Move over Gold Coast: these are the hottest new schoolies destinations
This month, high school students have begun flocking to book their travel for December’s end-of-school trips.
You know, that big holiday at the end of year twelve where everyone drinks to excess in an attempt to forget the struggles of being a high school student?
According to Unleashed travel – Australia’s leading provider of overseas travel packages for school leavers – some have even begun booking for 2019 with 2000 of its packages being snapped up in the first 15 minutes of their release to the public.
Unleashed Grad Trip’s booking figures show bookings for Fiji are already up 45 per cent compared with 2018 and Unleashed has had to add additional capacity for 150 school-leavers for its Europe trip.
Not only has Grad Trip Fiji seen exponential growth, but Unleashed’s Grad Trip to Europe more than doubled in capacity last year and Vanuatu Grad Trip sold out.
This has led Unleashed Grad Trip to increase its volunteer projects abroad. Since establishing their Cambodia Volunteer package in 2011, Unleashed’s figures have revealed an increased interest in cultural exchange programs, stemming from the desire of school-leavers wanting to give back to the community.
The need for more variety in travel destinations, coupled with a more adventurous shift in young people’s priorities, saw Unleashed Grad Trip add Japan Ski Trip last year to their array of exclusive packages.
“We pride ourselves on offering school-leavers a variety of graduation trips that tick all the boxes,” Jot Lynas, Unleashed Travel CEO said in a release.
“It is encouraging to see that so many teens, having heard so much negativity about Schoolies adventures to the Gold Coast and Bali, have chosen to experience new cultures and more rewarding destinations.”
“The strong bookings for our 2019 packages are proof of that.”
With bookings for 2018 packages almost sold out, Jot is already forecasting stronger trends for schoolies next year.
“Bookings for 2019 Fiji packages are already up by 45 per cent compared to last year,” says Jot.
Having organised holidays for more than 25,000 school-leavers, Unleashed Travel has compiled its data to reveal the top three school-leaver travel trends for 2019:
Island Hopping with Grad Trip Fiji
This destination has become a favourite with school leavers due to it’s close proximity to Australia. Fiji has everything a school leaver could ever want; being surrounded by mates experiencing epic parties with international DJ’s, pool parties and daily fun activities such as parasailing, scuba diving, jet skiing and more. Unleashed takes the hassle out of planning with their chartered resorts creating a seamless experience.
Europe tour
The Europe tour has begun to show enormous interest among Year 11 students who are already booking their trips for 2019. This has prompted Unleashed Travel to increase its capacity for the Europe Tour package by 150 per cent, and it is looking to increase this even further in 2019. School leavers will be able to immerse themselves in culture with some of the most iconic monuments in the world on offer. Making memories that will last a lifetime in this incredible winter wonderland. Europe is becoming a real option for school-leavers, according to Jot, who says 2019 bookings are already flowing.
Vanuatu Hideaway Island
For those school leavers wanting a more adventurous trip, Vanuatu presents the perfect opportunity. It offers a coral paradise with daily snorkel tours, expeditions to the beauty of Cascade Falls as well as parties with international DJ’s. School leavers will experience the wonder of Hideaway with this once in a lifetime opportunity that combines adventure with a unique cultural exchange experience. “There’s a memorable experience to satisfy the most adventurous school-leaver,” says Jot.
Japan Ski Trip
This is Unleashed Grad Trips newest package, launching in 2017. The Japan Ski trip offers the perfect balance of culture and activity. It’s time to shred! Hit the slopes by day and and experience Japanese culture and food once night settles in. Visit snow monkeys in the steaming hot traditional onsens or take a dip after a hard day of tearing up the powder and seeing the unique sights of Japan. This is a truly unique grad experience where a new adventure awaits everyday.
Cambodia Volunteer Trip
This destination is a favourite for the school leavers that want to give back to the community. As an Unleashed Grad, they’ll have the opportunity to be working hand-in-hand with local villagers to build a new house for a local family. But it’s not all work and no play. There will be the opportunity to go temple hopping, market shopping, waterfall exploring, food tasting, ziplining, day-tripping and tuk-tuk cruising your way to the Grad Trip of your life!
