High school graduates around the world are increasingly choosing to travel abroad rather than go straight to university. While venturing abroad after high school may seem daunting, the growing availability of programs and online resources has made travel more accessible for people of every age.
If you’re a recent graduate who has decided to embark on a post-high school adventure, you’re probably wondering where to travel after high school. With the overwhelming number of destinations to choose from, you may need help deciding on the perfect location. As a first-time traveler, you will want to consider factors such as a country’s safety, affordability, and friendliness towards tourists. This article will fill you in on the absolute best places to travel after high school.
Should I Travel After High School?
Some incredible places are waiting for you after your high school graduation!
So, should you travel after high school? Absolutely! Traveling abroad after graduation is a great way to learn more about yourself before embarking on the next phase of your academic career or entering the working world. You will have the opportunity to meet fascinating people, pick up new skills, learn about new cultures, and gain insight into what you may want to do in the future.
International travel is also an effective way to make your resume or university application stand out when you return from your trip abroad. With all of the amazing reasons to travel abroad after high school, what are you waiting for?
10 Best Places to Travel After High School
Now that you know that traveling as a high school graduate is a great idea, you need to decide where to go after high school. Will you backpack Southeast Asia? Learn Spanish in Latin America? Wander down the cobble-stoned streets of Europe? With high school graduation behind you, the world really is your oyster. However, certain countries are better suited for younger travelers. Here are the 10 best places to travel after high school graduation:
1. Canada
Take some time to explore Canada’s great outdoors.
Why? In 2023, Canada was named the safest country in the world. With a stellar reputation for safety and plenty of native English speakers, Canada is the perfect destination for recent high school graduates. Whether you want to take a city break in Toronto, sample Quebecois cuisine in Montreal, or ski the slopes in British Columbia, you will find endless things to do in Canada.
What to do there: Ski Instructor Gap Year Programs Post High School in Canada
2. Australia
Why? Australia is another English-speaking country that is easily accessible to younger travelers. The Australian government offers working holiday visas to people aged 18-30/35 with passports from eligible countries. With this visa, you can stay up to 12 months and secure short-term work. This is a great option after high school if you want to make money while traveling. While in Australia, there are many adventures to be had, such as learning to surf or exploring the outback!
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3. Iceland
Why? If you have ever dreamed of seeing the Northern Lights, climbing glaciers, swimming in the Blue Lagoon, or exploring Reykjavik, Iceland is a top destination to explore after high school. This island nation is known for safety, sustainability, and its abundance of natural wonders. Plan on going between December and January if you want to see the Northern Lights, and between June and August for the best weather!
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4. Netherlands
Spend some time wandering the Netherlands by boat or bike.
Why? Another small European country, the Netherlands, is a great place for post-high school travelers. In the capital, you will find amazing nightlife, fun hostels, beautiful canals, historic buildings, and cultural gems. However, the Netherlands has a lot to offer beyond just Amsterdam. From the sprawling countryside to impressive national parks, the Netherlands has endless places for a young traveler to explore.
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5. Spain
Why? Spain is world-renowned for its affordability, laid-back culture, delicious cuisine, and beautiful weather. Whether you want to brush up on your Spanish, get your fill of tapas and sangria, or learn how to flamenco dance, Spain offers a variety of diverse experiences to first-time travelers. With extensive public transportation options, hostels in almost every city, and an incredible tourist infrastructure, Spain is an amazing place to travel after high school.
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6. Vietnam
Why? Southeast Asia is becoming a top location for young backpackers, and Vietnam is one of the most popular countries to visit in the region. Not only is it one of the most affordable places to travel to in the world, but it is also full of one-of-a-kind experiences and friendly locals. If you want to go on breathtaking hikes, explore the capital of Hanoi, relax on beautiful beaches, or wander through rice fields, you should definitely put Vietnam on your travel agenda.
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7. Japan
Learn about Japan’s incredible culture and history while looking at stunning views.
Why? Japan is a paradise for post-high school travelers who want to learn about fascinating culture and history. Travel through Japan’s present and past while experiencing big-city life in Tokyo, climbing Mt. Fuji, attending a tea ceremony, catching a sumo wrestling match, and visiting ancient temples. As an incredibly safe country with a unique way of life, traveling to Japan is a great experience for a high school graduate.
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8. Portugal
Why? Portugal is one of the cheapest countries in Europe and is home to stunning beaches, quaint cities, historic castles, and great nightlife. Young travelers will find lively scenes in cities such as Lisbon, Porto, and Lagos, but there are plenty of places in Portugal to just chill out and enjoy the nice year-round weather. Whether you want to explore Lisbon’s famed museums, surf in the Algarve, or get lost in Porto’s funky neighborhoods, Portugal is an amazing place for graduates to explore.
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9. Thailand
Why? Thailand is another Southeast Asian country filled to the brim with young gap-year travelers.Come here to eat cheap street food, relax on gorgeous islands, visit elephant sanctuaries, attend cultural festivals, and trek through the wild jungle. Much like Vietnam, Thailand is safe for tourists and will not break the bank. If you want to be among like-minded travelers and fellow gappers, Thailand is the country for you!
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10. Costa Rica
Explore all the biodiversity Costa Rica has to offer!
Why? Costa Rica is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Latin America and is one of the most biodiverse countries in the region. From national parks to cloud forests to impressive volcanoes, Costa Rica is the perfect country for anyone who wants to experience the beauty of the natural world. With a large population of expats, helpful locals, and a ‘pura vida’ lifestyle, Costa Rica is one of the best places to travel after senior year.
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Traveling after high school can make a big difference in your life!
If you do not know what to do after high school, traveling abroad has the potential to change the course of your life. Maybe you’ll meet lifelong friends, learn a new language, discover a job you’ve never heard of, or find the country you want to call home. Traveling broadens your horizons and opens you up to countless possibilities, making it the perfect next step for a high school graduate. Now that you know the best places to travel after high school graduation, it’s time to book that plane ticket!
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