Are you finishing up school this term? Have you been thinking about a major trip?

I’m going to assume for the sake of this article that you’re wrapping up your studies or have already done so. You also likely want to finally let loose. You’ve had enough of the exams, cramming, and struggles from the past four years (or five). Now you want to go on a trip. It may seem a bit overwhelming at first, but that’s what I’m here for.

Let’s work together to plan your post-college trip. We’re going to look over common questions:

What’s your budget?

How much money do you have? Chances are that as a young college student, you don’t have all of that money. That’s understandable. This is why you need to use your creativity to figure something out.

Your budget will determine everything. You can take a few months to work before you go on your trip or you can work a part-time gig in college. It really depends on what you want to do and what your schedule allows.

My advice here is simple: start saving right now! Put away as much money as possible. Don’t wait.

How long will you go for?

I personally usually go away for a week. My longest trip ever was a month in Europe. I don’t like the be away from home for all that long. I love my friends, family, and my gym. I don’t like to be away for love, but I love to travel.

What’s your situation like? If you want to get away for long, this might be your one chance. You can look for work abroad opportunities or you can secure a job for yourself that you come back home to a job.

What length comes down to is finances and your future plans. A friend of mine had a job lined up and chose to go away for four months. He knew that his job was waiting for him and that real life would begin. He did his best to get the most out of this trip.

Where do you really want to go?

Anything on your mind? Any travel destinations that you’ve had on your mind for the longest time?

This could be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Will you seize it?

You need to be realistic with what you can afford. You likely don’t want to get into debt since you’re reading a personal finance blog. You don’t want to go somewhere you can’t afford. This is why you need to choose wisely.

Who’s all in?

Who’s hitting this trip with you? A solo adventure? Is there a big group that wants to go away with you?

Oh and please, don’t let your friends hold you back. Every single person gave me excuses. I became fed up and booked a solo ticket to Europe. My parents thought that I was crazy. Then they found out how much fun I was having and they changed their minds.

Now it’s time for you to pack and buy your ticket. Are you ready to prepare for your first trip after your graduation?

Martin Dasko

Martin Dasko