20 Epic Graduation Trip Ideas for Every Budget

It’s that time of year when final-year students are buzzing with energy – nervous or otherwise. Final exams are just around the corner, but so is something else – the freedom to do just what you like! And what better way to celebrate this new-found freedom than to take a trip and breathe some different air. 

You only graduate once, so festivities are 100% in order, it would be a travesty not to book yourself a trip/e understand that your brain may be jumbled with all that cramming though, so here is our guide and list of the best graduation trip ideas for every budget that’ll fulfil the checklist for activities, relaxation, and vibes.

When to go?

As soon as you step out of that last exam hall, of course! No time to waste when the world of education has come to end and the world of being a real adult looms ahead. 

But really if you’re looking for unforgettable graduate trip ideas, between May and September is probably going to be your go-to time. It’s peak summer, the sun will be out and beaming those fat rays, and most grad-jobs start in the fall so this is your last chance to really get your party on before the real world smacks you in the face (kidding, it’s really not that bad).

1- Sip some Aperols in Italy

Dreaming of bliss and warm air dancing through your hair? Look no further than classic Italy – you really can’t go wrong with this destination. There’s nothing like scooping up fresh gelato with your tongue to remind yourself that this is how good life can be.

Learn the true meaning of La Dolce Vita as you sail across the sparkling sea in Cinque Terre and take the perspective photo you’ve always wanted in Pisa. This is a place of art of music and stunning architecture (don’t worry you won’t be quizzed on it). The perfect grad getaway if you ask us… and with our Italian Espresso Trip you can let your brain fully relax, we’ll take care of everything.

2- Let the sun kiss your skin in Greece

How’s this for a graduation trip idea? Sweat all that pent up stress out of you and hop island to island, haven to haven, in Greece. Think sunset cocktails, cool waters lapping at your toes, and bright blue domes stretching for miles winking like jewels in the sun. 

Start in Athens and commit all the mythical ruins to your memory (we recommend looking up the stories behind them as well, the Gods were evil…). Then, like the tide, let yourself be taken to Mykonos for extravagant nightlife, then to Paros and Ios, and finally to Santorini where you can celebrate your success with some local ouzo. Trust us, a Greek Island Hopping is the kind of relaxation you need.

3- Get that culture fix in Great Britain and Ireland

People don’t tend to travel to Great Britain and Ireland for the great weather, though the summer season does bring about a pleasant sun! What they do come for, though, is the heaps and heaps of culture. From old castles and churches, to rich historical museums and art galleries, boredom will never be an option.

Sample some local culinary favourites like fish and chips and haggis for the brave, and go for elegant whiskey and beer tastings across Scotland and Ireland. Whoever said Great Britain had no native cuisine was very wrong.

4- Embark on your next chapter in Turkey

Set sail on abyssal blue waters aboard a ship that’ll take you from Fethiye to Samanlik Bay on our Turkish Sailing Trip! This destination is for all the moods, whether you want to relax in a world-famous Turkish spa, or feel your heart soar in your chest paragliding over the turquoise sea. 

Good vibes, great memories, and amazing besties are part of our Contiki guarantees and you won’t be missing any of them here.

5- Tick one off the bucket list in Peru

This graduation trip idea is for overachievers (those adventure-hungry individuals who inherited the discovery gene). Want to tick off all 7 Wonders of the World from your checklist? Well this is a start. Take your cute little butt to Peru for some camping in the most lush and vibrant forests and hiking up cloud-clad mountains. Truly one of those experiences that pictures won’t do justice. 

And of course, the crown jewel of this odyssey! Machu Picchu awaits your arrival, it’s practically begging for your attention. The ruins, shrouded in rolling mist and cradled by emerald gorges, really bring meaning to the word ‘ethereal’. Our Ultimate Inca Trail will be your conversation starter all through your first few weeks at your grad job. 

6- Get up and personal with crystal waters in Thailand

Now, Thailand really is a recent grad’s fantasy. Lazing under a palm tree, rice on your chin, a selection of fruit on a banana leaf, the gentle sounds of waves crashing against beaches of ivory sand. No pressure, no deadlines, no responsibility.

Gone are the days of instant ramen and staying up in the unholy hours to cram more info into your brain. Here you can SNORKEL! And SWIM! And SUNBATHE! The three S’s to create the most sensational escape. Contiki knows how to do Thailand, trust. We’ve got Thai Island Hopper East, and Thai Island Hopper West – which direction do you want to turn your head?

7- Embrace tradition in Japan

Speaking of instant ramen, how about treating yourself to the real deal? A creamy bowl of Tonkotsu broth with thick udon noodles and jammy eggs – that’s a hug in a bowl right there. Japan, of course, is on many travellers’ bucket lists because of everything it has to offer. From Tokyo and its bustling streets and hypnotising neon lights, to Takayama dotted with Shinto shrines, ruby Torii gates, and Matsumoto Castle – when it comes to graduation trip ideas, this place is packed with surprises.

If you’ve ever seen a Ghibli movie and fantasised about living one of Miyazaki’s whimsical adventures then this is the right place and our Trip Managers will ensure total immersion. Japan is bursting from the seams with deep rooted culture and traditions, and our Japan Unrivalled Trip will guarantee you get to experience them all. 

The crown of Asia is dotted with many many other jewels though, and with our Thailand, Laos and Cambodia Adventure you can give each of them the attention they deserve. 

