30 Epic Graduation Trip Ideas (2023

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30 Epic Graduation Trip Ideas (2023


Our seniors have needed to miss numerous milestones and particular events that had been canceled or altered in a roundabout way. Like lots of you, I’ve been looking for methods to make glad reminiscences as time slips by way of my fingers and mark milestones in methods which can be nonetheless celebratory and vital. As the varsity 12 months begins its speedy roll towards the inevitable finish of an period, we’re beginning to consider commencement journey concepts.

A grad journey serves the double function of celebrating the completion of this section of education and the optimism for the longer term. So as an alternative of (or perhaps along with) a commencement social gathering, take into consideration a particular journey as an alternative.

We put collectively an inventory of choices for my highschool senior to select from this 12 months and for these of you on the lookout for highschool commencement journey concepts, school commencement journey concepts, or senior journey concepts, I’ve some nice ideas for you!

Teen girl in ripped jeans and a white sweater and hat with arms up in front of a valley

The factor to contemplate although when planning a highschool or school commencement journey is that whereas it’s your decision it to be a bucket checklist expertise or a visit of a lifetime; when you actually wish to make a journey proper after commencement in May or June, it’s worthwhile to hold the season in thoughts.

Summer is the excessive season for household journey, which suggests crowds, peak pricing, and a necessity for advance planning. If you’ll be able to journey in early to mid-June, you’ll be able to keep away from the excessive peak that begins in early July as European faculties let loose for the summer time.

It can be an excellent time to go to locations within the Northern Hemisphere, however Southern Hemisphere locations range in attractiveness from June-August as they expertise their winter months. So neglect the thought of seeing penguins in Antarctica and it will not be excellent for mountaineering in Patagonia or New Zealand both except you wish to await Christmas break.

30 Graduation Trip Ideas

I’m beginning with some ideas for epic journeys within the United States, but additionally together with prime worldwide locations simply in case.

U.S. Graduation Trip Ideas

Even when you have traveled extensively within the United States, there are nonetheless so many locations and experiences that may make a commencement journey actually particular. Here are a couple of that notably shine in June.

Hawaiian sunset with palm trees in the foreground
Hawaiian sundown

1. Hawaii

The unique attract of the Aloha State stands out as the good balm after a demanding senior 12 months. The Big Island of Hawaii is the one place within the United States to see a dwell volcano, whereas Maui is the right place for journey actions like dawn biking down a volcanic crater or driving the highway to Hana.

Just needless to say June by way of November is technically hurricane season, though massive storms are uncommon. We visited in late June and had fairly nice climate, with just a few rainstorms that delivered lovely rainbows. Find out how a lot a household journey to Hawaii prices.

2. Alaska

Bear in river

Summer is one of the best time to go to Alaska. An Alaskan cruise is unquestionably an effective way to start out, however to get an actual sense of this huge and rugged state, it’s worthwhile to spend a while on land too (and never simply on excursions.) If planning a visit to Alaska feels too daunting, you’ll be able to be a part of one in all Austin Adventures’ group household journeys, just like the one to Kenai Fjords and Peninsula.

You can expertise calving glaciers, seek for wildlife, and expertise the brilliance of the Midnight Sun within the Last Frontier.

3. Yosemite National Park, California

Women with arms up overlooking view in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park can get crazily crowded in the summertime, however when you go early sufficient in June, you may get there earlier than the worst of the crowds and when the water continues to be sturdy, leading to lovely, highly effective waterfalls.

Listen to our podcast episode on Yosemite National Park for concepts on one of the best locations to remain, hikes, and different issues to do in Yosemite.

4. Glacier National Park, Montana

Boat on Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is among the hottest within the U.S. National Parks system and getting a reservation in the summertime could be difficult. But head to Glacier Country in early summer time to beat the crowds and get higher charges. Just needless to say there’ll nonetheless be snow on the bottom, and it’s doubtless that components of the Going-to-the-Sun highway that join the components of the park will nonetheless be closed till later in the summertime.

But there may be nonetheless loads of mountaineering and wildlife viewing to take pleasure in (plus an opportunity to see glaciers!). After a couple of days within the park, you’ll be able to loosen up and benefit from the plentiful actions at Flathead Lake Lodge, an all-inclusive dude ranch or spend time exploring extra of Western Montana.

