Graduation is near, and you’re about to say goodbye to your student identity after nearly 20 years. But work, military service, and the like will have to wait — go wild on a graduation trip first before thinking about anything else!! But where should you go for your graduation trip? That’s a big question. Maybe your post-graduation budget isn’t huge, or there are too many friends and you’re afraid of crowds. Is it better to go with a group or drive yourselves? Don’t worry — whether you want an island holiday or a road trip across the country, we’ve rounded up the five best graduation trip routes for you~
Route 1: Bangkok, Thailand | Classic Southeast Asian Vibes
Every graduation season, university students planning their trips10often choose8group tours that head to Thailand. But it’s precisely because of Thailand’s low prices, convenient transport, and diverse experiences that even though it’s a popular destination, people are still willing to squeeze in during peak graduation travel season. You can explore palaces and shopping malls in Bangkok, or take a short ride to Pattaya for thrilling water activities and massages,SPAenjoying both land and sea fun in one place.
Floating Markets
In the suburbs of Bangkok, there are two major floating markets: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Amphawa Floating Market. Amphawa, located along the Mae Klong River, has lower prices and sells more traditional market goods rather than overly commercialized items.
Recommended itinerary: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Amphawa Floating Market
Moon Island Charter Boat
How can you visit Thailand without trying water activities? Enjoy sunbathing, beach volleyball, and banana boat rides on Moon Island in Pattaya, then charter a boat to go fishing in the open sea. The boat even has karaoke — sing your heart out, then jump into the sea for a swim. Get hungry? Enjoy a seafood feast right on the boat.
Recommended itinerary: Star Island Land & Sea Fun Tour
Ultimate Thailand Experience, Thailand Group Tour Guide, Thailand Travel Cheat Sheet
Route 2: Cebu, Philippines | Budget-Friendly Island Getaway
If you’re all about beach vacations, Cebu in the Philippines will absolutely blow your mind. Aside from the usual water activities, the city also offers rich historical sites and plenty of shopping. Across the water, Bohol Island boasts world-class diving spots and the must-see Chocolate Hills — one of the Seven Natural Wonders. Best of all, prices here are super low. A five-day trip costs around NT$20,000, making it perfect for students who’ve just finished their theses, exhibitions, or those on a tight budget — come and indulge freely here.
Kawasan Falls
Kawasan Falls is located in the central part of Cebu Island. A chartered car ride takes about3hour to get there. At first, the guide will take you up the mountain on a motorcycle, then you’ll hike for about20minutes to reach the top. What follows is a series of stream trekking, water sliding, and cliff jumping — super thrilling!!! Just remember, if you don’t go while you’re young, you might miss your chance~
Balicasag Island Wall
Located in the waters near Bohol Island, the Balicasag Island Wall is home to a rich variety of fish and colorful coral reefs. Even if you can’t swim, no worries — boatmen will guide you one by one as you snorkel along the wall. The breathtaking underwater scenery will take your breath away.
Route 3: Jeju Island, South Korea | Stress Relief & Serenity
After being bombarded with your graduation thesis, do you want to escape the hustle and bustle, get away from the city, and go on a fresh and relaxing graduation trip to a natural, simple, and scenic area? Located at the southernmost tip of Korea and known as the "Hawaii of Korea," Jeju Island boasts beautiful mountains and waters, a pleasant climate, and endless delicious food — making it the perfect choice to unwind and rejuvenate during your graduation trip. The island also offers convenient transportation, whether you prefer to drive or take the bus. Many Korean celebrities have even opened restaurants or bought homes here, so you might even run into your idol if you're lucky!
Hallasan Mountain
Hallasan Mountain, the highest peak in the center of Jeju Island, stands nearly 2,000 meters tall. The flowers and plants throughout the mountain bloom in different colors according to the season, and there are many hiking trails to choose from. Once you reach the summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Jeju Island’s breathtaking scenery. There are also many horse ranches at the foot of the mountain where you can experience horseback riding across the grasslands.360The breathtaking view stretches as far as the eye can see, and there are many horse ranches at the foot of the mountain where you can experience galloping across the grasslands~
Udo Island
Udo Island, a smaller island within Jeju Island, can be described as another hidden paradise. Ride a bicycle along the way while admiring the endless expanse of blue sea, with clear waves crashing against the rocky shore. You can also watch haenyeo (female divers) preparing to dive for fish. After soaking in the beautiful views, head to a local restaurant to enjoy a delicious meal of the freshest seafood!
Route 4: Hanoi, Vietnam | A Time-Traveling Adventure
Want to visit Southeast Asia but don’t want to follow the crowd to Thailand? Hanoi, Vietnam, offers you the most classic and charming South Asian vibe, blended with exotic remnants from the French colonial era. Wander through the Old Quarter's 36 streets, then take a stroll or have a picnic by Hoan Kiem Lake. Don’t forget to visit Hanoi Cathedral, modeled after Notre-Dame de Paris. And don't miss the breathtaking landscapes of Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, which are just about a three-hour drive from downtown Hanoi!
Water Puppet Theater
This is a traditional art form that originated11in Vietnamese rural areas centuries ago. Performers operate wooden puppets behind a screen using bamboo rods, putting on shows on stages built over water. Even if you don’t understand the story, the stunning performance techniques are sure to leave you in awe.
Ha Long Bay
Famous for its rich karst landscape, often referred to as the "Guilin of Vietnam," Ha Long Bay offers a dreamy and enchanting experience. Take a small boat and glide across the calm waters, weaving through towering, jagged mountains that create a scene straight out of a movie.
Route 5: Queenstown, New Zealand | Road-Tripping Through Breathtaking Scenery
If you have a bit of a budget and are traveling with just four or five people, why not go on a road trip in New Zealand? As New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, visiting during summer vacation means you’ll experience winter there. New Zealand’s fjord landscapes are world-renowned for their beauty. Rent a campervan and drive around the South Island — from Queenstown to Christchurch and back — to take in the most beautiful lakes and glaciers all in one trip.
Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo is about a three-hour drive from Queenstown. Its gem-like lake surface reflects the vast mountain scenery, and every winter, it becomes covered with a purple carpet of lupine flowers. Not far away, the Mount John Observatory offers a stunning view of the expansive starry night sky!
Skydiving
Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the world, and skydiving is likely on many people’s bucket lists. When you’re here, you definitely shouldn’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Leap from high above and gaze down at the sweeping mountains and lakes, experiencing the thrill of a freefall that lasts just seconds — if not now on your graduation trip, when will you do it?60A freefall descent in just 58 seconds—when else are you going to do it if not on a school trip?
Featured Itineraries:Lake Tekapo
It’s hard enough to organize a reunion with classmates after graduation, let alone squeeze in a five-day or longer vacation abroad amid a packed schedule. So be sure to make the most of your graduation trip and have an amazing time with your university friends before stepping into the real world. Here are five recommended routes to help you20wrap up your campus youth over the years in the most perfect way possible!
ByHsu An|TripressoHowToTrip Editorial Team
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