Graduation marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in one's life. For many seniors, it's a time to celebrate their achievements and make lasting memories with their closest friends. One way to do that is to take a trip together.
Whether it's a weekend getaway or a more extended adventure, travelling with your best friends post-graduation is a great way to bond and create memories that will last a lifetime. As you plan your trip, remember that the destination is the beginning. The real magic is in the journey and the memories you'll create together. So pack your bags, grab your best friends, and prepare for an unforgettable trip using these suggestions!
New York City, New York
NYC, better known as "The Big Apple" or "The city that never sleeps," is filled with plenty of activities. If you're coming down from the high of graduating, NYC is the perfect place to liven you and your friends up. You could explore the Met Museum and marvel at the many pieces of art offered there. From European Paintings and Sculptures to Musical Instruments and Decorative Arts, you could explore the Met for $30. You could also walk along the famous Brooklyn Bridge and view the city while getting away from the hustle and bustle inside the city itself. For those who enjoy athletics, visit Ferox Athletics and get out some pent-up energy you may have. Ferox is a professional ninja park on the east coast for adults and kids who enjoy performing parkour and going on trampolines with limited risk. You could also visit the City Climb, an observation deck on the highest open-air building ascent in the world. Suppose you're a daredevil interested in climbing. In that case, you could scale the outside of a skyscraper more than 1,200 feet above the ground, lean out and look at the view firsthand.
NYC sizzles with a melting pot of culinary delights, each more diverse than the last. If you want food from Chinatown, you could check out Wah Fung Fast Food, which usually serves up its famous Cantonese roast pork for $5.50. There are also dessert spots, such as Levain and the donut pub, specializing in treats to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Levain Bakery is most notable for its cookies, specifically the chocolate chip walnut and two-chip chocolate chip cookies. Still, they serve up other pastries such as brioche with cinnamon butter or chocolate chips, scones, muffins, or slices of bread. The Donut Pub is bursting with various decorated and specialized donuts to consume to your heart's content.
You could get one of their special donuts for $5.00 or $2.75 for a plain donut. If you're craving Italian food, try the San Marzano, an Italian restaurant flooded with raving reviews about their fresh pasta, various vegan options, and brunch. Reservations are only required if you're a party of 4 or more. The price usually starts at about $11, depending on your desired pasta.
Walt Disney World, Florida
The place where dreams come true and your wallets cry from how much money you spend each day at the park. If you've always wanted to attend at least one of the Disney parks, seize the opportunity! Walt Disney World has many attractions, food, shows, happy smiles, and a magical atmosphere. Use this chance to take a photo in front of Cinderella Castle and explore the 189-foot landmark that boasts lofty spires and ornate turrets and is the gateway to Fantasyland.
You'll be making memories you can never forget at Cinderella's own wishing well or viewing exquisitely handcrafted glass mosaics that tell the classic story of Cinderella's rise from orphan to princess. If you're hungry, you can also sit at Cinderella's Royal Table but reserve a table in advance for this one-of-a-kind dining experience.
You could view the fireworks and night light show at Magic Kingdom park, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom park. If you're a major Toy Story fan, you can visit Toy Story Land and be carried away by childhood nostalgia in this toy-themed section of Walt Disney World. If you want to munch on Andy's favs and classic kid treats, head over to Woody's lunch box and try breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals for $14.99 and up per adult. There's also Jessie's Trading Post if you want to buy island merchandise goodies inspired by the Toy Story films.
If you're looking for arcade fun and games, you can head into Toy Story Mania, step inside Andy's room through 3D glasses, and play various games. Star Wars fans, rise up and rejoice! Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a massive attraction with multiple ride systems, unlike anything you've ever experienced at Walt Disney World.
Join the resistance and immerse yourself in the world of Star Wars by taking on a thrilling adventure to fight the dark side. Looking to cool off after a long hot day in the park? Then you can cool down at Typhoon Lagoon water park!
You can hit the water slides and head down the Crush n' Gusher, a 2 person raft ride featuring exciting dips and turns. You can also chill out at Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool and spend time in the warm water while enjoying an epic body surfing ride as you're propelled to shore.
The Beach
If you live far from the beach and on the coast, as most people do, then take this chance to visit the sandbar paradise and spend time sunbathing in the sun. Try channelling your inner child by building sand castles with your friends and making sand casts from them. Although making a sandcastle can be hard for beginners, you don't have to be an architecture major to keep practicing at building one.
Just have fun with it and enjoy this bonding experience with your friends. As far as fun and affordable trip activities go, collecting seashells and rocks can be fun if you're looking for free souvenirs from your trip. Junonia is one of the rarest shells on the beach, but if you get lucky, you could find one on the shore.
If you head to certain areas like the L.A. beaches, you could discover moonstones, bloodstones, or even amethyst. You could try flying a kite while you're there if rock collecting isn't your thing. Typically, the local shops are filled with different kinds of kites for you to choose the one you like or make your own!
Los Angeles, California
Boasting food, live entertainment, nightlife, celebrities everywhere you turn, and shops that stretch past palm trees. It's no wonder why everyone's place on their travel bucket list is the "city of angels." L.A. is home to many attractions and places to visit if you want excellent photo ops and memories to make. Santa Monica is a fantastic place to start when visiting Los Angeles because it's close to Malibu, Venice Beach, and Beverly Hills.
