit in the late summer (as opposed to the popular winter season), you’ll often see lower prices and fewer crowds. “ Eden Rock is always a popular choice if you want to see and be seen, or if you’re looking for more of a hideaway with an ultra-chic clientele and [a] lower-key beach club, I recommend Le Toiny ,” she says.

National Park Road Trip “A road trip is always a great way to celebrate a milestone. We have some of the most beautiful parks and animals on the planet in our own backyard,” says Diego . If you’re planning an extended graduation trip, spread out over several weeks, you could try to plot out some of our nation’s biggest national parks out West— from the Great Sand Dunes to Zion — and check them all off on an epic road trip. But if you’re only planning on traveling for about a week, and you still want to see some impressive wildlife and scenery, head to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, which are about an hour’s drive from one another. Most travelers fly into Jackson Hole Airport, the only commercial airport within a U.S. national park, and use Jackson Hole as their base camp for exploring Grand Teton National Park over a period of two to three days. Yellowstone takes a bit more time; plan on spending three to four days traversing the park and checking off your top highlights and points of interest.

Rwanda “I think Africa is the perfect option for a graduation trip, particularly gorilla trekking in Rwanda ,” says Diego . “In order to do the chimpanzee and gorilla treks, the minimum age requirement is 18, which would be a fantastic age to have this experience.” She also suggests starting your trip at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in the capital of Rwanda: “While extremely sad, it is very educational and sets a context for the entirety of the trip.  Once you see the history of what this small country has gone through, and overcome, it changes you in a very impactful way.  I can’t think of a better gift to share with a young adult than the entire experience that is Rwanda.”

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Top 20 Places To Visit For A Graduation Trip

Are you or is someone you know graduating soon and looking to take a celebratory trip? Explore twenty of the best destinations to visit for the occasion.

The moment you’ve been waiting for has finally come! After much hard work and determination, you deserve to celebrate by taking that dream graduation vacation. With so many places in the world to visit, we decided it would be helpful to give you a list of the best places to travel to for a graduation trip.

What is a Grad Trip?

A grad trip is a cherished tradition among students celebrating their high school or college graduation. It gives students a chance to explore new destinations and create experiences they may have missed out during their scholarly career. Typically taken during the summer, grad trips often involve traveling to exciting destinations. Whether it's exploring exotic locations, partying on a tropical beach, or diving into new cultural experiences, graduation trips offer a well-deserved break for students. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the achievement of finishing school and gives an insight of what else is out there in the world.

20 Graduation Trip Ideas

If you’re looking for the perfect graduation trip, you’ll find that Greece delivers in every way. With their pristine beaches, delicious food, and historic presence, you’ll find yourself swimming in paradise. Plan an island hopping tour and experience a memorable adventure.

Affordable and welcoming, Bali is one of our top choices for a graduation trip. On top of near-perfect weather, Bali is known for incredible beach resorts and extravagant island activities. If you’re traveling with friends, make sure to get the crew together to explore the many hiking trails throughout the island or simply relax and watch the sunset at the colorful umbrella beaches.

Known for a variety of beaches, charming villages, and breathtaking landscapes, Croatia is the ideal vacation destination for a graduation celebration. If you intend to celebrate during the summer, you’ll be just in time for festival season. Ultra Europe is known for bringing out Europe’s top DJs and artists. Bring a few friends with you and make endless memories!

Come and see firsthand why Barcelona is a top-choice for a graduation trip. Fall in love with the friendliness of the locals, lively nightlife, and overall relaxing atmosphere. This coastal beach town is not only popular for tourism, but also has a large population of students studying abroad.

There is so much to experience when traveling to Tokyo, Japan . There are countless activities that spread across the country. From traditional tours that focus on the history of Japan, to the modern, bustling streets within Shibuya crossing. You’ll be sure to find something new around every corner!

Paris is a hot-spot for many recent grads due to its artistic culture and gorgeous setting. You’ll find museums spread across the city that are rich with history. The streets are lined with cafés and restaurants serving authentic French cuisine. On top of that, every time you catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower, you will be taken aback by its beauty.

In many ways, Costa Rica is the natural paradise that you've been dreaming about. With nearly 300 beaches across the country, it is a surfer’s dream destination. You can also find a wide array of hiking tours, wellness activities, and much more.

