Beyond the Diploma: 8 Unforgettable Graduation Trip Ideas

Highlights

• For history buffs, a graduation trip to London, Italy, or Greece could be the most remarkable way to celebrate their accomplishments. 
• Bali, on the other hand, is an unforgettable getaway for someone preparing to live a life based on holistic healing and meditative bliss. 
• Within the US, Disney is an easy way to let your hair down and have some fun. 
• Diagonally across the nation, Alaska could also be a spectacular vacation for the nature-lover in the family. 
• Whether you treat your grad to a family trip, a solo year abroad, or a fun-filled trip with friends, there are countless ways to say congratulations.

Unforgettable Graduation Trip Ideas

Four years of diligent studying and tremendous accomplishment deserve a big-ticket present. What’s better than a European getaway or a stateside adventure to give a big, hearty pat on the back?

Below, you’ll find eight graduation tip ideas to say congratulations in the most memorable way. Whether you pack up the whole family for a few summer days or send your grad off with some friends, you can’t go wrong with any of these destinations. 

London, England

For the high school graduate coming to the end of one era and the start of another, take the whole family to a historical city like London. Capture all the typical photographs like Big Ben; take selfies from the London Eye; tour Buckingham Palace. 

But, in a city steeped in so much tradition, there are hundreds of other sights to see. Tour historic museums, walk though majestic parks, enjoy some fish and chips in a local pub. 

The best travel guides in the world know to tip their caps in the direction of London, whether people are passing through it as a major hub to other European getaways or staying there for a while. 

Still, if you have a history buff on your hands, all of England is a historian’s delight. You can visit medieval towns like Bishop’s Palace and stroll through the picturesque Cotswolds. A European getaway like this is something everyone will carry in their pockets forever, making this one of the best high school graduation trip ideas. 

Santorini, Greece

As a college graduation trip, can you imagine a week or two in Greece? What a treasure. Those white-washed buildings and bright blue doors are something that can’t be replicated anywhere else in the world. 

After four years of hard work, it would be such a treat to sit atop a rooftop terrace and sip on a crisp glass of white wine while dining on the fresh catch of the day. 

In terms of safety, Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, Lesbos, and Cofu are all good options. The larger islands like Crete and Corfu might have a little bit more to be concerned about, as they have larger populations. But, there are far fewer worries there than the major metropolises like Athens or Thessaloniki. 

Some of the finest accommodations in Santorini include:

• Andronis Luxury Suites
• Santorini Kastelli Resort
• Aenaon Villas 
• Oia Mare Villas
• Aris Caves
• Nikki Beach Resort & Spa
• Kokkinos Villas
• La Mer Deluxe Hotel & Spa

Each of these high-class destinations carries undercurrents of relaxation, safety, and wholesale bliss, making them some of the best college graduation trip ideas. But don’t limit these resorts to college grads alone. You can also turn any of these resorts and spas into one of the best mother-daughter vacations.