Shopping in Hong Kong? Bungee jumping in New Zealand? Museum hopping in Italy? Whatever your holiday plans, we have some useful pointers to help you materialise an unforgettable graduation trip.

By Kai Hong

Schools may impart invaluable skills, but there is no better education than what travelling offers. As theologian and philosopher St. Augustine once said, “The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”

Travelling introduces you to people and their cultures. You learn new ways of doing things and come to better appreciate how others think. As we become even more connected through the internet and mass media, travelling gives you the opportunity to truly experience what it means to be part of this global village.

Friends not enemies
Graduation trips are great fun especially when you go with a few of your closest friends. You have endless stories to tell others when you return, and sharing accommodation, transport and food reduces costs. But before you book your airplane tickets, do thrash out expectations of the trip.


While you may prefer modest accommodations in a youth hostel, your friends may want to splurge on a 5-star hotel. So be honest with your budgets and plan according to it. Also, check that you have similar objectives – you may enjoy long walks in nature reserves while your friends’ priority is sourcing out the best bargains in the mall.


After considering budgets and interests, think of what you want to do – seek adventure by mountain trekking, or chill out by the beach? And while planning for your own vacation offers you freedom and choice, do consider travel agencies as well. Several have youth-oriented packages that tend to be less structured and highly affordable prices.


We all have little idiosyncrasies, from snoring to sleeping with the lights on, and these really surface when travelling with friends. It may be helpful to raise any ‘strange’ habits early, to ready each other before leaving. And be patient: part of the entire experience is accepting the little quirks of each other and living with it. After all, you begin the trip together as best buds, so do not return as enemies!


Being prepared
If you have spent years mastering a foreign language like French or Japanese, this is the perfect time to travel to the country to practice your ability to speak like the locals. Besides, being able to speak the language is a great way to truly immerse yourself into local culture.


Another option to consider – contact friends and family living in the country you are visiting. They may be able to offer you a place to stay or take you around the local attractions.


Do check out peak travel seasons, and if possible, avoid them as accommodation tends to be more expensive and tourist spots become more congested. Also find out if there are any vaccinations and/or official documents that are required before you can enter the country. Weather is another factor to keep in mind. Global warming has made the climate much more unpredictable, so try to seek out as much information as you can, to help you decide what to bring.


And if you are worried about safety, just remember that a little common sense goes a long way: avoid unsafe streets, keep valuables out of sight or in your room, and try to blend in with the people around.


Experiencing life
For many, the graduation trip is like a rite of passage: a detour you make as you leave university and prepare yourself for the working world. Before you move into a new phase in life, this trip lets you pick up some essential skills like independence and self-reliance.


And because you have moved out of your comfort zone to explore new worlds, invariably, you also sharpen decision-making and leadership qualities. In the process, you may even learn more about your own strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, the time away is an excellent opportunity to take stock of life and consider your options ahead.

Ultimately, enjoy yourself! Have fun and bon voyage!