5. Walt Disney World, Florida

Magic Kingdom castle from across the lake
Walt Disney World

From weddings to birthdays, there isn’t a special day that isn’t a superb match for a visit to Disney for lovers of the magic and the mouse. It could be the right time to splurge on a VIP tour to make the journey additional particular.

While there are many rides at Disney that teenagers love, thrill-seekers may even like including on a couple of days at Universal or a number of the water parks, particularly for these scorching June days. And when it rains, attempt a few of these close by Orlando sights.

6. Grand Canyon, Arizona

Grand Canyon (photo from Canva)
Image courtesy of Canva

There are two enormous downsides to visiting the Grand Canyon in the summertime — the crowds and the warmth. But, when you go in June it is a bit more manageable, particularly when you go to the less-visited North Rim, which doesn’t even open till mid-May.

To make the journey additional particular, and thrilling, you’ll be able to organize for helicopter flights over the canyon, mule rides or hikes into the canyon, or multi-day float journeys alongside the Colorado River.

7. New York, New York

View of lower Manhattan at sunset from the Empire State building
Lower Manhattan from the Empire State Building

Bright lights, massive metropolis — in case your graduate has by no means visited the Big Apple, a go to to New York City could make a terrific commencement journey. Get tickets for the must-see Broadway present (may I like to recommend Dear Evan Hansen, Hamilton, or Harry Potter and the Cursed Child). Visit museums. Take a meals tour. Go purchasing. Walk throughout the Brooklyn Bridge. The prospects are infinite within the metropolis that by no means sleeps.

Make positive you slot in a number of the newer sights like Hudson Yards, Summit at One Vanderbilt, Little Island @ Pier 55, the 9/11 Memorial, the Highline, and even attempt the brand new Edge NYC Skydeck. Teens additionally love Instagramable meals stops like rainbow bagels, taiyakis, specialty cupcakes, loopy milkshakes, and extra.

8. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas sign with city skyline behind
Image courtesy of Canva

College grads might take pleasure in exercising a few of their new liberties in Las Vegas, however even highschool graduates can take pleasure in under-21 sights. The motels alongside Vegas’ well-known Strip are a spectacle in and of itself. Add to that one-of-a-kind leisure, superstar chef-owned eating places, and thrills just like the X-Scream journey on the Stratosphere Hotel or the SkyJump off the Stratosphere Tower.

Of course outdoors of Las Vegas, you may as well go mountaineering in Red Rock Canyon, go to Hoover Dam, or drive a luxurious sports activities automobile or race automobile.

9. California Coast

Tips for driving Highway One on the California Coast
Big Sur on the California Coast

Rent a convertible and take your grad on a basic U.S. highway journey down the California coast. Start off with a couple of days in San Francisco, then head all the way down to Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Next, take your time exploring the gorgeous shoreline alongside Highway 1 all the way down to Big Sur.

On the central coast, you’ll be able to journey on the sand dunes, zip line by way of a vineyard, and revel in all of the small seashore cities in your method to Los Angeles. Finish off with surf classes in Huntington Beach, a tour of Universal Studios, or a day at Disneyland.

10. Puerto Rico

El Yunque rainforest in Puerto Rico with mist over mountains

Craving an island trip? You don’t want a passport to go to Puerto Rico. There you’ll be able to take pleasure in beautiful seashores, the El Yunque rainforest, outside adventures, and absorb the historical past in Old San Juan.

In Vieques and elsewhere on the island, you’ll be able to even expertise the magic of bioluminescence with a nighttime kayaking tour.

11. Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks

Delicate arch in Arches National Park (from Canva)
Arches National Park

Things are beginning to warmth up within the southwest in June, however you’ll be able to nonetheless slot in an epic journey to all 5 of Utah’s mighty nationwide parks — Arches, Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef National Parks. Or, when you actually take pleasure in mountaineering and getting off the overwhelmed path, deal with simply a few the parks.

