Everyone travels for a different reason. For some, travel is an adventure, a way to experience all that the world has to offer. Others use it to escape daily stress. 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. Obtaining a degree certainly falls into the latter category, and you'll often see those who earn a high school, college, or post-college diploma mark their achievement with a memorable travel experience. Plus, it's an opportunity that often comes with the rare chance to travel without missing classes or leaving work. So, if there's a good time to go on that trip you've always dreamed of, it's right after graduation.
When it comes to graduation trips, there are no hard and fast rules on how and where you should travel; they can run the gamut from quick weekends at the beach to weeklong adventures across multiple countries. It all depends on your preferences, your budget and your availability. To help you narrow down your choices, we spoke with two of them Travel + LeisureTrusted A-List Advisors, Marie Diego of Tourism And Jean Sanz of JSB Travelto put together a list of the best graduation trip ideas.
Costa Rica
When you want a graduation trip with lots of sun, salt water and beautiful scenery, but don't want a very long flight, choose Costa Rica, T+L's Destination of the year 2024. “The proximity to the United States makes it a quick hop if time is of the essence,” Sanz told T+L. Start your trip by treating yourself to some luxurious relaxation: “You can enjoy the hot springs and spend time with friends at The Springs Resort & Spa while enjoying a drink while overlooking the Arenal Volcano,” says Sanz, then move on to something more active. There are many 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 Costa Rica Way.
San Diego
Planning a trip to the West Coast? San Diego could be in the cards. The Southern California city is known for its hot, dry summers, and there are plenty of activities that can complement an itinerary, whatever your interests. If you want an active graduation trip, book a surf lesson with Surf Divahike the Torrey Pines State Park Loop and practice your swing on the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course. For a journey centered around art, explore the collections of the San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art, The San Diego Museum of Artand the Mingei International Museum. If you want to do nothing but relax by the beach or pool, check in Hotel El Coronado Or The Lodge at Torrey Pines for a few extra-luxurious nights.
St. Barth
While Diego notes that she would not recommend St. Barth For a high school graduation trip, it's a special and festive destination that could be a good option for those graduating from college. In Diego's words, it's an “island that tops them all” and if you visit in late summer (as opposed to the popular winter season), you'll often see lower prices and fewer crowds . “Rock of Eden is still a popular choice if you want to see and be seen, or if you're more looking for a hideaway with an ultra-chic clientele and (a) low-key beach club, I recommend Le Toiny,” she says.
Buenos Aires and Patagonia
“Besides the fact that this should be on everyone's to-do list, Buenos Aires is an eclectic cosmopolitan city, with cocktail bars, nightclubs and an incredible culinary scene,” says Sanz. After spending a few days in town, head 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 while overlooking the incredible Fitz Roy Mountain and finish at a fabulous adventure lodge like Explore. The food and spectacular scenery are also a great way to treat yourself as you enter a new world,” she adds.
Road trip in the national park
“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, multi-week graduation trip, you might try mapping out some of our country's largest national parks in the West, from the Great Sand Dunes to Zion, and checking them all off when of an epic road trip. . But if you only plan to travel for a week or so and still want to see some awesome wildlife and scenery, head to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, located about an hour away. road from each other. Most travelers land at Jackson Hole Airport, the only commercial airport located in a U.S. national park, and use Jackson Hole as a base camp for exploring Grand Teton National Park over a period of two to three days. Yellowstone takes a little longer; plan to spend three to four days wandering the park and checking off your main highlights and points of interest.
New York City
New York City has something for everyone – and that includes recent graduates. If it's your first time in the Big Apple, you'll probably want to experience all the classics: a Yankees game, Central Park, a slice at a quintessential pizzeria, a Broadway show, and some of the The best museums in New Yorkincluding The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The GuggenheimAnd The Whitney. It's going to be a busy trip, so don't forget your best walking shoes; depending on your schedule, you'll probably end up covering several miles traveling through the boroughs. Although New York is not known for being a particularly cheap destination, it offers a wealth of free things to do if you're looking to cut costs.
Rwanda
“I think Africa is the ideal option for a graduation trip, especially gorilla trekking in Rwanda“, says Diego. “To go trekking with chimpanzees and gorillas, the minimum age requirement is 18, which would be a fantastic age to have this experience.” She also suggests starting your trip at Kigali Genocide Memorial in the capital of Rwanda: “Although extremely sad, it is very educational and puts the whole journey into context. Once you see the story 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
Of all the cities in the world, London and Paris are two of the most iconic, and they are only two hours apart by train. Start your journey at the Big Smoke, where you can celebrate your graduation over champagne afternoon tea at the The Ritz and get your steps in as you stroll through Green Park, St. James's Park, and some of the city's most picturesque neighborhoods. Rest at The Laslett, an expertly designed boutique hotel in Notting Hill, before boarding the Eurostar for 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 in cafes, croissant and baguette runs, and a long stroll on the Champs-Elysees avenue. . For a particularly memorable stay in Paris, Diego recommends The Great Control“the Château de Versailles hotel which allows privileged access without the crowds”.
Peru
Travelers may want to take advantage of this free time to visit Peru, home of Machu Picchu and part of the Amazon rainforest. “Traveling the last part of the Inca Trail and arriving at the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu gives you a mystical feeling of being – and (it’s) a great feeling of freedom after several years of college,” says Sanz. She suggests staying at Inka Palace to Cusco, where you can sip piscos on your balcony, and leave time in Lima. Once in the capital, follow Sanz's advice and “explore the culinary delights of Mayta (and its) fantastic cocktail menu.
Charleston
When the only thing you want to do after graduation is soak up the sun on the beach, look no further than Charleston. The Holy City is known for its laid-back lifestyle and several beaches are within driving distance of the city center. Madness Beach This is where you'll find kitschy beach shops, incredible seafood restaurants, and surfing opportunities. Sullivan's Island is a little quieter, but its main street, Middle Street, becomes a hub of activity on summer weekends. If the whole family is participating in your graduation trip, book a stay at Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms. Whichever beach you choose, you can find plenty of activities to relax and unwind before you begin the next chapter of your life.