8- Party closer to home in Mexico

A classic destination for all grad vacations, Mexico has everything you need to relax, celebrate, and make some amazing memories. On Mexico Grande, you’ll spend time in a tequila distillery, atop a Mayan temple, and in a hot air balloon, you’ll be absolutely breathless and in awe. 

It goes without saying that you’ll also be having just the most mouth-watering food, a great way to kiss your sad student meals goodbye and kickstart your real life!

9 – Discover why west is best from LA to the Bay

There’s just something extra twinkly about the west coast, don’t you think? And you, recent grad, there’s something extra twinkly about you too. Perfect match then! Whether it’s a sunset trip or the Vegas strip this trip is guaranteed to make you feel the kind of special you deserve.

That’s our main mission, and Contiki has the perfect Western itinerary planned. Breeze through LA’s beaches, up the hills of San Fran and marvel at Yosemite National Park, and of course the copper behemoth that is the Grand Canyon. We’ll really spoil you with an unforgettable night in vibrant Las Vegas… Imagine all the things you can get up to before coming down from this graduation high.

10 – Make the world yours in New York

And one of the top graduate trip ideas? New York City, obviously! It’s dripping in all the glitz and glam. The destination of a boss ass b***h. Gawk at your accomplished-self in the reflection of skyscrapers, immerse yourself in the colourful world of arts and media and culture. 

The Big Apple is the place for you to meet all the people of the world, from all backgrounds, from everywhere. It’ll remind you that the world is yours for the taking, all you gotta do is reach. The best kind of inspiration if you ask us. Contiki will guide you through the busy streets, but we’re most excited to watch you make use of your own wings…

11. Hop between the Philippines’ best islands

Graduation glow? Check. A Philippines island hopping trip is basically tropical perfection – think turquoise lagoons, towering limestone cliffs, and the softest sands your feet have ever met. Whether you’re snorkelling through Palawan’s secret lagoons, or chilling at a pristine beach in Boracay, or riding a colourful jeepney – you’ll love every bit. And the best part? These islands are super budget-friendly.

12. Tick the Taj Mahal off your list

India is not just a destination. It’s a whole technicolour, spicy-scented, sensory experience. You’ll visit the dazzling Taj Mahal, take a Bollywood dance class, visit Jaipur’s prettiest palace, chill on Goa’s gorgeous beaches and even do a tiger safari. You’ll be talking about your India trip until you retire.

13. Explore Costa Rica’s National Parks

The best reward after years of study and stress? Fresh air and feel-good vibes. And that’s exactly what the Costa Rica National Park trip gives. From cloud forests to volcanoes, scenic mountains to surf breaks, this country has got all the green flags.

Zipline your way over treetops, unwind in natural hot springs, and live your best “I’m one with nature” fantasy. Plus? Sloths. ‘Nuff said.

14. Hike the Rockies

If you’ve ever dreamed of hiking through national parks that look like Windows wallpapers, now’s the best time. On Canada & the Rockies, you’ll hit up Banff, Jasper, and Whistler, and find turquoise lakes, meet Indigenous people and take more scenic selfies than your phone can handle. It’s nature, adrenaline, and alpine vibes all the way.

15. Do a big European adventure

Can’t decide where to go? So fair. That’s why we swirled up all of Europe’s greatest hits into one single trip, and it’s the perfect taster for all-things-Europe. You’ll sail across Venetian canals, check out Munich’s streets, pose by the Eiffel Tower, sip wine in the Rhine Valley, check out Switzerland’s lovely lakes and peaks, and. So. Much. More. Say hello to European Discovery. It’s fast-paced, fun-fuelled, and fully unforgettable.

16. Live our your French fantasies

Berets. Baguettes. Bad decisions made under the Eiffel Tower. If your post-grad vibe is all about aesthetic cafés, moody strolls along the Seine, and learning how to say “pain au chocolat s’il vous plaît”, then a France trip is it. Expect perfumeries & patisseries in Paris, history & gothic architecture in Normandy, champagne and châteaux and wine – all the things that make French life so adored.

17. Spot the Big 5 in Kenya

Textbooks? Nah. Binoculars? Yah. If you’re craving something extra and want to level up your travel game, Kenya is roaring with potential. On our Kenyan Highlights trip, you’ll head out on safari, see the Big 5 in their natural habitat, watch flamingos cover entire lakes in pink and even visit a Maasai village. It’s one of those trips that reminds you just how big and wild the world really is – and how cool it is that you get to be in it.

18. Discover Morocco’s souks and spices

Spice markets, desert dunes, mosaic tiles, and mint tea on rooftops – Morocco is like stepping into a kaleidoscope. It’s vibrant, bold, and buzzing with stories (just like you after you visit it). Take a camel ride into the Sahara, sleep under the stars, and check out the markets, treat yourself to a massage – a Moroccan adventure will never disappoint you.

19. Go island hopping in Bali

Bali, baby. There’s so much to discover here – waterfalls, beaches, smoothies, and so much serenity. Whether you’re partying in Canggu, chilling in Ubud’s jungle, or diving off the coast of Gili T, every second here feels like a graduation present from the universe.

But our Bali Island Hopping trip? It hits all the highlights AND takes you beyond the beach clubs with epic experiences like traditional Balinese cooking classes, biking and so much more.

20. Hike the picture=perfect Patagonian trails

You’ve climbed enough academic mountains. So why not take on an actual one? Patagonia’s surreal mountain landscapes, icy blue glaciers and dramatic vistas are like something from a dream. It’s a trip for the brave, the bold, and those ready to reflect while trekking through raw, untamed nature. If you want to push yourself one last time before the 9-to-5 hits, this is the trail to take.