London is a city that provides everything you could want for a perfect graduation trip. It is one of the largest and most famous cities in the world. Known for being the capital of England, their incredible food, music scene, and range of activities. If you’re a fan of football (or soccer as we call it in America), catch a game to witness some of the most passionate sports fans in the world.

It's easy to see why Amsterdam has been a popular vacation destination for so long.The city is home to stunning buildings, breathtaking landscapes, and a rich and intriguing history. Grab a bike and ride along the canals as you discover all the different neighborhoods, nightlife, and culinary experiences this city has to offer.

Mexico City

For a legendary cuisine experience, Mexico City is a must-visit. Home to some of the most incredible food, your taste buds will thank you immensely. The city is also a great place to learn about the vibrant Mexican culture. You’ll find stunning art exhibits and get to hear some incredible music.

Hawaii is the ultimate location to unwind and enjoy a graduation vacation. Spend your time exploring the island's abundant wildlife and swimming in the crystal blue water. With food galore and endless activities, there is always something new to explore.

If you love deep dish pizza, a graduation trip to Chicago is definitely in order. So many amazing landmarks and historic buildings can be found in this city, along with a fantastic nightlife.

New York will always be a top pick for any occasion. This iconic city is teeming with things to see and do, not to mention it’s home to hundreds of restaurants and cuisines. It's true that New York offers something for everyone, from strolls in Central Park to shopping in SoHo, you’ll never be left with an empty itinerary.

San Francisco

Celebrate your accomplishment with a ride across the Golden Gate Bridge . San Francisco has so much to offer, especially when it comes to celebrating. Spend a day at Dolores Park and relax under the sun, explore the art district in Haight-Ashbury, or catch a Golden State Warriors game. San Francisco is a city for everyone.

Los Angeles

The City of Angels is known for its exciting neighborhoods and outstanding nightlife. There never is a dull moment when you’re among the stars and world-class food options. Whether you’re in the mood for seeing the lovely beaches near Santa Monica or dressing up for dinner at Catch LA , you’ll be sure to have an incredible time.

You’re bound to have a magical time down in Orlando, Florida. Spend your days relaxing in the warm weather on the sandy shores or plan a trip to visit Disney World Resort. With so many theme parks and outdoor activities to choose from, your graduation celebration is bound to be a trip to remember.

For those who want to get in touch with nature and art, Portland is a great place to visit. Filled with unique culture and food carts galore, you can find many ways to celebrate your grand accomplishment in Rip City.

Fly down to San Diego and explore the wonderful offerings that this city has. There's always something exciting to do and delicious food to try at this coastal destination. Take some surf lessons over at Ocean Beach or try your hand at winning some prizes while visiting Mission Beach Boardwalk.

Austin, Texas is one of the most exciting places to visit in the U.S. Enjoy the city's many offerings and sample some of the greatest cuisine including top-notch BBQ and Tex-Mex inspired dishes. Go to one of Austin's many music venues to hear some live music or take a dip at Hamilton Pool if you’re looking for something more adventurous.

Washington, D.C.

Head over to this culturally rich city and witness a superb selection of attractions and culinary experiences. As the nation's capital, you’re bound to find many historical landmarks and exciting museums. If you plan on going in the springtime, you will be able to catch the Cherry Blossoms bloom and witness the city come alive.

Celebrate your graduation in style!

After putting so much effort into your academic career, you deserve to celebrate the fruits of your labor. After all, there's a whole world out there to discover. Now is the time to get out there and try some exciting new things. Seek out new adventures that you haven’t experienced yet. There is no better chance than now to take the grad trip of your dreams!

Ready to start planning your trip? When you book with Celebration Wishes Travel you can rest assured that every single detail of your trip will be handled with care. Fill out our interest form to learn more today!

About the Author - Enrique Aguilar

Hey everyone! I'm a San Diego-based lifestyle creator and foodie expert. A little bit about me, I have a huge passion for exploring the world, celebrating all of life's amazing moments, and taking care of my two-year-old corgi!

The Destination Experts

Best Trip Ideas For Graduation

Whether you know a recent high school or college graduate a trip is an excellent way to celebrate this momentous milestone. Travel is a way for someone embarking on their college years or heading into adulthood to get perspective on the world outside of where they live, and also to have some fun. Check out our best graduation trip ideas below for the graduate in your life. 

High School Graduation Trip Ideas 

If you are looking for high school graduation trip ideas in the U.S. then these are great options for your recent high school graduate. 

Disney Parks

This option gives you locations in California or Florida. Disney can be just as fun for adults as it is for kids! 

