Grad Trip Romance <3: Finding Love (or Something Like It) in Paradise
POV: You’ve landed in Fiji, the sun is shining, the waves are crashing, and you're about to live out your “Love Island” fantasy. But hold on - there’s a million questions running through your head. Will this be the trip you find your forever person? Or just a fleeting romance that’s gone before you can say “Belly Flop Competition”? (Just keep reading - we’ve got you covered.)
It’s totally inevitable that at least one of you - whether it’s you, one of your mates, or a random person you meet along the way - could experience the magic of a schoolies romance. This is that time in your life where the atmosphere is full of fun, adventure, and maybe even a bit of love. But if you’re not careful, you could find yourself getting too wrapped up in your "Love Island" fantasies, missing out on the good times with your friends, or finding yourself in a bit of awkward drama. So, let’s break it down and figure out how to approach a grad trip romance the right way. Trust me, it’s all about balance!
How to Keep it Fun!
First things first: You are on grad trip! This is your time to shine, make memories, and let loose. You’ll definitely meet people, and some of them will spark your interest. It happens. But remember, schoolies isn’t just about finding the love of your life. It's about enjoying the ride with your mates, doing the crazy activities, and taking in every moment. You’ve only got one grad trip, so make it count.
But if a little romance comes your way, how do you keep it fun? Balance. Yes, balance is key. Spend quality time with your friends - the ones you’ve known for years - and don’t ditch them for someone you just met. You’ve got a lifetime to chase potential romances; you’ve got one grad trip. If a crush comes into the mix, great! But let the chemistry develop naturally. Don’t rush it, and don’t let a "love at first sight" moment cloud the fact that you’re here to celebrate with your mates.
Trust me, you’re going to have way more fun if you keep the vibe light and let the good times roll. Go ahead and flirt, get to know someone, but remember to make the most of this time with your friends and the Crew. You’ll regret missing out on activities because you’re too wrapped up in someone you met 12 hours ago. Time does its thing, so don’t force it. Keep those good vibes flowing, no matter where they’re coming from.
Pro Tip: If you’re out on a paddle board or hitting up a pool party, grab your mates and include them in the fun. The more the merrier - especially when it comes to creating memories.
Focus on Friends First
Yes, I’m all for having a crush at schoolies (hey, we’re human), but let’s talk about the most important people you came with: your friends. You’ve spent years with them, and this is your final opportunity to make memories before you all head off in different life directions. A grad trip romance should enhance your experience, not detract from it.
By focusing on your mates, you avoid unnecessary drama and keep the atmosphere fun and relaxed. Remember, the more you make memories with your crew, the more you’ll have to look back on. But if you get caught up in a situationship with your "Love Island" crush, you might miss out on the laughs, the late-night talks, and the inside jokes that make your trip unforgettable.
So, whether you’re by the beach, on a boat trip, or at the Belly Flop Competition (seriously, just wait till you see it), enjoy it all - with the people who’ve been by your side for years. And if a romance starts to blossom? That’s cool! But don’t let it replace the real reason you’re here: to have an epic time with your mates.
Also, be aware of group dynamics. If you start to ditch your friends every time your crush is around, it could lead to some tension. Keep everyone involved, mix up your hangouts, and make sure no one feels left out. Grad trip isn’t just about finding love - it’s about cherishing the time with your friends too.
Safety and Consent: Always Top Priority
Let’s talk about the important stuff: safety and consent. While romance might be part of the adventure, it’s crucial to stay respectful and aware of boundaries. No matter what happens, whether it’s a kiss on the beach or just a flirty chat, make sure you respect yourself and others. Communication is key, and being upfront about your intentions can prevent any awkwardness or drama.
Consent isn’t just about the romantic stuff; it applies to all interactions. If someone’s making you uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to set clear boundaries. If someone else is being disrespected, be the friend who steps in and has their back. You don’t want to ruin your trip (or someone else’s) just because you’re not respecting personal space.
If you're out partying, and things start feeling uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to set that boundary loud and clear. Remember, No means no - always. And if someone doesn’t take no for an answer, don’t hesitate to find a trusted friend or an Unleashed crew member. They’re there to keep everyone safe.
The buddy system is your best friend here. Stick with a mate, especially during the late-night shenanigans, and it’ll keep things safe and fun. Plus, you’ll have someone to laugh with about your questionable dance moves. Win-win. And remember, you always have the Unleashed Crew.
Meeting New People: Your New 'Love Island' Crush and Everyone Else
While you’re out meeting new people, remember: grad trip isn’t just about romance. It’s about connection, so take the opportunity to build new friendships. Sure, your "Love Island" crush might be cute, but you never know - you could end up vibeing with someone you never expected. And those new friendships? They’re just as important as any romance.
When you meet someone, whether it's your crush or a new friend, remember to include your crew in the fun. It’s way more fun when everyone’s involved! Imagine this: You invite your new “love of your life” to hang out with your mates, and next thing you know, everyone’s hanging out, sharing stories, and laughing over a drink. It’s way better than being the lone ranger who disappears into the sunset with your crush.
In fact, the more the merrier! If your crush's friend group is cool, invite them to join in on the fun. This way, you can avoid any drama and make even more memories. Just think of the extra pictures for Instagram, the extra videos for TikTok, the more laughs, and the collective good vibes. Who knows, you might even discover that you and your new romance are from the same hometown. Small world!
Balancing Partying and Exploring Fiji
Alright, you’ve got to balance the party scene with some chill time to experience the magic of Fiji. Sure, you’ll want to hit up every bar, every beach, and every dance floor, but don’t forget to explore the island. Fiji’s beauty is worth seeing, and you can’t just party your way through it.
If you need to take a breather, do it. There’s nothing wrong with skipping out on one or two fun nights if it means experiencing Fiji in all its glory. There are beautiful beaches to explore, snorkelling to do, and nature to soak in. Take a day off the party to reconnect with your friends and the island, and then hit the nightlife with full force when you’re ready.
Also, it’s important to prioritise what’s most meaningful to you. A grad trip can feel like an overwhelming whirlwind of activities, but you don’t have to do it all. If you’re super into snorkelling, for example, make sure you take time for it instead of just hitting the party circuit every night. Finding the right balance means you won’t feel burnt out by the end of the trip, and you’ll have more stories to tell.
And when you do go out, be smart about it. Don’t go overboard. If you’re with your friends, look out for each other. There’s nothing wrong with having a blast, but it’s a good idea to stay aware and make sure everyone’s having a good time, not just you.
Make the Most of Your Grad Trip Romance
At the end of the day, whether your schoolies romance turns into something lasting or not, it’s all about enjoying the ride. If you meet someone special, awesome! But don’t let it overshadow the amazing memories you’re making with your friends. You’re there to have fun, and if romance happens along the way, let it be part of the adventure - but not the whole story.
Whether it’s a cute beach date or a wild night dancing under the stars, don’t get too caught up in the idea of “forever.” Schoolies is about living in the moment, making the most of your time with friends, and having fun without expectations. And who knows? That “Love Island” crush could turn into your future wifey or hubby, a lifelong friendship - or it could be a hilarious story you tell for years to come. Either way, just make sure you're having fun, making memories, and living your best life.
So, whether you end up with your “Love Island” crush or a funny story to tell your family back at home, don’t forget to enjoy the ride. You’ve earned this adventure!
Blog written by: Brianna Movrin
