Summer Vacation Ideas: Senior Class Trip

Senior class trips are a great way to switch chapters. There is so much to celebrate at the end of one's senior year - how far we've come, how hard we worked, how well we stuck together. And it's the beginning of great things as well - endless possibilities and exciting goals. It's good to get away together to be thankful, to celebrate and relax, and also to look forward.

Getting away is always an inspiring adventure for me. The unfamiliar settings and people spark my imagination. I tend to reevaluate life. Am I where I want to be? If not, am I moving toward it? If you're a senior, consider this, and see if you can get your classmates and chaperones on board. If you're an adult with a student in your life - or an entire class perhaps - imagine being able to give them this opportunity. It takes some planning and saving, but there is a lot of advice out there for safe and productive student travel. It can be done in such a way that all involved will be grateful they made it happen.

I've written about educational tours in the past. There are tons of great places out there for learning experiences. But senior class trips tend to be more celebratory in nature. You know - more Splash Mountain, less Epcot. Here are five great destinations for graduation trips. They're fun and exciting, and they're proven as great student travel adventures.

Note: See the You Tube video below for a video countdown of these great destinations.

How about Los Angeles?

L.A. is usually a thrilling idea for students. It's kind of the new Atlantic City whose slogan used to be, "Where all your dreams come true." Hollywood has made Los Angeles an exciting place for the film industry. Students love the idea of touring the Hollywood Walk of Fame, standing on the grand staircase at Grauman's Chinese Theatre, and maybe even glimpsing some real live celebrities.

The Kodak Theatre is a new classic in Hollywood. It's the new permanent home for the Annual Academy Awards. But perhaps even more relevant to this age group - the American Idol finale is filmed here. There are museums with Hollywood memorabilia and, of course, the Hollywood sign itself for great photo ops.

L.A. is also perfect for weather conditions. It's gorgeous almost year-round, and who doesn't love the beach? There are also a lot of great amusement parks in the area, including Knott's Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and Disneyland. Los Angeles would be a thrilling trip for any senior class.

Speaking of Beaches . . .

Virginia Beach is one of the best beaches in the country with its three mile boardwalk (actually made of concrete) with public access to the sand and surf and places to rinse off afterwards. The beach is perfect for everyone's favorite sea-side or big wave activities.There is also an amusement park right off the beach with a few thrill rides, including a sky-high fling-and-spin sensation called Skyscraper.

Virginia Beach also has a great park called Motor World devoted to auto racing that also includes miniature golf and paintball courses. Busch Gardens Europe is nearby - one of the best amusement parks in the U.S. And there's a great shopping center as well as a mystery dinner playhouse. There are all kinds of wildlife facilities and nautical/maritime museums too. But who wants to go to a museum on their senior class trip? There's no roller coaster there!

Make it Mobile

Not a lot of people think of this one . . . but what about a cruise? So many destinations in a condensed amount of time. Plus a mode of transportation that's an entire vacation in and of itself. Swimming, surfing, rock climbing. Entertainment and dance clubs - sometimes even specific to youth. A cruise would be highly motivating for the fundraisers too. Think Royal Carribean theme nights with talent shows made to imitate cruise-line entertainment.

How exciting would it be to go on a cruise as a high school senior? It would be a first for many of them and a thrill for each and every one.

Can you say aloha?

This trip is for the seniors who had the foresight to be saving for a few years. But the thrill of this trip will be worth it. The Hawaiian islands are breathtaking with their vibrant colors, landscapes, and waterfalls. There are so many beaches here, students could spend their time just exploring them. But Hawaii is packed full of activities as well.

Hawaii is perfect for adventurers with its snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities, helicopter rides and mountain hiking. Students can swim with dolphins or explore Diamond Head. The USS Missouri is docked here at the Pearl Harbor Memorial where the USS Arizona rests underwater as the burial site for the sailors on board that tragic day.

Hawaii as a graduation trip - can you think of anywhere more amazing?

But Don't Forget the Mouse

Orlando was designed for the kid in all of us, and they love graduates. They actually have Disney Grad Nite with the rides open late, entertainment, music and dancing. The Disney complex has so many attractions, a group could never see them all on one trip. But Orlando also has the Universal Studios parks, Sea World, and - of course - beaches.

There are tons of great things to do in Orlando, even with large groups. Plus, it's known as a family place so parents tend to be comfortable with it as a destination for students. And the reason it beats Hawaii? It's quite a bit more affordable. Orlando is the perfect place for a graduation trip that will please everyone involved.