Puerto Rico

Although set in the Caribbean, this U.S. territory offers great weather, beautiful beaches, and tons of opportunities for learning 

National Parks

The U.S. boasts of 400 national parks, in different terrains and climates. If your graduate likes adventure, camping, and seeing the expansiveness of the United States, this may be the trip for them. 

River Cruise

see multiple countries in Europe and only have to unpack once. European river cruises offer immersive experiences into one country or allow you to see 5 or more countries on one trip. 

Canada Graduation Trip Ideas

Get back to nature by picking the perfect Provence for you and your graduate. Spend quality time together on a quiet lake, explore the instagram worthy terrain of Banff, or see the bustling city of Vancouver. 

College Graduation Trip Ideas 

Trip ideas for graduation can include staying domestic or spreading their wings and heading out internationally. Here are our college graduation trip ideas in the U.S. and beyond! 

New Zealand

Texas has great beaches for bird watching, boating, and fishing. Plus golf courses, cowboy and high art culture, and a rich history. Spring break in Corpus Christi or South Padre Island. Enjoy golf and big city life in Dallas or Houston. Tour West Texas and Hill Country from San Antonio and Austin to Amarillo and El Paso.

I sland Hop In Greece

Life doesn’t get much better than looking over the blue domed rooftops in Santorini, partying the night away in Mykonos, or eating incredible food in the Plaka in Athens. Greece is a true treat for your college graduate after a long four years. 

Lake Tahoe, California

No matter what time of year Lake Tahoe offers tons of outdoor adventures. Spend your summer days on the lake, or take to the mountains in winter. This is a true U.S. travel gem. 

New Orleans, Louisiana Graduation Trip Ideas

New Orleans is another awesome U.S. travel destination. From the fun filled Bourbon Street, to the unbeatable music on Frenchman, shopping on Magazine street, and the beignets worth traveling for, your college grad will get a great sense of what NOLA has to offer on a post-grad trip.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Thailand is a true cultural immersion. Excellent weather year-round, Chiang Mai offers cultural sites like the Gold Temple, out of this world culinary experiences, as well as dozens of bustling markets. 

Graduation Gift Ideas For Traveling

Portable charger.

Anti-Theft Backpack

Walking Shoes

Packing Cubes

International Power Adapter

Conclusion On Graduation Trip Ideas

From domestic favorites to far off lands, travel can give your recent graduate perspective on the world around them. Travel is an excellent way to celebrate a milestone achievement and a good reset before starting out the next chapter of their lives. Whether you want your graduate to go near or far, these graduation trip ideas will help you pick the perfect destination for your graduate! 

Amber Zakem

10 Graduation Trip Ideas that Make Perfect Gifts

By Author Meg Frost

Posted on Last updated: July 3, 2023

Categories Vacation Inspiration

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After years of studying (and probably a little partying) the time has come to walk across the stage to receive your diploma.

What’s next?

Whether it’s a job or advanced studies, be sure to take advantage of some time off to explore this beautiful world.

Sure, you could do the typical European or Southeast Asia backpack tour, but everyone does that.

Be bold and strike out on the unique adventure that you deserve after all of your hard work.

Here are 10 epic graduation trip ideas perfect for celebrating your academic achievements.

Go down under to Australia

Explore the land Down Under, aka Australia.

Take an epic road trip à la The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert .

Explore the Australian outback, where you can see natural wonders like Uluru (Ayers Rock) or Devils Marbles and visit Coober Pedy, the world’s opal mining capital.

Marvel at the gorgeous parks in less-touristy western Australia.

Visit a sheep farm or cattle ranch.

See the Great Barrier Reef and visit eastern Australia’s hip beaches.

Australia is huge and its landscape varies (beaches, rainforests, deserts, and more), so there’s plenty to explore.

Hang loose in Costa Rica

Head to Costa Rica to learn how to surf and practice yoga.

Check out Surf Diva , the first surf school for women, which operates surf camps in Nosara, Costa Rica

If your graduation trip lasts at least a few months, I recommend adding in time to volunteer with a local eco-friendly organization.

Check out Volunteer Match to find a reliable organization to partner with.

Learn to cook in Italy

Learn to cook the most delicious food you’ll ever eat in the Tuscany region of Italy.

I recommend Tuscookany or Tuscan Women Cook .

Don’t forget to tack on extra time to explore the vineyards of Tuscany too.

