Graduation is a major milestone, and one which deserves to be celebrated. Organizing a trip to follow on from the big day is a good way of doing this, and can be the last hurrah with your pals that you enjoy before entering the world of work and adulthood that lies ahead.
Because of all this, you’ll want to plan the trip thoroughly so that it’s a dream rather than a nightmare. Here are some must-follow tips to get the planning done efficiently, and without missing anything out.
Don’t Forget to Enjoy Graduation Itself: Make Sure You Savor the Moment
First, avoid focusing too much on your trip, as that could mean you forget to get into the swing of your actual graduation day. It’s a big milestone that marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your life.
As part of this, capture your graduation memories with photos and videos, so you can look back on them fondly later. Graduation day won’t be here forever, so don’t let it pass by without savoring all its special moments.
Start Planning Early: Map Out Your Trip Ahead of Time
You don’t want to wait until the last minute when it comes to your big trip after graduation. Map out where you’ll go, how long you plan on staying and what type of activities or experiences you’d like to have along the way.
Researching in advance will help save time and money down the line, so consider all your options before making a decision about accommodation and transportation.
Also, having an idea of what kind of budget is realistic based on these factors can also be helpful for setting expectations ahead of time.
Get Creative: Consider Unconventional Ways to Fund Your Adventure
Speaking of budget, you might be worried about how much cash you’ll need to set aside to pay for your trip, or how you’ll scrape together any kind of savings if you’re already overstretched as a student.
The answer is to get creative, because a big trip after graduation doesn’t have to be expensive, and there are lots of ways to fund your adventure without breaking the bank.
You could consider unconventional options like crowdfunding or using travel rewards points from credit cards. You could also look for jobs that offer housing and other incentives in exchange for work, such as hospitality positions at hostels or resorts.
Taking on short-term freelance projects while traveling is another great way to make money along the way, so don’t get disheartened if things are a little tight right now, as there are always alternatives.
Pack Lightly and Efficiently: What Not To Bring on a Big Trip
When it comes to packing for a big trip after graduation, less is more. Before you start throwing things into your bag, take some time to go through everything that’s necessary, and not so necessary, for the journey ahead.
Think about what items can be easily replaced or purchased on the road if needed. This will help keep bulky items out of your suitcase and save space in the long run. For instance, lots of personal hygiene amenities can be picked up along the way, depending on where you stay.
The main rule to remember is that you shouldn’t bring anything along with you that won’t add value or make life easier while traveling.
Overloading with lots of different versions of the same type of clothing, or entirely inappropriate fashion items, is a good example of what you need to avoid in this context.
Stay Connected While Abroad With A Reliable Internet Plan
Staying in touch with family and friends while traveling is important, especially if you’re planning to be away for an extended period of time.
Doing some research ahead of time can help you find the best deals on international data plans or roaming packages that will keep you connected affordably.
Look into flexible options like prepaid SIM cards for your phone which are compatible with networks in the countries you’re going to visit. They are usually inexpensive, easy to set up and provide coverage in many places around the world.
Have Fun, But Be Safe!
As exciting as graduation trips can be, it’s important to prioritize safety while traveling. Before you go abroad, make sure that you have a valid passport and any other necessary documents like visas or permits required for the countries you are visiting.
It’s also wise to take out travel insurance in case of an emergency. Some policies even cover medical evacuation costs if needed.
Make sure to research local laws and customs too, and always pay attention to your surroundings, so you know who or what is nearby at all times.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re traveling solo or going with a group, a post-graduation trip will be as fun and fulfilling as possible if you’re serious about planning it beforehand. Follow these tips and you’ll be on the right path.
