travel destination for my son who just got his diploma.

Is there anything he's particularly interested in?

I'd vote Asia as I took forever to finally make it over there. Easy to get around once you're there and some of the counties are very budget friendly.

First, congratulations to him! Wow. Great achievement.

I guess what we'd need to know further is how much money does he want to spend? How much time? Ever travelled internationally? Is he adventuresome or kind of shy and the thought of going out on his own too scary?

Spain. Hell yeah. Great place to visit. Our daughter taught school there and we went to visit for 3 weeks. Loved it, particularly the mountain region around Asturias. The Basque country. Really special.

Italy. Been 3 times. Loved Florence and Tuscany. To me, that's a couple's trip down the road.

I went to Japan for 2 weeks when I was in my early teens for a World Jamborees with the Boy Scouts. Was very memorable. Have a friend whose son still lives there. Everyone raves about it so I'd say that's an option. You look at YouTube influencer recommendations and that always comes out as one. Figure a 20–25-hour flight.

Out of college, before grad school, I went on my own to Europe. (Context was to try to win back an old girlfriend who was studying in France. We traveled two weeks then she went back to school. Short answer is: "No I didn't win the girl back, but did see her 20 something years ago, and yeah, the spark was still there, but I was married then and the rest is history).



BUT... point of the story is I was on my own backpacking for 3 months total. One of the best things I ever did. Going to countries that are affordable, the prevalence of people speaking English being high, are key factors.

A great overseas trip at 23 can be one of those experiences that sticks with you for life, and Spain or Italy would both be fantastic choices. But this is also the perfect age to look at places like Portugal, Croatia, Japan, or even Thailand—spots that are safe, affordable, and full of young travelers doing the same “see the world before the grind starts” thing. Portugal and Croatia are amazing for first-time Europe trips, Japan is unforgettable if he wants something totally different, and Thailand is unbeatable for adventure on a budget. Whatever he picks, this is the moment to go big and see something new before real life gets in the way.

Agree with the Asia replies, easier to do when you've got no schedule.
Once you get in the grind, it might be awhile before you can get all that way.
It's a lot easier to fly the 6-7 hours to Europe as opposed to Asia when you're working for a living.
Also the cost, once you're over there, (Southeast asia, at least) everything is so wonderfully inexpensive. Before you've got much in your pocket, it surely makes a difference

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Figure a 20–25-hour flight.

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Someone started drinking early. 10.5-11.5 hours direct from Houston depending on which direction you're traveling. 6-7 hours to Europe is only true if you're leaving from the east coast, and have no connections.

I'll pile on the Japan train. Almost every sign in Tokyo is now also in English, Google Maps can walk you through massive train stations, hotel concierges beg to be abused, and he can eat 3 good meals a day at Lawson's or 7-11 cheap.

South East asia. Thailand to be specific

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South America

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Just remember it is summer in the Southern hemisphere, and it will be hot AF outside of the mountains.

It just depends on what HE wants to do.

I'd look at weather first obviously. Then price.

A single person can bump around a lot of places for very cheaply.

The American summer will be harder to find cheap rooms as there are more people trying to do the same. So if he is looking to go now, hell I'd have no problem just looking for the cheapest flight to southeast Asia or Europe and just bump around from there. Plan it a couple days at a time, figure out how you are getting home and work your way there.

Definitely Asia. He'll get the biggest bang for the buck and will meet and travel with young people from all over the world. Depending on where he goes it will be a healthy challenge, a great cultural experience, and he'll make friends and memories for a lifetime.

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