Whether you’re preparing for a career in the culinary world or just looking to pick up a new skill, you, your friends, and your family’s stomachs will be eternally grateful.

For more ideas for culinary adventure, check out my post on the best foodie destinations around the world.

Park hop across the US National Parks

Spend the summer on a good ol’ fashioned road trip across the US, visiting as many US National Parks as you can.

In 2016, Jonathan Irish and Stefanie Payne spent a year road tripping across the US in an airstream trailer, visiting 59 national parks.

Check out the Greatest American Road Trip for ideas on putting together a plan for your NPS road trip.

For more road trip tips, check out my post on the best road trip apps .

Road trip it in a tuk tuk

While we’re on the topic of road trips…

You could road trip from coast to coast in the US or down either coast, but why not aim for something unique?

Grab your bestie and head to Sri Lanka or Cambodia with Large Minority .

Once there, you’ll head out on a week-long tuk tuk race where you and your friend must drive a tuk tuk to a new destination each day and complete fun challenges along the way.

It’s guaranteed to be a graduation trip you’ll never forget!

Embark on a Safari in Africa

Set off on a safari to admire gorgeous landscapes and observe animals in their natural habitat.

Africa is the leading continent for safari adventures, where travelers can visit a variety of landscapes from deserts to plains to rainforests, and more.

Popular countries in Africa for safaris include Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia.

Given that safari adventures are so popular in most African nations, there are an overwhelming amount of tour operators to choose from.

To make this graduation trip idea a reality, select a reputable operator by looking into who they employ (as in, natives and locals) and how they give back to the regions where they work.

Natural Habitat Adventures , for example, is 100% carbon neutral.

They also are the official travel partner of the World Wildlife Fund, where the 2 organizations work together on crafting sustainable itineraries, supporting conservation projects, and more.

Set off on a sailing trip

A sailing adventure is a great opportunity to UNPLUG and enjoy your time exploring the open waters.

Don’t shy away from a sailing adventure if you don’t already know how to sail.

Many popular tour operators offer sailing adventures that don’t need you to man your own sailboat.

Here are a few ideas to get you pumped for a sailing adventure.

Set sail in the gorgeous waters between Greece and Turkey, making stops at some of Greece’s most gorgeous destinations, such as Mykonos and Santorini.

Slowly make your way down the Amazon River, where you can also add a rainforest trek on to your itinerary.

If you don’t mind cold weather, hop aboard a cruise ship headed for chilly Antarctica where you can peep icebergs and hang with penguins.

Go backpacking through South America

Head to South America to learn more about the mysterious moai of Easter Island, trek to new World Wonder Machu Picchu or explore the landscape of Galápagos Islands, where you can observe animals you can’t see anywhere else in the world.

If you’re feeling super ambitious, have a ton of time off and have an endless supply of cash money, I challenge you to head to pull off the following bucket list itinerary.

How’s this for an epic graduation trip idea:

• Quito, Ecuador
• Galápagos Islands
• Cuzco, Peru
• Machu Picchu
• Patagonia (Torres del Paine National Park, Glacier National Park)
• Falkland Islands
• Antarctica ( Yes, really! You know you want to do it! )

Trace your lineage

This is one of my favorite graduation trip ideas!

To pull this one off, you might have to do a bit of research ahead of time to find out the where your ancestors came from if you don’t already know.

Consider taking an ancestral DNA test, such as the one from 23andMe , to get a general idea of where your ancestors are from.

I thought I knew where all of my ancestors were from, but after taking the 23andMe test, I was surprised by the results!

If you have information that goes back to your great grandparents’ names, Ancestry.com can also be helpful in finding more specific information, such as which town they lived or even the exact address!

Explore wondrous Egypt

Explore modern and ancient Egypt on an organized tour. The opportunities for exploration in Egypt are vast.

At the top of your list should be seeing the Pyramids of Giza. The Pyramids of Giza are the only original 7 Wonders of the World that still stands today, along with the Sphinx of Giza.

Another top spot to add to your itinerary are the Abu Simbel temples of Pharaoh Ramesses II and Queen Nefertiti and the Valley of the Kings.

If you can swing it, sailing the Nile River on a felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailboat, is a unique experience.

Another experience to consider is shopping at Khan el-Khalili, a large souk in the city of Cairo.

While highlights of Egypt can be seen in a week-long tour, the history and culture is so rich, that I recommend going only if you have a minimum of 2 weeks.

