Final College Course: Travel 101

There is a unique moment in time – that short period after graduation, but before entering “the real world” – that generations of young adults have long dreamed to fill by satisfying their wanderlust. To make this dream a reality, there are two questions that must first be answered:

1)      Where do I go?
2)      Can I afford it?

Thankfully, there are still plenty of places on earth that can still be defined as “the road less traveled”, yet can fit the budgets of those who are yet to join the ranks of the full-time employee.

Eastern Europe

An iconic image of the sixties and seventies was the young backpacker wandering across Europe in search of adventure. Today, Europe may seem pricey and out of reach – but not if you look to the east. Full of history and culture, places like Estonia, Croatia, the Czech Republic or Slovakia offer an unforgettable experience at a more affordable price than the western side of the European continent.

Glacier National Park

Hidden away on the border of Montana and Canada, far from any major cities, Glacier National Park may not be as well-known as other more famous national parks like Yellowstone or Yosemite, but with its breathtaking beauty, including mountains, native wildlife and of course, glaciers – it deserves far more recognition. But it is that relative level of anonymity that makes it a perfect adventure for the outdoor-loving graduate.

Indonesia

For the graduate looking for a truly adventurous trip, where an intrepid traveler could wander for weeks or months without seeing the same thing twice, the over 13,000 islands of Indonesia fit the bill. From bustling cities like Jakarta to beach resorts on Bali to untouched wilderness across the entire archipelago, Indonesia has a bit of everything. And once there, Indonesia can be enjoyed on a budget – with inexpensive (and delicious) street food, low-cost transportation from island to island, and lodging that won’t break the bank.

Colombia

Enjoying a renaissance as a travel destination, the history and culture of Colombia is still mostly undiscovered by most Americans, and better yet, can still fit into a recent graduate’s budget. The capital of Bogota offers an array of culture and nightlife, while the coastal city of Cartagena maintains its colonial Spanish look and feel. Colombia also has an extensive national park system where backpackers can choose from rainforests, mountains, beached and even volcanoes to feed their need for outdoor adventure.

 

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