We’ve established a new tradition in our family: when one of our kids graduates from high school, we go on a family trip to celebrate (it’s a great alternative to all the Schoolies Week malarkey).
When Mr 19 graduated at the end of 2011, that January we went on a two week cruise to New Zealand. We shared a four bunk cabin and had an absolute ball (although I must confess by the end of that two weeks we were a bit sick of the sight of each other!). Although the hubster and I had been to NZ before, it was the first time for our kids.
And what’s not to love about a cruise – all the food you can eat, your cabin is made up every day and a little chocolate left on the pillow, lots of activities and sight seeing, plus entertainment every night including some great shows! We have some wonderful memories, including enjoying a warm spa on the deck in F-R-E-E-Z-I-N-G temperatures, as we cruised through the beautiful scenery of Milford Sound …
In November, it’s Miss 16’s turn (you can see why we aren’t keen on Schoolies – she will still only be 16 when she graduates!). But we still haven’t decided on a destination!
With Mr 19, the right opportunity just turned up at the right time at the right price. It was about this time of the year, when we got a special deal from P&O as we’d cruised once before (to Vanuatu and New Caledonia). It was an offer too good to refuse!
We’ve already travelled around Australia with the kids and seen a lot of the sights, so we’d like to go further afield. The hubster and I settled down together quite young so even we haven’t been anywhere much outside of our own country! So this time around , we’re thinking maybe Fiji … Bali … Singapore … Hawaii … Japan … Hong Kong. If money was no object, Miss 16 would choose Paris without a doubt – but alas, I don’t think the budget will stretch quiet that far …
Any suggestions or anywhere that you can recommend, that won’t cost the earth?!
It’s Monday, so I’m joining up with:
What a great idea – I hope you find somewhere to go where you will have a ball without breaking the budget !
Have the best day !
Me
Me too – will keep you posted!
Come to Sydney!! Oh wait, you wanted somewhere that doesn’t cost the Earth…
It’s a great idea though and it looks like you had an awesome time on the cruise. Hope you decide on somewhere soon. xo
LOL you’re too funny Ness 😉
I have no suggestions, I haven’t been out of Australia. I’m sure you will have a ball where ever you go. What about Noumea, that’s french isn’t it?
Been there done that (Noumea is part of New Caledonia!)!! xxx
What a great idea for a graduation holiday. A friend last year did a fiji cruise with P&O and they had a ball. They managed to book it when there was a lots of dress up nights too so there was lots of partying.
I’m liking the look of Fiji I must say …
A family holiday to celebrate graduation is a fantastic idea. We cruised New Zealand in November 2011 on the Pacific Dawn and had a blast as well. Now that we are living near the cruise terminal my cruise feet are getting very itchy!
Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong are on my travel bucket list, but I can’t really help much with budget friendly travel ideas. Have you been to Darwin? It’s gorgeous, a heap of fun to visit and so different to other parts of Australia.
Happy holiday planning.
Cheers,
Lynda
Yes Darwin & Kakadu is very tempting!
I would LOVE to do Vietnam and it was on my list for this year but unfortunately other things popped up that have meant financially it is just not an option for me…
I hadn’t thought of Vietnam! Maybe next year for you – I know how it is – sometimes things change financially …
Ooh, how exciting! I would totally go for an island escape somewhere like Tahiti or Fiji or Hawaii – that would definitely be my choice. Good luck with the planning, looking forward to hearing about your graduation escape!
Great idea! I wish I had travelled when I was younger and more fearless. I’ve grown more afraid of flying as I’ve gotten older and don’t know if I could handle being out in the middle of the ocean! Kind of wish Australia was a lot closer to the rest of the world sometimes! Good luck in finding a destination!
So do I Cathy, so do I – imagine being able to hop on a train and be in PARIS just hours later!
Wonderful idea! I would choose Paris too. Last year they had flights from Perth to Paris for $200! Hubby couldn’t take time off work but I’m seriously wishing I had of just gone on my own with the girls.
Ooo well if you hear of that special again, let me know!!!
That sounds so exciting – and a brilliant idea to have an attractive alternative to schoolies. I’ll have to keep that one in the memory bank for when the MissyMoos are older!
I pinched the idea from where all the best ideas come from – someone else 😉
Singapore would be the best choice for something that won’t break the bank.
We went on a family holiday to NZ after my son graduated. We offered a trip to Miss Almost 18, but she was more interested in attending her senior formal, so we paid for that instead 🙂