What are your graduation trip ideas?

Did you take a graduation trip or are perhaps looking to book one in the future? Let me know all about your graduation trip in the comments below!

For more vacation inspiration, check out these posts:

• Most Unique Study Abroad Programs Around the World
• Where to Travel in Mexico
• Delicious Foodie Trips Around the World
• The Best Custom Photo Gift Ideas
• Best Beach Vacations in the US

About the author

Meg Frost is a Boston-based travel blogger that helps people embrace technology to make vacation planning and traveling wicked easy, affordable, and fun.

She holds an M.A. in Journalism from Northeastern University and B.S. in Communication & American Studies from University of Miami.

Read more →

This post was originally published on April 13, 2017. It was last updated November 2, 2022.

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63 best graduation gift ideas in 2024

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Graduating is a huge milestone, whether it's from college, high school, or any other type of program. This year, we're collecting the best graduation gift ideas so you can show your grad how special they are. 

Our list of top picks runs the gamut, from the latest tech gadgets to useful home appliances and trendy, fashionable items. For more personalized choices, check out our dedicated guides to the best college graduation gifts for her and him , as well as the best high school graduation gifts for her and him .

A plush bathrobe

Brooklinen Super Plush Robe

This plush bathrobe from Brooklinen is absorbent enough to step in for a towel after a shower, and plush enough to want to lounge in long after you're done. If your grad is about to be living in a dorm or sharing an apartment with roommates, they are going to need something to wrap themselves in when walking to the bathroom. 

An instant camera upgrade

Polaroid Film Camera

If they love taking instant photos, this camera lets them do that, plus print out photos from their phone via a Bluetooth app. And if that's not enough, it comes with two lenses (standard and portrait), so they will truly never miss their shot at a great pic.

A reliable pair of socks

Bombas Ankle Socks

There's a reason we love Bombas socks — in the several years we've tested socks, they've consistently ranked as the most comfortable and durable. Your graduate will be grateful for these socks. Find out more in our Bombas socks review . 

A comfy weighted blanket

Portable Plush Weighted Blanket

A weighted blanket is one of the best items to have in a new dorm room or apartment. Get this comfy, portable blanket so your graduate can get cozy and lounge in whatever space they're in. For more options, check out our guide to the best weighted blankets.

A reliable, convenient suitcase

Away is a cult-favorite luggage brand for good reason. Help your graduate jet-set to wherever they need to go in style with some of our favorite suitcases – and throw in packing cubes  if you really want to go the extra mile.

Our Away luggage review has more details on why we love these suitcases. 

A Nintendo Switch for much-deserved game time

Nintendo Switch

Whether they want to play solo or with their friends, they've earned some uninterrupted game time. The Switch remains a bestseller for its simplicity and versatility (plus, it won't take up too much space in a small apartment). Pair it with a crowd-pleasing game like Mario Kart or Minecraft .

A gift card to put towards a concert

Ticketmaster Gift Card

Have they been talking about snagging tickets to a favorite artist for months? If so, a Ticketmaster gift card to put towards those tickets is a really thoughtful gift. You can choose any amount from $25 to $500. 

A classy bouquet

Urban Stems Floral Bouquet

Send flowers to your graduate — whether you're sending them in lieu of being there yourself or as a supplement a digital gift or card. We highly recommend UrbanStems; the company's bouquets are among the best flower delivery services . 

A water bottle to stay hydrated

HydroFlask 32 oz. Wide Mouth Water Bottle

Whether running around for work or class, it can be easy to forget to hydrate. Gift your graduate a nice water bottle to carry around all day. HydroFlask bottles are very durable and won't leak in his backpack. And let's face it we're all happier when we're hydrated. 

Custom college pouches

Collegiate Pouches

Whether your grad is going to college or leaving, they'll want a handy pouch to show their school spirit. We love these customizable pouches from Uncommon Goods, as they are functional and artistic items. 

A custom birth chart book

Astrology Birthdate Book

For fans of astrology — or anyone who's on a serious post-college path to self-discovery — this customized birth chart book is sure to be something they turn to time and time again. All you need is their birth location and time to snag a 70-page hardcover tome of who they are and what to expect in their future. If you only know their birthday, you can also opt for a Birthdate candle or necklace .

A nice bottle of bubbly

Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label Champagne

If they drink (and are old enough to drink), send them a nice bottle of bubbly to celebrate their big achievement. Drizly will deliver it for you.