Start off in Salt Lake City after which head to Moab to discover 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 again as much as Salt Lake City. Be positive to hearken to this podcast for some nice recommendations on off-the-beaten-path stops on a Southwest Grand Circle highway journey or learn my good friend Lesli’s Utah National Parks highway journey itinerary.

12. Maine Windjammer Cruise

Schooner Heritage on the water

Large ship cruising will not be your cup of tea, however there are different small ship prospects out there. If your pupil loves crusing, then a visit aboard one of many Maine Windjammer cruises will likely be proper up their alley. Explore the rugged shoreline and small seaside cities of the Maine coast. Enjoy connoisseur meals and lobster bakes on the seashore. Assist the crew and revel in watching the scenic shoreline glide by.

For an actual splurge, ebook up the cabins along with your family and friends for a bunch trip on the ocean. Pair it up with a Coastal Maine highway journey or a enjoyable glamping keep close to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.

13. Key West, Florida

Florida Keys Overseas Highway
Overseas Highway within the Florida Keys

One of my favourite east coast highway journeys is alongside the Overseas Highway within the Florida Keys. This scenic journey is nice for graduates that love water sports activities — like windsurfing, snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving. It can be an ideal spot for future marine biologists to go to a sea turtle hospital, discover marine preserves, examine dolphins, and revel in nature up shut. Of course, all of the key lime pie can be a terrific perk!

14. New Orleans, Louisiana

Balconies in the French Quarter New Orleans

Your foodie teen will take pleasure in a visit to the Big Easy for a meals and music extravaganza. Enjoy meals excursions, cooking courses, and every part from celebrity-chef eating places to one of the best of diners, drive-ins, and dives. Then soak within the tradition with historical past excursions (or ghost excursions), a go to to Mardi Gras World, and loads of dwell jazz music. If you’ve gotten time to get out of city, make sure to attempt an airboat tour!

15. Black Hills, South Dakota

Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore in South Dakota

There are tons of how for teenagers and younger adults to hunt journey within the Black Hills. You can bike alongside the Mickelson Trail, one of many outdated rail trails that runs for 108.8 miles from Edgemont to Deadwood. Don’t fear, you don’t must bike the entire thing. Instead, you’ll be able to lease bikes and organize for shuttle pick-ups and drop-offs to solely bike so far as you select. There can be mountain climbing, horseback using, and wonderful wildlife viewing in Custer State Park.

Be positive to go away additional days for aspect ventures to Devil’s Tower in Wyoming and the gorgeous Badlands National Park. And even when they’ve had sufficient of studying for some time, be certain that to go to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and the Minuteman Missile Silo Historic Site.

International Graduation Trip Ideas

There are so many bucket checklist locations which can be nice locations to go to in June. Here are a couple of choices for journey seekers, outside lovers, cultural explorers, and wildlife lovers.

1. Iceland

Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsness
Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsness

June is my absolute favourite time to go to Iceland, particularly when you could be there for the Summer Solstice. Just remember that many companies and sights are closed on June seventeenth for Iceland Independence Day. The climate is beginning to heat up and you’ve got full days of daylight to discover.

Iceland is the right spot for outside adventurers. Spend a couple of days on the beautiful South Coast chasing waterfalls, visiting black sand seashores, mountaineering on glaciers, and crusing between the icebergs. To get away from the crowds, spend a couple of days up within the rugged and distant West Fjords. Find out how a lot a journey to Iceland prices and browse my Iceland journey suggestions.

2. Faroe Islands

For your grad that desires to get away from all of it and expertise pure magnificence and tradition that hasn’t been ruined by over-tourism (but), the Faroe Islands are a terrific match. But as a result of these islands will not be constructed up for tourism, it’s important to plan this journey early. Pretty a lot as soon as the school purposes are submitted, you higher begin planning your commencement journey, if not sooner.

The Faroe Islands are situated off Scotland, between Iceland and Norway. A go to to the Faroe Islands is de facto about exploring and having fun with the pure magnificence, which has similarities to Iceland however with out all of the vacationer actions. Plan to spend days mountaineering, driving, and taking footage of unforgettable landscapes.

3. Ireland

Giants Causeway Northern Ireland
Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland

With a consuming age of 18, graduates may take pleasure in some newfound freedoms within the pubs of Ireland — in spite of everything, what higher place to soak within the Irish tradition? Start off in Dublin, after which head off to Northern Ireland and the Coastal Causeway.