It's also home to the Santa Monica Pier, a historical landmark that has been around since September 9, 1909. The pier is divided into sections that offer many opportunities for you and your friends to enjoy the attractions they offer. The Heal the Bay Aquarium is a privately owned aquarium comprised of 100+ local marine animals and wildlife species and is located under the Santa Monica Pier. Tickets cost $10 and are open from 12 pm and 4 pm all 7 days of the week except for holidays. Another landmark you could check out is Angel's flights, a 2 ft 6 in funicular railway in the Bunker Hill district of Downtown Los Angeles, California. It's been open since 1901 and has two funicular cars, Olivet and Sinai, running in opposite directions on a shared cable. The fare is $1.00 each way, and you can purchase a souvenir round-trip ticket for $2.00 to take a piece of history home with you. Rodeo Drive is home to many of the world's leading international brands, housed in architect-designed boutiques along the many palm trees down the road. If you're interested in shopping and fashion, then this is the perfect pitstop for you to make while you're there.
Cafe on 27 is a restaurant in the heart of Topanga Canyon, surrounded by the most breathtaking views of the hills. They're known for their natural ambiance and offer many breakfast, lunch, and dinner options for those who want various options. They also offer vegan options, such as THE VEGAN CLUB for $21 for those who want to enjoy the food without eating meat.
It consists of avocado, cucumbers, sprouts, roasted pepper, tomato, grilled zucchini, red onion, pepperoncini & sun-dried tomato tapenade topped with cashew dressing, all between two toasted five-seed wheat toast. It's also served with a side of your choice. You could also visit the Grand Central Market if you have a diverse palette and are looking for various food options in one place. It's an emporium hosting food vendors & florists, plus game nights, movies & other events. They have vendors that offer products and goods based on many cultures, such as Mexican, Japanese, and even food from Berlin. Mirate is a modern fine-dining Mexican restaurant about hanging out in a versatile space. They offer amazing tacos for $8 and ceviches (a Latin American dish typically made from fresh raw fish cured in fresh citrus juices, most commonly lime or lemon) from $15 to $21.
Camping Trips
While this option may seem a little basic, you could always enjoy the outdoors with your friends by camping. Grab your trusty tent and head over to your local, national park! Yellowstone and Yosemite are all-time favorites.
However, you can also check out the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's misty hills, historic landmarks, and Appalachian history throughout the forests. If you want to experience the fresh air of the outdoors while still keeping your modern luxuries, you could always go "glamping." Glamping is a luxurious version of camping, allowing you to explore the woods and forests while having resort-style services available; a popular destination is The Resort at Paws Up. Located in Greenough, Montana, this location offers 6 exclusive glamping camps, each offering a different experience.
Whether travelling with one friend or multiple, you can choose between 1 to 3 bedrooms and 1 to 2 bathrooms, depending on the location. Guests have a dedicated camping butler and three gourmet meals with various beverages made available daily. Activities such as pony rides and snow tubing are covered at nightly rates.
On-site transportation and shuttle service to and from Missoula Montana Airport, about 35 miles away, is also included in your stay. Whenever you're ready to return to civilization, you can always count on a free shuttle to take you back to the airport.
South Padre Island
South Padre Island is a resort town on the southern coast of Texas. It is a paradise for its beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, and local attractions. Thrill Seekers, unite!
Gravity Park is your destination if your craving for adventure leads you to seek the ultimate amusement. Founded in the spring of 1993, Gravity Park has been part of the community for almost 30 years. It boasts the title of housing the world's tallest Reverse-Bungee, affectionately known as The Rocket.
But the excitement doesn't stop there. With the Skycoaster (Giant Swing), you'll soar to new heights and bask in breathtaking views of the entire island. From high-speed races on the multi-level adult Go-Kart track to pint-sized adventures on the children's Go-Karts, there's something for everyone.
Put your way through the Mini-Golf course, take a spin on the 60-foot Ferris Wheel, and soar on the Trampoline Ride. For those seeking indoor excitement, test your skills in the Arcade or tackle the Climbing Wall. Get ready for non-stop fun!
For 35 years, South Ranch has been the culinary crown jewel of South Padre Island, catering to visitors seeking an unparalleled dining experience. Their ever-evolving menu is a tantalizing treasure trove, featuring the juiciest steaks, the catch of the day from the Gulf of Mexico, and delectable appetizers. As "Local Wild-Caught" seafood purveyors, each bite celebrates the Gulf's bounty.
Calling all ocean enthusiasts! Since 1973, the Coastal Studies Lab has served as the ultimate destination for those seeking to deepen their understanding of South Padre Island and the South Texas Gulf of Mexico. As a marine biology laboratory, it offers various fascinating programs that bring the sea's mysteries to life.
Immerse yourself in coastal conservation, explore marine biology, and discover the importance of preserving our oceans. The Coastal Studies Lab is the ultimate marine adventure for sea lovers!
As seniors say goodbye to the familiar and hello to the unknown, taking a trip with their best friends is the perfect way to make the transition a little less daunting. Use this experience to bond in new ways and make the leap into the unknown less scary. It may seem scary at first to go off on your own, but as long as you have your friends by your side, it gets a bit easier. Good luck!