A minimalist backpack

Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack

Dagne Dover's neoprene backpacks are a sleek, safe bet if you want to get them something for their future travels or commutes. Beyond their trendiness, they're super comfy, are made from recycled materials, and offer lots of compartments and pockets for optimal storage.

A pair of noise-canceling headphones

Sony Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones

A nice pair of headphones make a great gift for just about anyone, but especially graduates. The noise-cancelling technology is essential for getting work done. But these will come in handy for a plethora of occasions, like watching Netflix when roommates are asleep or listening to favorite tunes while walking.

A dainty necklace

Catbird Tiniest Name Necklace

Nameplate necklaces are timeless, this one even more so for its tiny, all-lowercase font. You can fit up to 10 letters (the cost goes up after two), so you can customize it with their name, nickname, city, or anything else.

A sleek electric kettle

Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Pour-Over Kettle

Fellow has one of the most beautiful electric kettles around. It doubles as an art piece on your kitchen counter, as well as an easy and convenient way to make morning coffee or tea. 

A chic lamp that warms candles without lighting them

Luzdiosa Candle Warmer Lamp

Beyond looking cute, this lamp serves a unique function: Activating candles without lighting them. Using its warming technology, the candles "burn" and release any scents, but at a much slower pace and without setting off any finicky fire alarms.

One of our favorite work bags

Cuyana System Tote 13-inch

This work bag from Cuyana is a great option for a graduate who will be commuting to work. We've tested it and decided that it's the best pick for customization in our guide to the best work bags for women , as there are various pouches and a laptop sleeve inside. 

Adorable coup glasses perfect for hosting

Anthropologie Ramona Coupe Glasses

Even if they're already stocked up on kitchen items, they likely don't have these colorful coup glasses. Whether they use them for homemade cocktails, mocktails, or bubbly, they're sure to get a million compliments on them every time they host.

A mini waffle maker that fits in their kitchen

Dash Mini Waffle Maker

Even the most cramped kitchens can fit this mini waffle maker, which comes in a variety of fun colors and iron shapes. It's an affordable, adorable way for them to make breakfast throughout their post-grad years.

A fluffy throw blanket

Anthropologie Sophie Faux Fur Throw Blanket

Every home could use a comfy throw, and this faux fur one is bound to keep them cozy throughout the year. It comes in a range of colors and looks great draped over a couch or used as a bed cover.

A trendy compact bag

Standard Baggu

If your graduate is moving to a new city, they might need a compact bag for grocery shopping, picnics with friends, or commuting to work. Baggu makes some of the best options, as the bag folds up into a small pouch, and there are tons of different artistic styles to choose from. 

A gift card for awesome bed sheets

Brooklinen Gift Card

Brooklinen is one of our favorite brands for all your bedding needs. To help your graduate get a good night's sleep, hook them up with a gift card to purchase sheets, blankets, or a duvet cover. For more information, read our Brooklinen sheets review . 

A durable cast iron skillet

Lodge Chef Collection Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

A cast iron skillet is an important kitchen tool that never gets old. In fact, as one of the more durable cast iron skillets on the market, this pick will help your graduate cook for years to come. 

Iconic hoop earrings

Mejuri Large Croissant Dome Hoops

If they've been eyeing Mejuri's Dôme hoops forever, you've found the perfect gift. These minimalist gold vermeil earrings go with everything, so you can be sure they'll wear them for years to come. Read our full Mejuri review for more options. 

A sleek smart mug that keeps their drinks hot

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug

This mug will control the temperature of their coffee or tea, so they won't have to reheat or dump it out every few hours. A former teammate called the Ember "life-changing." You can also buy a travel-friendly version .

A warm pair of slippers

L.L. Bean Wicked Good Slippers

L.L. Bean makes one of our favorite pairs of slippers, as we rate this the top pick for warmth that we tested in the best slippers for men . Your graduate will appreciate this gift, especially if they're moving somewhere with colder weather. 

A luxe leather messenger bag

Leatherology Henderson Laptop Brief Bag 

Leatherology makes luxe leather goods and delivers them in gift-wrapped boxes. This laptop brief bag is one they can own for many years, and it's a luxe step-up from the backpacks of their past. You'll find a few more budget-friendly options at Herschel Supply Co.

A poster to remember a special place

Grafomap Personalized Map Poster

Grafomap makes cool posters with custom maps, so you can get your graduate one with a place that you know means something to them. It's a great way to decorate a new space with extra sentimental value. 