In the Republic of Ireland, don’t miss the Cliffs of Moher and a drive alongside the Wild Atlantic Way. The city of Killarney and the Dingle Peninsula are a few of my favourite spots in Ireland. Find out how a lot a journey to Ireland prices and suggestions for touring to Ireland.

4. Azores, Portugal

waterfall at Ribeira dos Caldeiroes

Natural magnificence abounds within the Azores, the archipelago of Portuguese islands within the Atlantic. In June, massive hydrangea blooms adorn the island in a mixture of pinks, purples, and blues. This is an ideal setting for outside lovers, notably on the island of Pico, residence to the Mount Pico volcano. For journey seekers, you’ll be able to go coasteering, canyoning, mountaineering, browsing, and extra on the most important island of São Miguel.

Finish up with a couple of days on the mainland having fun with the colourful festivals going down in Lisbon or Porto.

5. Greece

Path across water to Naxos town
Naxos Town on Naxos

Every week or two spent island hopping within the Cyclades is an ideal method to sit back after the exhaustion of ultimate exams. Mid-June by way of mid-July is the right time to go to. The islands of Santorini and Mykonos are jammed in the summertime, particularly as soon as the cruise ships begin coming to port, however you’ll be able to nonetheless keep away from crowds on smaller islands like Naxos or unfold out on Crete. The climate is heat however not scorching scorching, and the daytime winds will not be as sturdy as later in the summertime.

Start off in Mykonos or Santorini for an introduction to the Greek Islands’ social gathering scene, after which spend a while at a number of the quieter islands, like Naxos, Paros, Crete, or a number of the off-the-beaten-track islands. Find out how a lot a journey to Greece prices or take a look at our 10-day Greece itinerary.

6. Italy

Tuscan hillside
The hills of Tuscany outdoors of Pienza

Like a lot of Europe, Italy is gorgeous in early June, earlier than the warmth and vacationers descend. You will wish to hit the highlights in Rome and Florence, however then take a while to loosen up and benefit from the Tuscan countryside the place you’ll be able to bike by way of vineyards and swim in thermal swimming pools.

You might even be capable to organize to check drive a Ferrari or pattern the culinary delights in Bologna in your method to Venice. Finish up with some mountaineering within the Italian Dolomites. In June you might be assured sunny days and heat evenings within the mountains, with not an excessive amount of humidity. After a day of mountaineering or biking, benefit from the native culinary delicacies over lunch at a mountain rifugio or a slopeside picnic.

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

7. Croatia

Dubrovnik, Croatia

History buffs (and Game of Thrones followers) will love the medieval metropolis of Dubrovnik on the Dalmatian Coast. June is the right time to discover earlier than the height summer time crowds and cruise ships arrive in July and August. 

To escape the crowds, one of the simplest ways to discover Croatia is by boat. Charter a sailboat and head out on the Adriatic Sea to close by Lokrum Island or additional to Korcula, one of many extra charming islands in Croatia. There are additionally journey actions for energetic teenagers resembling biking journeys, mountaineering, and water sports activities.

8. Switzerland

Matterhorn behind a blue lake and green fields in Switzerland

Your younger adventurer might take pleasure in mountaineering within the Swiss Alps after commencement. It can nonetheless be wet in May and early June, or snowy at increased altitudes, so shoot for late June and even early July. There are many routes for hut-to-hut (or hotel-to-hotel) mountaineering. Or you’ll be able to settle in close to Interlaken and soak within the surroundings and outside adventures.

Interlaken is residence to many excessive sports activities, together with mountaineering, bungee leaping, zorbing, snowboarding, snowboarding, paragliding, helicopter skydiving, white water rafting, canyoning, mountaineering, mountain climbing, trekking, and a lot extra. Art lovers may even wish to take a look at the worldwide artwork present at Art Basel in Basel, Switzerland, which pulls prime artists from world wide. In Basel, you may as well bike to 3 nations in someday! Bike to France and have a croissant, have a beer and lunch in Germany, and return to Switzerland and float down the river earlier than dinner.