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
-
Latest comments
Latest News
Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opens with a vibrant ceremony at Sofitel Fiji Resort, Denarau
The two-day Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024, opened with a vibrant ceremony at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau. A pinnacle event in the South Pacific tourism calendar, the event brings together industry stakeholders from across the globe to delve into Fiji’s tourism offerings and cultivate long-lasting business relationships. Acting Prime Minister and Minister […]
Raes on Wategos celebrates 30th birthday and guests get the presents
World famous luxury boutique hotel Raes on Wategos, in Byron Bay, has launched its 30th birthday celebrations with a Raes Indulgent Escape package. Available for all stays of two nights or more, from June to August, the curated package offers an invitation to indulge in a shared celebration of Raes 30th birthday, whilst revelling in […]
Seabourn’s two new value-add offers for 2024-25
Luxe cruise line Seabourn is offering two value-added promotions featuring must-have fares and a generous shipboard credit for guests seeking to book their next voyage. The exclusive “A Sail to Remember” Event includes must-have fares on most Seabourn ultra-luxury ocean and expedition voyages in October 2024 and beyond. The “More Moments on Us” Event offers […]
PONANT commercial team expands to meet growing demand in APAC
Luxury exploration cruise line Ponant has announced significant updates to their Asia Pacific commercial team in response to accelerated growth across the region. “These structural enhancements signify Ponant’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our valued trade partners in the Asia Pacific region,” general manager sales & marketing, Asia Pacific, Deb Corbett said. “We […]
Gen Z and millennials on track for rise in Europe rail trips, says TruTravels
Despite what you think, Gen Z and Millennials are not 'off the rails', but instead want a fast track to Europe.
$230m joint Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport hotel prepares to open
Dear all business travellers, you're Melbourne experience just got a whole lot better.
Envoyage premieres Worldwide 2024 in Santiago
There has been a warm reception for 300 attendees at Envoyage's gabfest in Santiago, Chile.
Disney Destinations launches epic Aussie agent incentive
Everyone needs a bit of Disney in their life (apparently) and agents can get their next dose for free here.
IPW 2024: 960,000 Aussies took the trek to the Land of the Free last year
Nearly 6,000 travel industry reps descend on LA. Thankfully for all of their bosses, it's not in Vegas.
Nauru Airlines offers new direct flights from Brisbane to Palau on ‘Paradise Express’
No more island hopping to Palau as Nauru Airlines hits this boundary six.
Etihad Airways boosts connectivity with five interline partnerships
Etihad high fives itself with interline partnerships announcing a handful of new airlines, including Rex.
Discover the enchantment of India – A tale of timeless cities
Whether you're game enough to test out the street food or not, we recon India should be top of your list.
Qantas cops $100m penalty with passengers to get $20m back over cancelled flights
Qantas cops a $100m civil penalty, passengers to get back $20m over cancelled flights to resolve ACCC court battle.
Body found off Sydney Heads suspected to be missing cruiser
Tragic developments onboard Pacific Adventure this morning.
Wendy Wu Tours ‘Wonderlust Sale’ offers the wonders of the world for less
More for less... Great news for all apart from Wendy's wallet.
Booking.com launches AI Trip Planner in Australia and New Zealand
Booking.com launches new AI feature in Aus. We're hoping AI never gets the nuance involved with writing these jokes.
Voyages celebrates 40 years at Uluru with two new immersive experiences
No plans for celebrating your 40th this year? Here's a hot tip from us.
SkyDeck: The inflight entertainment you could never have imagined
Forget those external cameras you can live stream while in the air... With SkyDeck you can check it out for yourself.
Second Boeing whistleblower dies of ‘mystery infection’
Joshua Dean died from a fast-growing mystery infection on Tuesday.
Aussie winners of American Airlines ‘Sell Your Way to the USA’ announced
Show me the money! For the winners, Sell Your Way to the USA was worth getting involved in.
ANZCRO celebrates 30th with special edition of iconic New Zealand Book
Choice bro! ANZCRO celebrates its 30th with a special edition of its iconic New Zealand Book. Chur!
Room to move at Cairns Harbourside Hotel with ‘spacious’ new family package
Moody teens can eat two-minute noodles while younger brothers and sisters get to eat free with mum and dad. Win, win!
A&K unveils lavish around the world wildlife adventure in private jet
The kind of holiday that if you need to ask the cost, you probably can't afford it.
Flight Centre and Reforest hit one million trees target early
Nice one Flight Centre, we think you've earned an early Friday knockoff.
New cruise options spearhead stacked APT 2025 program
Just in case you thought you were running out of cruise itineraries, APT's here with a fresh batch.
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.
ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss
A High Court case win over 'disappointment and distress' on a cruise gone wrong prompts ATIA complaints change.
Cunard previews new Queen Anne
Yep, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.
Bunnik Tours unveils latest expansion to Iceland
Just as the Icelandic vikings did many years ago, Bunnik is expanding into new territories.
Australia’s first glamping retreat turns 25
25th anniversary gifts usually come in silver. Ours comes in the way of a news story.
Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun
If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Turnbull hints her new role will see her staying in the tourism and hospitality industry and who can blame her?
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
If agents can put the foot down quick enough and get involved, there are some great prizes to be won.
Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern
Unlike those dodgy scam phone calls you're getting more and more of, there's no strings attached to this deal.
“Grad Trip”?? We graduate from University. Only Americans (and perhaps some other countries) “graduate” from high school. Not Australians, we dont need the fake use of the word “graduation”. Even when if you graduate from university, Aussies NEVER abbreviate it to “Grad”. I’m sure it’s the promoters abusing the language here, not the writer of the article.