A cute carrying case for their phone

Bandolier Crossbody Case

For anyone who laments digging through their bag for their phone or wallet, this stylish phone case-wallet crossbody case keeps their essentials close without any hassle.

A multi-purpose pan

Our Place Always Pan

The internet-famous Always Pan is meant to replace eight pieces of cookware which, if they're living in tight quarters, can especially come in handy. You can choose from a few vibrant, matte colors and treat them to a pan they'll be excited to break in.

A mini projector with great picture

Anker Nebula Capsule

Though this projector seems small, it really packs a punch. Set up your grad for the perfect at-home movie night with this handy little portable projector, which has an impressive picture display for its size. 

School spirit gear

Fanatics College Gear

Get them excited for their college days or commemorate them with a wearable bit of school spirit. Fanatics is full of clothing, hats, bags, balls, games, and drinkware for NCAA schools. Your grad will be able to spot a fellow alum from miles away.

A funny, thoughtful card

Punny Llama Graduation Card

Grab a funny, sweet card and use it to tell them how proud you are of them.

A top-of-the-line air fryer

Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer

Listed as the top pick in our best air fryer guide, the Instant Vortex Plus is one of the most impressive models on the market. We tested a ton of air fryers, so you can be confident in arming your graduate with a fantastic kitchen appliance that will serve them well. 

A robe you'd find at a spa

Parachute Cloud Cotton Robe

Parachute makes some of the best robes for women , and this one is no different. It's light, breathable, and makes you feel like you're relaxing at a spa. 

A plant to spruce up their home

The Sill Snake Plant Laurentii

Plants are the best way to brighten up a room, and it's likely your grad will be moving to a new place — so why not help them out? This snake plant from The Sill is easy to take care of and hard to kill, making it a great choice for even an inexperienced plant owner. 

A tablet for Netflix and surfing the web

Since a number of companies give their employees work computers, it's not totally necessary to get one's own. But for streaming Netflix or surfing the web at home, an iPad can be a budget-friendly alternative that better suits their lifestyle. 

We still think the 2022 standard iPad is the top pick for general-purpose use, and it's surprisingly affordable. You can read more in our buying guide for the best iPads .

A slim Fitbit with plenty of features

Fitbit Inspire 2

Fitbit's affordable Inspire 2 tracker has no shortage of useful features to keep someone informed about their physical activity — tracking calorie burn, resting heart rate, and heart rate zones. It's also one of the least expensive Fitbit models.

You can find our ranking of the best Fitbits in our tested buying guide. 

A planner that helps map out long-term goals

BestSelf Co. Self Journal

The Best Self Co. Journal helps people map out their five- or 10-year plans in a tangible, easily managed way. It's a nice way to provide growth and direction after graduation, whether your graduate is on their way to college, a new job, traveling, or anything else.

A framed photo of their friends or favorite memories

Framebridge Gift

Most of us appreciate some nostalgia. Since your graduate may not feel like investing in a nice frame, frame a photo of their friends or some of their favorite memories from school or home, so they can take them anywhere.

A whiteboard-pinboard combo for notes and mementos

Pottery Barn No Nails Dual Function Board

A practical piece of decor for a dorm room or apartment, this whiteboard-pinboard combo can be used to scribble to-dos, leave notes for roommates, and show off pictures of friends and family. Plus, it hangs up easily with adhesive strips for damage-free installation.

A portable massage gun

Theragun Mini Massage Gun

We love the Theragun Mini for workouts — it's easy to bring to the gym or park, and it really helps loosen up your muscles before and after to help relieve pain and soreness. Help your graduate live a healthy, active lifestyle with this gift. 

A personalized business card holder

Leatherology Business Card Case

If they're entering a new career, they can hold their business cards in this polished cardholder. You can even opt to get it monogrammed, and it'll arrive ready in a gift box.

A classy candle

Le Labo Santal 26 Classic Candle

A candle is always a great gift for any graduate. Whether they're moving into a dorm or new apartment, this scented candle from Le Labo is sure to make their room smell better and fresher. 

An office-ready blazer

Of Mercer Prince Blazer

A nice, reliable blazer that can be worn for everything from interviews to days in the office (if that's what your graduate's next chapter includes) is a classic wardrobe staple.