9. Paris

Dad and teen in Paris

The climate in Paris in June is ideal, the cherry blossoms are in bloom, and there are lengthy days of sunshine to discover town at its most romantic. Of course, summer time can be when the vacationers descend so it’s important to go in June (the sooner the higher) earlier than college lets out for summer time in France and the United Kingdom.

Even so, you will need to ebook early for prime areas (see my information for renting an residence in Paris) and sights (reservations and/or timed entry tickets are wanted for a lot of sights, together with the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.)

It can be a metropolis the place you can provide your teen a bit independence to apply language expertise and put together to exit on their very own. Indulge your graduate’s pursuits in artwork, historical past, or meals with personal excursions and cooking courses. Find out how a lot a journey to Paris prices, take a look at our 5-day Paris itinerary, and obtain our Paris journey planning guidelines.

10. South Africa

Zebras on savannah in Tanzania (from Canva)
Serengeti National Park

June to August is winter in South Africa, however it is usually the perfect time to ebook a safari in Kruger or different parks. The recreation viewing is right as a result of the bush is much less dense, however the lovely golden grasses seize the sunshine and supply wonderful photograph alternatives. Plus, the dry climate sometimes means few to no mosquitos!

While June is usually the wet season in Cape Town, it has a bit little bit of every part, which makes it the right vacation spot for a commencement journey. The metropolis is surrounded by seashores and mountains, with loads of alternatives for journey from cage-diving with sharks to zip-lining by way of mountains and forests. Your graduate also can snorkel with seals or go sea kayaking with penguins. There can be the potential to see whales alongside South Africa’s Whale Coast between June and November.

11. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Watching The Great Migration in Serengeti National Park is an unforgettable expertise, and June is a superb time to see it. In the Western Corridor space, yow will discover herds of wildebeest, gazelles, and zebras as they make their approach north looking for meals, water, and breeding grounds.

Because June falls inside Serengeti’s dry season, you’ll discover much less foliage, making animals simpler to identify, in addition to fewer mosquitos. The temperature is reasonable and nice through the day, however chilly for early morning safaris or nights within the safari tents. This is really a bucket checklist expertise for households.

12. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

While technically winter, the climate isn’t too terribly chilly in Australia and one can find good offers on flights and motels. It can be an ideal time to see the Great Barrier Reef. There may be very little rain so diving circumstances are at their peak — good for checking scuba diving off a bucket checklist.

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

13. Fiji

Palm tree and white sand in Fiji

If a tropical escape is what your pupil must loosen up, set your sights a bit additional than the Caribbean all the way in which to the South Pacific. It can be technically winter in Fiji in June, however the temps by no means get too chilly and you’ll simply miss the summer time rush that begins in July. June is among the greatest months to go to Fiji, with excellent climate, numerous exercise choices, cheaper lodge charges, and smaller crowds.

From the wealthy Fijian tradition to the unimaginable seashores, there are numerous the explanation why Fiji’s 333 islands are the right trip vacation spot for a commencement journey.

14. Peru

Machu Picchu in Peru

Does your pupil like to study historical civilizations or archeology? Summer is a superb time to go to the traditional Incan metropolis of Machu Picchu. Start your journey in Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital metropolis, or Cusco, a scenic three-hour prepare journey from Machu Picchu. Just make sure to give your self time to regulate to the altitude, particularly in case you are contemplating mountaineering within the Sacred Valley. Reservations are additionally wanted at this in style vacationer vacation spot.

The Amazon’s dry season begins in June, so you’ll be able to pair a go to to Machu Picchu with time spent exploring the rainforest or touring the Amazon by boat.

15. Aruba

View of pools and beach at Ritz Carlton Aruba from above

Sitting beneath the hurricane belt, Aruba, together with its neighboring islands of Bonaire and Curaçao, enjoys a dry season in the summertime. Yet since summer time within the Caribbean isn’t excessive on many individuals’s lists, you may as well take pleasure in decrease charges and fewer crowds.

Off-road on this desert island, go horseback using on the seashore, take pleasure in sundown catamaran sails, and spend a while with flamingoes on this Dutch island.

Need extra concepts? Try one in all these:

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30 Graduation trip ideas

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