The summer after students graduate is filled with time for fun, friends, and family. A great way to squeeze all of that in is going on a senior trip. Over the past few generations it has become more of a common theme to go on a trip after senior year. Some graduates prefer to go to other continents such as Europe or Asia, while many prefer to just go on a road trip with friends. This really depends on cost or even preference. A couple great cost effective ideas include road tripping to California, or even staying in state. There are some amazing spots to check out in the Pacific Northwest. Personally one of my favorites is Cascades National Park. Some are looking for a life changing trip before jetting off to their new life in the world of college. If that seems interesting some options are places like South America, Asia, and Europe. To get the full experience and the money’s worth out of the trip many suggests going for at least two and a half weeks. However, with expensive trips it is common to go with parents since the price is so high. If going with friends is an interest a road trip or at least remaining in the country is probably the most viable option.

Road trips are a popular idea when it comes to senior trips. It is something you can do with family, friends, or even both. Senior Deon Lillo says, “My dream senior trip would consist of road tripping with friends to six flags more towards the end of summer so we could all have some amazing memories before heading off to college.” A major reason so many seniors are invested in the idea of a road trip rather than going somewhere with parents is the freedom that comes from traveling with friends. For a large portion of a teens’ life they have had to deal with restrictions coming from a parental figure in their life. Traveling without that figure allows them freedom they have yet to discover fully. Senior Nick Dahlquist says, “The biggest difference between any other trip I’ve been on and this trip with be the lack of supervision. I feel that it will allow me to feel more in charge of my decisions and the trip overall.”

Airline travel within the states is also prevalent among seniors. Senior Alex Fullerton says, “I’m very excited to go to Hawaii. It’s been awhile since I have had to fly.” Flying opens the door to many different possibilities. The most common destinations in the states are Hawaii, New York, and Los Angeles. Hawaii is so popular because it is so easily enjoyable. Whether people spend the entire trip lazing around the beach, exploring the islands, or swimming in the tropical waters there is a high chance they will end the trip with a tan and a desire to return soon. Fullerton says, “This is my sixth time returning to the Islands and I never get tired of it. Each trip has been so vastly different compared to the last. I would highly recommend putting Hawaii on your bucket list.” New York is second to Hawaii, but it also offers such a variety of things to experience. Senior Emily Angell says, “Back in November I went to New York as my birthday gift and my senior trip. The reason I went was to see Dear Evan Hansen. It is my favorite musical and I really loved being in New York. I would love to visit again.” New York is the city to visit if fashion, business, or even art is something that is of interest. The city is a hub for the newest fashion and current artists that are driving the art world. Los Angeles is also a huge focal point of fashion and art. Both cities house amazing colleges that focus on the arts, According to Study.com, “Woodbury University in Burbank California was ranked among the top 65 regional universities in the West in 2013 by U.S. News & World Report. It offers a bachelor’s degree program in fashion design, as well as a bachelor’s program in fashion marketing.” If LA is not appealing to you then a great suggestion would be the Pratt Institute in New York.

Traveling internationally is a dream of many, but is not achieved by most at this age. However, Senior Emma Smith says, “I am lucky enough to be traveling to Europe this summer as my senior trip. We will be traveling to multiple countries and I can’t wait to go.” International trips are something on everyone’s bucket list. Most out of country seniors consider are places like Europe, Central or South America, and Asia. Senior Isobel Taylor says, “I was able to travel Taiwan last summer as my senior trip and it was so eye opening to visit such a vastly different country compared to my own, it has made me excited to travel outside of the country more.”

Hopefully traveling is something that will help the 2018 class combat a few of the apprehensive feelings that originate in the transition to college and adulthood.