Early Check-In: Graduation

The first buds of spring are beginning to burst, signaling that summer is approaching. Students are returning from their spring breaks and diligently picking up their countdowns to summer vacation. Each year, seniors in high school and college have more to celebrate than 2 months of academic freedom. It’s a time to look back on 4 years of hard work while focusing on the next important step toward adulthood.

Whether heading to college or venturing out into the world, it’s time to plan now for 2 very important events: the party and the future.

High School Grads
Student Travel
Sending soon-to-be college freshmen into the wild doesn’t mean they have to be a world away. Find adventure close to home at a picturesque campground in a national park.
The National Park Service Campground Guide

Pick up an International Student ID card for only $22, and start saving on airfare, accommodations, tours and more.
STA Travel Student ID Card

Celebrate with the entire family.
Our guide to the Top 10 Family Vacation Spots

Get help planning a safe and affordable beach getaway for high-school seniors only.
All-Star Travel Crew

Get Outfitted
Create a home away from home with all the dorm-room essentials.
Target’s Back to College Girls’ Total Dorm Room Checklist
Target’s Back to College Boys’ Total Dorm Room Checklist

Stay in Touch
Make the purchase every college student needs: a computer. They can stay on top of their work, and you can stay on top of them with video chats and social media pages.
Apple discounts for students
Dell discounts at Dell U

A digital camera is the perfect graduation gift for summer travel and university life.
8 great digital cameras under $200

College Grads
Student Travel
Extend the college experience a bit longer, or start earning a paycheck overseas.
Our guide to Student Travel: Work and Intern Abroad.

Travel the world while making a difference.
Discover Voluntourism

Embark on the ultimate post-college rite of passage: backpacking through Europe.
Our guide to Europe’s Best Hostels

Dig it: Willing Workers on Organic Farms (WWOOF) places volunteers on international organic farms. In exchange for a few work hours a week, volunteers get room and board.
WWOOF

Celebrate at the world’s best parties.
Moon Parties, Thailand
La Tomatina, Bunol, Spain
Holi Festival, India
The Festival of San Fermin (aka Running of the Bulls), Pamplona, Spain

Get Outfitted
See the world without carrying its weight on your back. Get the best backpacking gear with our Backpacking Primer.

Once the employment search begins, swap sweats and flip-flops for an interview suit.
Student discounts on clothing

Stay in Touch
Capture every moment of post-college life with a digital video camera.
Find a camera

Start blogging to keep in touch with classmates as they move off campus.
Purchase a domain name 
Get tips from professional bloggers