Graduation is the start of a new adventure so why not throw a party that reflects that spirit? I threw my daughter a travel-themed graduation party to celebrate her achievements and send her off into the world with a bang.

VIDEO: Travel Themed Graduation Party

Here are some ideas to help you plan your "adventure awaits" travel-themed graduation party.

Travel Themed Party Decorations

Vintage map backdrop

I set the stage for the main party area with a big and bold vintage map banner, then topped it with an oversized cardboard airplane pulling a sign. I used paint and vinyl cutouts to personalize the sign with the graduating class year.

British red telephone booth

To the side of the table, I added a red telephone booth cardboard cutout. This is an iconic travel symbol but especially appropriate for this party since my daughter was heading to England for school.

DIY oversized passport

I also created some homemade decor, including oversized an passport. I painted a giant piece of cardboard blue, then added the design with gold vinyl cutouts that I made from clip art I found online.

DIY giant compass rose

I cut another piece of cardboard into a circle and used a marker to draw on a compass rose for a simple yet effective piece of oversized travel decor.

Suitcases and travel items

To round out the decor, I piled up stacks of old suitcases and peppered in some cameras, globes, and any other vintage looking items I could find in my home or at the local thrift stores.

Travel Themed Cake

Chica made the cake, which had a fondant-covered base layer that looked like suitcase. Then she topped it with a round tier that featured a vintage map, all to fit the travel party theme.

The map is an edible fondant printed wrapper that we found on Etsy. The topper is a brand-new graduation cap, stretched over an inverted mixing bowl to keep its round shape.

To serve the cake, I got some vintage map party plates and napkins and displayed them in a travel-themed box. My daughter made good use of that box later to hold the memorabilia from her graduation.

Travel Party Favor Ideas

I know that party favors aren't required but I absolutely love having them whenever my party budget allows them. Here are some fun travel-themed party favor ideas that can suit any budget.

Mini suitcases filled with treats:

Fill these little mini paper suitcases with candies, travel-sized toiletries, or small souvenirs.

Personalized luggage tags

I created personalized luggage tags with our guests' initials by engraving inexpensive leather-like luggage tags. I used our xTool laser engraver, but you could also customize them with vinyl or stencils and paint.

Scratch-off map poster

Guests are sure to love having their own scratch-off map poster so they can keep track of the places they've visited. Hanging one poster up at the party for all the guests to scratch off is also a fun party game idea!

Travel Party Game Ideas

If your guests are good spots, be sure to have a party game or two to serve as an ice breaker and get everyone in the party mood. Here are some of my favorite travel party games.

"Passport to Fun" party game

Transform your party space into an international terminal. Issue "passports" to your guests when they arrive, with sections for them to collect stamps or stickers throughout the evening. These "stamps" can be earned by participating in games, solving riddles, or showcasing their travel knowledge.

"Guess the Landmarks" party game

Set up a display of iconic landmarks from around the world and have guests guess their locations.

"Travel Trivia" party game

Test your guests' geographical knowledge with a travel-themed trivia game that has a travel focus or that quizzes the players about iconic landmarks, famous festivals, and local customs.

"Scavenger Hunt" party game

Embark on a global scavenger hunt around your house or neighborhood. Create a list of travel-related items for guests to find such as a miniature Eiffel Tower replicas, globes, mini Statues of Liberty, or postcards. The first team to complete the list wins bragging rights and a travel-themed prize.

Travel Party Food and Drinks

Pulling together travel-themed food and drinks to serve at your party is a really fun way to expand on the theme, and with all the cuisines available, the possibilities are endless.

Here are some of my favorite travel-themed food and drink ideas:

• Global Bites: Offer a variety of international finger foods such as mini tacos, samosas, spring rolls, or bruschetta.
• Destination Drinks: Create signature cocktails named after famous cities or regions or offer up some country-specific beverages like Bellinis, champagne cocktails, Pim's Cups, and margaritas. Non-alcoholic versions of these drinks can be offered up as well.
• Label It Up: Use small chalkboards or cards to label food and drink options, indicating their country of origin.

With a little creativity and these tips, you can throw a travel-themed graduation party that celebrates the graduate's achievements and inspires them to explore all the world has to offer.

If you've got more travel party ideas that we missed, please share them in the comments below.