Life as a student has the best memorable as well as most intimidating times- the rushes to reach class on time, hectic schedules, burning the midnight oil to complete those crucial projects, the relief of getting over with the last paper and finally graduating and celebrating with your friends before drifting into separate ways in your life. Before plunging into the real world of ultimate slogging where work dominates every minute of your life, take a break and explore the world to celebrate your life. The time after your graduation and before you step into the your career is the moment to get away from it all for once, rejuvenate and live your travel dreams. Though travel seems to be an expensive affair for a college student, there are plenty of destinations which can suit your budget as well as give you a great vacation experience.
10 Best Destinations to Travel After You Graduate
10. Turkey
Experience the amalgamation of East and West in Turkey. Split by the Bosphorus Strait, the country’s culture, lifestyle and cuisine all give you a beautiful blend of European and Asian characteristic. From intricately designed stunning monuments, incredible landscapes to strikingly beautiful Mediterranean coastlines, Turkey has much more to offer other than just major cities and as you journey into less frequented towns, the prices also dips but the experience is nevertheless the one you would remember for a lifetime. A far less expensive destination than the other major European nations, Turkey gives you surprisingly great deals when it comes to budget travel and also is the best place to discover the locals’ lives and the Middle Eastern foods.
9. Bulgaria
The Balkan nation is a treasure trove of mountainous landscapes, alpine forests, beautiful countryside villages, countless monasteries and stretches of sandy beaches. Those who love long walks and hiking, this country is a gifted retreat and has an extensive system of hiking trails making it a paradise for walkers to enjoy the country’s rich and varied landscapes. It is also great place to try some winter sports. As the country is a far less travelled destination than other European countries and upcoming on alluring tourists, chances of getting a good deal on accommodation, dining and in-land travel are immense and are reasonable on budget.
8. Peru
“The land of the Incas” holds a mystical charm and intrigues you with ancient tales and enigmatic places. A trip to Peru gets you near the Amazons and Andeas which are some of the world’s exotic places. Famous for the Sacred Valley and Machu Pichu which portray the Peruvian culture, the country takes you to fascinating places to explore such as the Andean sights, floating islands of Lake Titicaca and mysterious formations the Nazca lines to name a few. Travelling around in local transport is the best option to get around on budget which also has the positive side to meet new people and make new friends.
7. Cambodia
Cambodia is an exotic land with a combination of cultural and historical highlights, and pristine natural vistas. Since tourism in Cambodia is still in its catching on phase, there is plenty of opportunities to explore this serene country on a fixed budget with accommodation , food and accessibility on reasonable costs. The wonders to see here are spectacular; you can see the fascinating temple ruins of Angkor Wat, soak up the sun on beautiful tropical beaches or simply explore the country side on a walking or bicycle trip.
6. Indonesia
An amazing archipelago of tropical islands with magnificent sceneries, Indonesia gives you a vast choice to explore. There is plenty to see such as rolling hills of lush green rice terraces, dense jungle, exotic wildlife, and pristine beaches. Bali, Lombok and Jakarta are all time favourite spots for those who travel to Indonesia and are relatively economical on transport as well as easy to travel around in a taxi. Balinese food, accommodation and shopping are cheaper and it is very easy to wander around on budget.
5. Sri Lanka
The teardrop country may look miniscule but packs a whole lot of heritage ancient sites, stunning landscapes, wilderness and beaches. Being a small country, getting around Sri Lanka is relatively easy and every region has something to show case, be it an elephant orphanage in Pinnawala, the stunning rock fortress at Sigiriya, beaches at Bentota or acres of tea plantation and English hued country village at Nuwara Eliya . The country is charming, warm and friendly, and effortlessly affordable.
4. Ireland
A country known for literature, scenic landscapes, cheerful nightlife, music and high spirits, this tiny island‘s diversity and compact size makes it easily accessible. There is plenty to see and getting around is easy as Ireland has a fine rail and bus service which are convenient on your pocket. Hostels, dormitories and B&Bs are Ireland’s best budget option for accommodation and most historic sightseeings are free to explore. So wander around the countryside, meet the friendly locals at a pub, check out the castles and libraries and attend a local music fest.
3. Dubai
One of world’s dynamic cities, Dubai is a place which has many wonders and some of world’s first and the best feats. The amazing city is a great stop over destination and offers amazing accommodations, extravagant nightlife, shopping variations, best of world cuisines, extraordinary attractions and international events – in short anything you could possibly want to experience. Though Dubai showcases a lavish lifestyle and a hot spot for those with expensive taste, it also opens up a budget friendly side for travellers. Getting around Dubai is cheap – taxis are inexpensive and Dubai’s metro network connecting the city is another resourceful option to get around. Comfy hotels and a collection of value for money diverse food outlets gives you plenty of options to plan your budget vacation. Getting into Dubai is easy as the city is a major stop over destination for most of the airlines and getting a Dubai Visa is effortless as applying online has simplified visa process into a swift and hassle free procedure.
2. Netherlands
Famous for tulips, picturesque countryside and nightlife, Netherlands has an enchanting charm to allure youngsters. Amsterdam offers low-priced and restful accommodation right from budget hotels to hostels. If you are travelling with your friends then group accommodation is the best choice where you have the choice of staying in a splendid country house or farm houses amid the meadows, and there are unique ways to see Amsterdam, if you are travelling by trains, Eurail has special discounts for students, if you fancy a cycling holiday, even that can be arranged.
1. Thailand
Arguably one of the most sought after as well as affordable destination in the world, Thailand charms every wanderer with its rich Thai culture, serene landscapes and scattered tropical islands. Not to miss the vibrant hub of the country, Bangkok which is quite well known for its happening nightlife, shopping, marvellous Thai temples and pagodas, and Thai cuisine. The budget hotels in the country are quite affordable and you can find most of them in city centres. Shopping here for bargain and value for money prices is a major appeal for travellers and you can get quality stuff at street markets as well. An ideal spot for idle sunny days and fun nights.
The break between graduation and work is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel carefree and without responsibilities. You will be never as young and independent as you are today, so seize the chance and travel around. With most of the mentioned countries providing visa on arrival, the inconvenience of preparing for holiday has reduced. Plan wisely, budget well and this travel experience will be a great way to explore life firsthand as you will be amazed at how much you can discover on a tight budget and it teaches you to be resourceful further in your life making you more confident. So strap on your back pack and set out to explore…
List Creatd By: Neha Singh