Making memories on your graduation trip

If you’ve only got a minute:

• When planning your destination and itinerary, align it with what genuinely excites you.
• Work out a realistic budget that covers travel, accommodation, activities, and spending money.
• Prioritise safety by researching your destination, taking necessary precautions, and staying in touch with your loved ones.

This article was produced in partnership with TripZilla. 

Congratulations, you’ve made it to graduation! After pushing through all those late-night essays and looming deadlines, you’ve earned yourself a well-deserved break.

More than just a regular vacation, a graduation trip is a celebration of your achievements! As you close one chapter of life and prepare to move into the next, take the chance to unwind, explore and make unforgettable memories.

Need help planning your ideal getaway? No sweat – here are 5 practical tips to get you started.

1. Decide on your dream destination

What makes a graduation trip special isn’t just the fact that you’re travelling but rather, that these precious post-study days are unburdened by work or time constraints. And, if you’re travelling with your buddies, it may well be your last grand adventure together before everyone gets busy adulting.

Picking a destination sounds like the easiest thing to do, and popular destinations like Thailand, Japan, and South Korea often spring to mind. However, the key to an unforgettable trip lies not in following trends, but in aligning your destination with what genuinely excites you.

Whether it’s a tranquil temple stay in Kyoto, exciting island hopping in Phuket, or a challenging hike up Hallasan in Jeju, your graduation trip is the ideal time to do it.

Furthermore, if you’ve ever thought of making your trip more purposeful, this is your chance. Volunteering abroad or engaging in community service can create an incredibly rewarding experience, and you never know, it might even lead you to discover new passions.

When choosing your destination, make sure to factor in weather patterns (avoiding rainy seasons), peak or low travel periods (to avoid tourist crowds), and any personal commitments you might have.

2. Plan within a realistic budget

To make your dream graduation trip a reality, start by creating a realistic budget. Factor in your current finances and any savings you have already set aside. Begin saving as early as possible! Research costs associated with your destination and trip length, including transportation, accommodation, meals, and activities. Group travel can also reduce costs per person.

To maximise your budget, consider travelling during the shoulder season – the period between the peak and off-peak season – for better deals.  Where available, take advantage of student or group discounts. Opt for budget-friendly accommodation like hostels or shared rentals and explore affordable dining options such as street food or takeaway, instead of pricey restaurants.

Use travel aggregators like DBS Travel Marketplace to compare prices and find the best prices and deals.

Remember, the most valuable investment is the experience itself. Focus on creating unforgettable memories that will stay with you forever – be it skiing in the Swiss Alps or skydiving over Interlaken. That new watch can always wait. 

Read more: How to make your holiday more affordable
Find out more about: DBS Travel Marketplace

3. Make safety a priority

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or setting off on your first international adventure, staying safe must always be a priority.

Be aware of the relevant safety information of the destination you’re visiting. This includes looking up local customs and laws, even if you think you are already aware of them — you don’t want to land yourself in a difficult situation due to a misunderstanding.

For example, did you know that Amsterdam has a strict law that prohibits the consumption of alcohol in most public places? Or that there are strict regulations to adhere to when it comes to flying drones in Japan?

Have a list of emergency contacts readily accessible, including local emergency services and the Singapore embassy. You can also eRegister your travel with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in case there is a need for assistance in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.

It is also good practice to make physical and digital copies of your passport to carry with you, while you leave the original somewhere safe.

Taking care of your health is another important thing when travelling. Stay abreast of any potential health risks in the destination you’re visiting and take necessary precautions, including flu vaccinations and packing a basic first-aid kit. 

It is important to get travel insurance. A comprehensive plan like TravellerShield Plus offers peace of mind, covering trip postponement or cancellations, medical expenses, loss/damage of personal property, and more. It even covers lost frequent flyer miles or hotel loyalty points in case of trip cancellation.  

Pay attention to the coverage for emergency medical expenses such as medical evacuation or repatriation for transport to a medical facility in the case of serious illness. If your itinerary includes any extreme sports like skydiving or bungee jumping, make sure to review the policy wording carefully for any exclusions to adventurous activities to ensure you are covered for them. 

Read more: Choosing the right travel insurance
Find out more about: TravellerShield Plus

4. Manage your money well

While many countries are moving toward cashless payments, carrying some local currency is still a good idea. If you don’t like hanging on to too much cash, opt to use a debit card that can be linked to a multi-currency account.

The DBS Travel Wallet provides a convenient way to do this while allowing you to earn cashback on your overseas transactions. Simply link your DBS Visa Debit Card to your multi-currency account (MyAccount or Multiplier Account) as the primary debiting account to access the 11 different currencies zero foreign exchange conversion fees. Use the DBS digibank app to exchange currency at favourable rates before your trip, and make sure you have sufficient funds in the respective accounts for your spending amount to be debited.

For greater card security, you can also set spending limits and selectively enable card transaction functions.

When travelling as a group, minimise money-related friction by keeping a shared travel fund or using apps that help you easily track and split expenses. 

Read more: Smart ways to manage card security and spending
Find out more about: DBS Travel Wallet

5. Other considerations

To avoid potential travel hiccups, consider these additional points.

Check if there are any visa requirements or pre-arrival documents you need to submit that are specific to your destination, such as South Korea’s K-ETA for visa-free countries.

Create a packing list to avoid forgetting essential items – even experienced travellers sometimes forget things. Make sure to check the weather forecast of your destination country and pack accordingly.

If you’ll need to rely on internet connectivity (be it for navigation, translation, or looking up information abroad), arrange a travel SIM or data roaming package to fit your budget. Solo travellers should keep in contact with your loved ones regularly to let them know you’re safe.

Give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport, accounting for check-in, security, clearing immigration and other potential delays. Keep in mind as well that transport systems differ from country to country, so it’s always best to ensure you head out earlier so that you have a buffer in case of unexpected traffic congestion.

Finally, when travelling with others, it’s best to discuss expectations and preferences beforehand to prevent misunderstandings. For example, some travel buddies might be looking forward to plenty of hiking and outdoor activities, while others may envision a more relaxing trip filled with cafe-hopping and leisurely strolls in the city.

Read more: 10 money management tips for your holidays

It's go time!

A graduation trip is usually that one trip that you’ll look back on most fondly as you progress to your next stage in life. With these trip-planning tips, you can make your dream graduation trip a reality. What are you waiting for? Happy travels! 

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Disclaimers and Important Notice
This article is meant for information only and should not be relied upon as financial advice. Before making any decision to buy, sell or hold any investment or insurance product, you should seek advice from a financial adviser regarding its suitability.