Ask most working-age people if there’s one thing they wish they would have done before entering the workforce and the resounding answer will be travel. That innate wanderlust is deeply rooted in the mind of many, and locking into a job right after college can put your travel dreams on indefinite hold.
But with some careful planning and amazing deals through Ebates, your journey doesn’t have to be just a dream. You can go scuba diving in Costa Rica or learn to cook in Italy. You can take up painting in France or meditate in Nepal. More and more companies are looking at travel experience when considering employees, so it may be just the right touch to add to your resume. After all, your journey will teach you independence, money-management skills, language skills, leadership and cultural understanding that will help you stand out from the crowd.
With a little planning and creativity, you can see the world in ways you never imagined. Allow this guide to post-grad travel to help you along the way with money-saving tips and graduation travel ideas.
Step 1: Preparing the Post-Grad Travel Plan
Any college student gorging themselves on dorm-room staples like ramen noodles and pizza can tell you that funds are pretty tight. The retail or food-industry job that you work part time may not pay as much as you would like, but with careful planning you can make your travel dreams a reality.
Be mindful of how you spend your money, and stick to your savings plan. Arrange for a specific amount to be set aside for your spendable budget. Many services can pull specific amounts directly out of your bank account or you can stow away the funds the old fashioned way. You can even get a rewards credit card to cash in on all of those necessary purchases. Just be sure you stick to the plan, even if that means a lot more Friday nights spent in your room over a hot plate of ramen. That sorority social and manicure are well worth skipping to save for your post-grad travel plans.
How much you need to save is based entirely on your travel goals. A domestic road trip is a great low-cost option that will allow you to get to know your homeland better. International travel, although more costly, allows you to discover other cultures for a more worldly appreciation. Some international destinations, such as Ecuador, Thailand, India and Bolivia, are great for seeing the world without spending a fortune.
Wherever you end up, your travel doesn’t have to be a money-draining experience. A fellowship can fund your travel, and many are awarded based on specific interests or majors. You can also take on a position teaching English as a Second Language in many countries. More and more students are able to afford overseas adventures by taking on freelance work through sites like Upwork and Craigslist. Computer programming, writing and graphic design can often be performed from anywhere, allowing you to bring in extra money while still touring the world. There are plenty of work abroad opportunities available for the right person.
Step 2: Making the Arrangements
Now that you’ve sorted through your college graduation trip ideas, chosen your destination and rounded up all your funds, it’s time to start making the arrangements for your big journey. Getting there is half the battle, and Travelocity Air can help you find great deals on plane tickets. There is no magical day to buy plane tickets, but research indicates that 54 days before your trip may be the key number. Keep your dates open to find the cheapest flights. Some companies even offer student travel deals to accommodate post-grad travel plans. These student travel programs allow you to make the most of your vacation planning. They may even provide you with new graduation travel ideas with more nearby destinations along the way.
Remember to do plenty of research to get the best deal on your graduation trip ideas. Sites like Groupon Getaways can not only get you great deals on plane tickets and hotel accommodations, but also often feature a promo code to help you save even more. Plus, with Cash Back at Ebates, you’ll find the best deals and earn money back on each qualifying purchase. You’ll even be able to save on international travel with airline tickets from British Airways, Emirates and Air France.
Step 3: Stick to the Plan, but Allow for Extras
Your carefully crafted travel arrangements and frugal college spending have afforded you the trip of a lifetime, so make the most of it. The sharing economy has reached a high point, allowing you to get much more than ride shares for cheap or free. Accommodations, meals, tours and more can be done at a discount. Even accounting for these opportunities, it’s probably a good idea to set aside a bit of extra money for plans that fall through.
No matter how much you’re saving, don’t forget to plan for the unexpected in your expenditures. You might discover a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity while you’re traveling in the Netherlands or find that that exotic cuisine in Japan didn’t sit well and warrants medical attention the next morning.
Although you may enjoy a color-coded itinerary of events, a bit of spontaneity can add to the adventure and help you form valuable life skills. Pick up travel guides from Lonely Planet, but also dine at local favorites or randomly zipline over the forest canopy.
Step 4: Enjoy Yourself!
Most importantly, enjoy yourself out there. Capture every fleeting moment to immortalize the journey of a lifetime. Whether you choose a destination based on your studies or decide to volunteer with WWOOF and learn about organic farming, we hope you have an unforgettable experience and relish the adventure!
