4 group trip ideas for after graduation

Remember the fun, sunny days spent at the local theme park? Well, post-graduation is the perfect time to revisit those carefree moments!

“I went to theme parks every year as a kid, so returning after graduating college was so nostalgic,” said Meghan Anderson, an Analyst on the Digital Personalization team. “My friend and I took a 3-day weekend, and it was the perfect amount of time.”

Another perk is that theme parks are often budget-friendly and require minimal planning. Many larger parks, like those in Florida and California, offer packages with deals on lodging and park tickets. Anderson felt it was a great send-off. “It was the last time we got to hang out before we entered the real world.”

Tokyo is a concrete playground known for its safety, cleanliness, premier shopping and unique entertainment options. Taking a cue from United, Associate Marketing Designer Leland Starwalt spent three perfect days in Japan’s capital with a small group after graduating.

“It was enriching to do things that I wouldn’t have prioritized on my own,” he said. “We got to visit some temples, sanctuaries, and a bath house. Trying things together for the first time made the trip even more memorable.”

A must-stop is teamLab Planets TOKYO, an interactive digital art museum where visitors walk through water and become one with the art. But the biggest highlight, according to Starwalt, was the fluffy 7-11 sandwiches. “My favorites were the egg salad and the strawberry sandos. I made sure to get one every day!”

Post-graduation European summers are infamous. It’s no surprise Mia Bonfiglio, a Marketing Analyst, spent over two unforgettable weeks traveling the continent with 11 friends.

“I chose France and Italy because of the easy transportation options to get from city to city,” said Bonfiglio.

Her group spent three days in each location—from Aix-en-Provence wine country and the French Riviera to the five coastal towns of Cinque Terre and Lake Como. And though these towns brim with character, it was a night in Eze, a French mountain village 15 minutes from Nice, that will stay with her forever.

“It ended up pouring rain, so we ducked into a local man’s home where he’d converted a room into a restaurant,” she said. “It was the best pasta I ever had in my life, but also an incredible, authentic experience.”

Each country in Southeast Asia has a unique charm, from pristine beaches to vibrant cities. Marketing Analyst Lilly Feehan and her friends chose to split their two-and-a-half-week trip across three countries: Laid-back Bali, futuristic Singapore and thrilling Thailand.

“We wanted to go somewhere far and spend most of our time outdoors—but also mix in a few city destinations,” said Feehan. “So, we prioritized places that had a mix!”

Bali’s sun-soaked beaches call to surfers, but Singapore has futuristic attractions and an electric nightlife. Thailand blends both, with towering skyscrapers in Bangkok and lively tropical islands like Phuket. While Singapore isn’t shy about its luxury, Bali and Thailand are considered the most affordable while traveling, and full of the kind of adventure Feehan’s group craved.

“Boating to the Phi Phi Islands and seeing the cliffs hit the water is a must in Thailand. We also hiked Mount Batur with a local tour guide who taught us about life in Bali. He made us breakfast while we watched the most gorgeous sunrise I’ve ever seen.”

Whether riding roller coasters at your favorite theme park or island-hopping in Thailand, the memories you create will last a lifetime. So, pack your bags, step out of your comfort zone and reward yourself for all the hard work over the last few years!