Many students around the world commemorate the end of their college years with a senior trip. From going abroad to staying relatively local, there are hundreds of options to choose from and the possibilities are endless. Some schools offer sponsored trips to a set destination, or you can always plan your own trip. Making the trip will be the experience of a lifetime and is a must-do to celebrate your years of hard work. We’ve compiled a list of the five most asked questions for your senior trip and answered them just for you.
How do I decide where I want to go?
Picking the destination of your trip may be the hardest part. If you’re travelling with a group, make sure to consult with your group members first. Figure out if you want to stay local, go abroad, see the beach, the mountains, or whatever else you may want to do. Research these areas and figure out what fits your group’s needs best, and always make sure to have a backup location incase something goes awry with your initial plans. If you plan on partaking in a trip sponsored by your school, make sure to check out the options and see which is best for you.
How do I plan my itinerary?
It is worth it to research area you will be visiting—learn about the culture, the food, the people, the language, whatever you can find. It’s always better to be over-informed than know nothing at all, and the info will come in handy. If you have a pre-determined itinerary for a school sponsored trip, research the places you’ll be going. If you’re the champion of your own destiny and responsible for your own schedule, get to planning! Websites like trip advisor, yelp and more will help find the places that give you the best bang for your buck. Check out the national monuments, museums, and any other significant landmarks. There are tons of things to do that cost little to no money and will give you the memories and experience of a lifetime.
How do I obtain the proper documents?
If you plan on staying in the states, you’re probably already set. On the other hand, if you plan to leave the country for your trip, there are a couple more precautions you must take in order to pass through security. Entering a different country requires a form of passport/visa, but it differs for every country. Some may require a passport book, while others may require a passport card, so make sure to research the area you are visiting and their requirements. In order to get your passport, you must have provide proof of immediate international travel (like airline or cruise tickets), and leave about 6-8 weeks’ worth of time for your passport to be processed and delivered to you. Book an appointment with your nearest passport agency, and they will walk you through the rest.
How do I choose my accommodations/living arrangements?
Where you stay on your trip depends on a number of factors, from region to terrain to price range, there is a lot to consider. If you plan on visiting the west coast beaches in California, your best bet may be a hotel/Airbnb on or near the beach for easy access. If you plan on visiting Italy, you may want to book a hotel in the heart of the city. Research the best options for the region you are staying in, and make sure to read reviews from visitors on the different places to stay in. Hotels.com will help direct you to the best deals for your buck, with places that offer reasonable accommodations for breakfast, wifi, and more. If you plan to move around the area you are visiting a lot, it may be worth it to consider renting a car for easy transportation.
And finally, how do I make the most of my trip?
Making memories out of your trip is arguably the most important part of your trip. You’re visiting for the experience and life-long memories that you can tell all your friends and family, so make sure to make the best of your trip. Experience everything you can, from landmarks to museums to the cuisine, take pictures of everything you see, learn about everything you can. Keep an open mind as you visit areas you’ve never been to before, and make sure to cherish your opportunity to travel.
This trip may be one of the most memorable times of your life, so make sure to make the best of it. You may even find yourself visiting again in the future, or better yet moving there!