Hey, senior. Congratulations! Getting your degree is no mean feat, and we’re glad you’re on your way to the finish line.
Maybe you’re among the lucky ones who plan to celebrate with a graduation trip after you receive your diploma this year. If so, you have many options, from domestic to foreign. The good news is, you needn’t rush away right after graduation, but can take your time, traveling later in the summer, after you wind up summer classes, finish visiting with the parents, or working a summer job. (This was written and posted while the COVID-19 pandemic was still raging, and then updated in spring 2021 as more and more Americans of all ages were getting vaccinated, so take that into account when reading. As of early 2021, the prospects for spring and summer international travel remained uncertain, with expectations mixed on the speed with which the vaccine roll-out would return life to normal. In April 2021, the European Union announced that it would be allowing visits from fully vaccinated Americans this summer, so that was one bit of good news.)
Decide Where You Want to Go
Now, the fun part. Sitting in your Columbus or Athens rental house or apartment, you have plenty of time to contemplate where you’ll go, which incredible destinations you’ll decide to visit. If you’re traveling with friends, you need to put your heads together soon and make a plan. Summer and winter destinations can fill up in a hurry, so book ahead. You can also likely get a better rate if you secure your airfare a few months prior to departure. And remember, flying in late August or September can be significantly cheaper than in the height of summer. It’s also important to check whether you have any travel vouchers extant. A lot of people canceled flights in 2020 due to COVID-19, and may have forgotten that they can still fly with the voucher they received. Some of those vouchers are good till mid-2022.
When it comes to accommodations, of course you have choices, from Airbnb or VRBO to bed and breakfast to booking in a hotel or resort. For the latter, again, book well ahead of the date of arrival so you’re sure to get the kind of rooms you want. If there are several of you, you may want to ask for a suite. Be prepared, however, to be asked your age. Many rental accommodations don’t rent to young adults.
Whatever you do, wherever you go, happy and safe travels.