Spring is here and it’s the perfect time to get out and explore the great outdoors. Packing for hiking and 
The trail mix of yesteryear has gotten a serious upgrade thanks to the modern day interest in ultralight backpacking. Packing a full range of tasty meals for your hiking trip has never been so easy or so lightweight! Want to stock up or prep for a longer trip? 
This one may seem like a no brainer, but put some serious thought into both the clothes you pack and those you’re wearing when you set off on your trek. Trying to strike the right balance between over-packing and not being well prepared can be tough but it’s essential for ultralight backpacking. Try packing layers that will wick away sweat but still keep you protected from the rain and sun. Looking for the perfect lightweight layers? 
Wendell Berry famously said “Nobody can discover the world for somebody else. Only when we discover it for ourselves does it become common ground and a common bond and we cease to be alone.” The best way to truly discover the world for yourself is to travel on your own.
For the Adventure Lover: New Zealand
For the Culturally Curious: Vietnam
For the Social Butterfly: Ireland
We know spring break couldn’t come any sooner and you’ve been dreaming about fun-filled days in the sun. But before you hit the road, set sail, or take flight to your spring break destinations, make sure you are prepared with this complete checklist of items to ensure a successful, stress-free trip. From 
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! Have you figured out how to wow your sweetheart yet? If you’re fresh out of 
With US currency holding strong against the Canadian dollar, heading north for a getaway can mean big savings right now. Grab a flight into Montreal’s pleasantly small airport and get ready for a world-class weekend. With the ever-present French influence on the city’s culture, language and architecture, Montreal has a lot of the same charm as its European counterparts. Take a romantic stroll through the old part of the city or visit the world-class botanical garden and bio dome for a blast of warm air and a really gorgeous dose of nature. Treat your love to a romantic French language-speaking getaway without the cost of a transatlantic flight!
Want to go a little wild? With airline tickets often subsidized to bring visitors into Las Vegas, the time is always right to catch a flight to this super fun destination. 
With Mardi Gras already over by Valentine’s Day, the giant crowds and mayhem will have cleared out of The Big Easy and the city will have returned to its normal rhythm and jazz. New Orleans is perfect this time of year for a quick weekend getaway whether you’re looking for a foodie or a historical destination. Book a quiet B&B away from Bourbon Street and you’ll be amazed at the laid back and charming side of New Orleans. With year-round outdoor cafes, stone streets, horse drawn carriages and food so good you’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven, New Orleans is filled with splendid surprises that will surely delight. Incredibly affordable and fun, head to New Orleans and you’ll be strolling around with a daiquiri in hand in no time.
Looking for somewhere to curl up in front of a fireplace with your favorite person? Tuck yourselves into a rustic getaway in snowy Vermont. With numerous daily flights to beautiful Burlington, you can easily get to one of Vermont’s wonderful attractions via a quick and very scenic drive. You can also check out gorgeous spots like Stowe and Woodstock if you’re in the mood for bustling little communities that know how to do small town relaxation right. Vermont’s mountains may be no match to the size of the peaks out west, but you’ll find that you can have just as much fun at a fraction of the cost. With lots of affordable lodging near the ski resorts in Vermont, you won’t have to go far to have a great time.
This quiet little town on the Baja California Peninsula is perfect for a special and affordable seaside getaway. Away from the early Spring Breakers and ruckus of Cabo, Todos Santos has become an artists’ enclave. Take a stroll around this quaint and historic little town. Plan a day trip and head up into the nearby mountains to check out the local pottery works or wait on the beach for the fishermen to bring in fresh fish for your dinner. Whether you are sitting in one of the many cafes listening to live music or head down to the nearby beaches to watch the release of baby sea turtles after the sun sets, you won’t forget Todos Santos long after you’ve left.
Sometimes all you really need to reignite the romance in your relationship is a night out in your own town. Surprise your sweetheart with a staycation and get a fun, fresh perspective as a tourist in a new part of your city. With no airfare or long distance drive to pay for, you can splurge on booking an upscale room through 
The most magical time of year is here! Thousands of people travel during the bustling holiday season and maneuvering through the wide array of travel deals can be a challenge. Did you know the time and day you book your flights can impact costs? No worries! Thankfully, 
Every year, the travel industry sees a surge in travel around the holidays. Whether it’s to visit family, stay slope slide or to escape winter and take in a warm breeze for a change, people are packing their bags and hitting the road. Plus, more and more people are trading in the traditional family gatherings for something a little less conventional and a bit more exciting.
Fort Lauderdale
Orlando
Los Angeles
Denver
