Schoolies

School may not yet be out for the summer, but year 11 students are already planning their end of year break after year 12 with schoolies holidays selling at record levels.

Booking earlier than ever, provider of overseas travel packages for school-leavers Unleash Travel revealed they recently sold 1300 packages for December 2013 schoolies within 12 minutes of early release.

Unleashed travel director Jot Lynas said with students booking much earlier than the public realises he is concerned that parents are not getting involved in what the students are booking.

Mr Lynas recommends now is time for parents to get involved.

“Parents need to know about the range of holiday environments on offer – and the safety concerns of each. You can’t you do this without seeking the same information as the students.”

Mr Lynas says Unleashed has seen a boom in sales for overseas travel for schoolies trips, putting it down to the fact most students want to make it a memorable adventure, not a week of excessive drinking.

“Overseas island holidays are a more controlled setting, with a cap on travellers and a safer environment,” Mr Lynas said, pointing out these holidays offer an environment that is more attractive to students and their parents as they are safer and offer a richer experience.  

Describing a typical Unleashed schoolies holiday experience, Mr Lynas said travellers can expect high-quality accommodation, a more exclusive setting, cultural activities such as exposure to remote native communities, plenty of sun, no ‘predators’, and a travel crew that’s there 24/7 for the school-leavers.