Why a Cruise Makes the Perfect Graduation Gift

 

If you have a high school or college graduate in the family, it will soon be time to find the perfect gift to celebrate this important milestone. You may have thought of rings, watches, dorm room accessories or a job-hunting wardrobe. However, if those things leave you cold, consider the advantages of giving your graduate the gift of travel. It’s something they will always remember and associate with one of the proudest times in their lives.

If your graduate is under 21, you’ll want to plan a family cruise. If your graduate is over 21, they can cruise on their own or go together with the family. Going on a cruise is one of the best ways for young people to travel. Consider these advantages!

1. Graduates Will Experience Independence in a Unique Way

Building confidence through being independent will help your graduate in every phase of their life. Cruising gives young people the freedom to make new friends easily because they all have something in common already – they’re on a cruise ship to have fun. But, they’re also surrounded by a crew that has safety and security as their top priority!

2. A Cruise is a Form of Continuing Education

Meeting new people from places your graduate has never been will broaden their horizons. Some shipboard friendships last a lifetime.

In addition, think of all the new things they’ll learn with the world as their classroom. For example, if you cruise to Mexico, your graduate can explore a different culture. In Puerto Vallarta, your graduate can experience an authentic Mexican Fiesta, get immersed in the Mexican culture touring the area and see the Sierra Madre up close and personal on a zipline.

3. Travel Puts Your Graduate Outside Their Comfort Zone

By definition, travel takes a person outside their comfort zone. Everything is new and different: the places, the people, the lifestyles and sometimes the languages. Anything that pushes your graduate to tap into their hidden or untried resources helps them grow. Trying new things can nurture creativity and reduce the fear of failure.

4. Graduates Will Develop a Stronger Sense of Responsibility

A cruise is an excellent place to learn responsibility. Graduates will need to take care of themselves, even though help isn’t far away. When you give them a budget, they’ll learn to pick and choose the things they want to do to make the most of their resources. And, the choices won’t be easy!

Let’s say you cruise to Cozumel. Your history buff may want to explore the world of the Mayans by visiting the Chichen Itza ruins or going to the ancient city and temples of Tulum. They could also be drawn to exploring the world under the sea by going snorkeling or helmet diving. Your new cruiser will need to plan their itinerary based on time and budget.

5. Travel Will Give Your Graduate More Cultural Sensitivity

There’s nothing better than cruising to Hawaii, The Bahamas or the Caribbean to enjoy the beach and play in the sparkling clear blue water. Maybe your graduate is interested in taking a horseback ride on their travel to the island of Grand Turk. It’s an excellent way to explore the island and meet people who have a very different lifestyle.

There’s no doubt your graduate will return home from vacation with a new appreciation for the lifestyle they enjoy, and a better appreciation for other cultures.

6. Employers Love Potential New Hires Who Have Traveled

Hiring managers view a job candidate who has traveled positively for a number of reasons. People who travel are typically good at establishing a rapport with strangers, which makes it easier for a new hire to fit into a new job. Furthermore, demonstrating confidence, responsibility and independence will give your graduate a competitive edge in the job market.

In addition, people who have traveled are typically more flexible. Travelers learn to develop problem-solving skills to adapt to new situations, and they find ways to manage the unexpected. All of these skills are highly valued in the business environment.

7. Travel Makes Your Graduate a More Interesting Person

Your graduate will have a lot more to talk about than the time their school team won the championship. They’ll be able to discuss all the things they’ve seen and done. And they’ll have more cultural sensitivity, which is an excellent trait to have in today’s global environment.

 

8. Your Graduate Will Develop Friendships With People from Other Places

Networking is important in today’s world. The more people your graduate knows in locations other than your own, the more opportunity they will have to network with other people when they want to expand their work horizons. They’ll also have places to stay when they continue their travel adventures.

Travel can be a life-changing experience. Your graduate will experience increased independence and a greater sense of responsibility. They will be challenged to be more creative, more adaptable and develop a greater appreciation for their corner of the world.

Whether you go as a family, or your college graduate cruises on their own, this is a gift that will last a lifetime. Giving the gift of travel will send your graduate on a journey of self-discovery that won’t disappear when the journey is over. A graduation cruise is simply one of the best ways to celebrate such a momentous occasion.