How to Plan a Vacation for a Graduation Gift

If money is no object and you want to give a graduation gift that will be remembered forever, choose a vacation or plan a trip for the future graduate. Whether the vacation is just for the graduate or involves other people (friends, family members or other students), helping plan one can be an excellent way to show your appreciation for the hard work of the graduate.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Find out when the actual graduation will be and make sure the student will not have exams to take, presentations to give or papers to write after the classes are over. The vacation should be a time to relax and celebrate, but it would hardly be that if the traveler is worrying about future exams waiting for him back home.
2. Choose a destination or vacation plan that matches the graduate's interests. You could choose New York for somebody graduating from art or literary careers, or the Midwest as a gift for somebody with a career related to natural resources or the environment.
3. Plan the vacation well in advance. You need to give the person enough time to get ready for the trip, arrange things left behind and decide all necessary details. A trip is not a gift you can wait until the last minute to give. Instead, let the receiver know of your intentions, and then get ready preparing and organizing the details.
4. Plan a cruise for the ultimate graduation gift. Cruises do not have to cost a fortune. In fact, many of them turn out to be incredibly affordable once you consider that they include all expenses, such as accommodations, food and entertainment. You can now choose cruises to fit almost any schedule and interests, from themed cruises (fitness, literary, singles) and short weekend cruises to both warm and cold-weather trips.
5. Let the graduate choose the destination if you are not sure what she would like or enjoy. While you may want to surprise the receiver, it is better to make sure you are giving something that you know will be truly enjoyed, even if that ruins the surprise.

Tips & Warnings

• If your budget is too low for a full vacation gift, think of alternatives. Sending somebody to a weekend of spa treatments or even to a bed and breakfast in a nearby city can be enough to help her relax and enjoy her graduation.
• If you choose a nearby, cheaper location, you can offer to pay for an additional guest, so the graduate can enjoy the trip with somebody else.