Or, if you'd rather leave the decision-making up to them, give them a gift card to a store like Everlane , Banana Republic , J. Crew , Nordstrom , or Universal Standard so they can shop for their own post-graduate clothing.

A gift card for the nights when they want an Uber home

Uber Gift Card

Whether they're heading into a new college town, starting a new job, or taking a gap year, there will be nights when it's more convenient or safer for them to Uber home. Make it an easier decision with a gift card for a ride home.

Timeless advice on how to lead a compassionate life

"Congratulations, By The Way" by George Saunders

This short read is a transcript from author George Saunders' Syracuse University commencement speech, in which he focuses on one simple but significant message: The value of kindness. When so much of the post-graduate advice out there centers on career success or hustling to get ahead, this sweet and beautifully written book will remind them of what's most important in life.

A French press your graduate can rely upon

Bodum Chambord French Press

If their new job or college major requires lots of early mornings, they'll probably appreciate a good cup of coffee. The Bodum Chambord is our favorite French press ; it's timeless, compact, easy to operate, and entirely unfussy. It's also affordable to replace, so they don't need to be too precious with it.

A Disney+ gift card

Disney Plus Gift Card

We all occasionally want a break from being a grownup — and Disney Plus is a good place to do it. Disney Plus lets subscribers stream movies and shows from Disney, Pixar , Marvel , and more. You can also bundle it with Hulu and ESPN+ .

A college pillow

Embroidered College Pillow

Want another way to help your graduate show their school spirit? These throw pillows are a lovely choice, and once again, customizable with lots of college options to choose from. 

A gift card for ordering takeout

Grubhub Gift Card

They may not have the energy to cook every night after work or classes. Get them a gift card for the impending evenings in which takeout feels essential.

An excellent, personalized coffee subscription

Trade Coffee Subscription Gift

If they like a great cup of coffee, they'll enjoy Trade. The coffee subscription service has a huge variety of coffee, and it's easy to customize based on their tastes. We ranked it as the best coffee subscription service you can join .

If they're a tea drinker, we'd also recommend checking out an Atlas Tea Club subscription.

A great speaker

Ultimate Ears WonderBoom 3

A great Bluetooth speaker is a must for every graduate. They'll want to take their tunes on the go, whether they're meeting new friends at a park or going to the beach. 

A gift card to find their favorite workout

ClassPass Gift Card

No matter what their work schedule looks like, it's important that your graduate still gets healthy exercise. Lower the barrier to entry and gift them a ClassPass gift card. With it, they can try tons of boutique fitness classes in their area — or, if they need to unwind, meditation sessions or spa days.

A smart reusable notebook

Rocketbook Core Reusable Smart Notebook

If your graduate goes through notebook after notebook, this reusable option offers a long-lasting solution. They can use the included pen to take notes, scan each page with an accompanying app to save the pages digitally, and then wipe away the notes to use the same page over and over again.

Sweet treats from a famous bakery

Milk Bar Treats

Who doesn't love a sweet treat? Celebrate your graduate with cake or cookies from Milk Bar, a famous New York City bakery that is sure to be a hit. 

Groceries delivered to their door

Instacart Gift Card

Starting a new chapter can be exhausting, and they may be pulling long hours studying or working. We recommend a gift card to Blue Apron ( our top pick for meal kits ) or Instacart ( our top pick for online grocery services ) to do their grocery shopping for them. Both will show up at their doorstep.

A custom photo book

Artifact Uprising Everyday Photo Book

Get them a photo book that can be filled with memories of friends — because they just graduated, they'll want to remember all the amazing times they had and who they shared it with. 

A membership to a meditation app

Headspace Meditation App 

Give them the gift of a meditation app that can help give them the tools to destress, practice mindfulness ( which has positive effects on personal happiness ), and possibly improve their focus. 

A toolkit they will need

Cartman 148 Piece Tool Set

No matter the handiness of your graduate, they will definitely appreciate having this toolkit in their new dorm or apartment. It will be used, inevitably, when something breaks or goes wrong — and they'll have you to thank for saving the day with the necessary equipment to fix it. 

A trendy wallet

Coachtopia Wavy Zip Around Wallet

Your graduate will need a cool, colorful wallet for their adult life. Get them this trendy green option from Coachtopia, a new line as part of Coach. 

A gift card for home decor

Target Gift Card

When in doubt, Target never fails. Hook up your graduate with a Target gift card for all their home and kitchen needs, as well as groceries, snacks, and even clothes. 

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