School’s (nearly) out for summer!

Last updated
Tuesday, 27/10/2026

 

Many year 12 students will soon mark the end of their school years by heading somewhere tropical to celebrate with their mates.

If your child is going overseas for schoolies, we have advice to ensure their trip is memorable for the right reasons.

Learn about where they're going

Ensure they're informed about where they're going, before they go. Encourage them to:

Remind them they're visitors to someone else's home while they're overseas. It's important to understand and be respectful of the local culture and laws while they're there.

Some countries have extra entry rules beyond just getting a visa. Make sure they know and follow the rules.

Get your child to check their TravelSmarts with our “choose your own adventure” style travel test.

Make sure they have travel insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is a must. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure their policy covers all planned activities.

Find out:

  • if you need to buy extra cover for any adventure activities they have planned, such as scuba diving or rafting
  • whether their travel insurance policy has alcohol consumption limits for claims. Many policies won't allow claims if alcohol is involved
  • if riding on scooters is covered, if there is an engine power limit and what license they need.

Read more about travel insurance.

Talk to them about partying safely

Make sure you equip your child with the knowledge to party safely. Talk to them about:

  • looking after their mates. It's important to look out for each other so someone is always around if things go wrong. Help them come up with a back-up plan if they get separated.
  • drinking safely. Many school leavers are choosing not to drink, or to drink less. If they choose to drink, make sure it is legal where they’re going and they know the signs of spiking and methanol poisoning, how to prevent them and what to do if they see it.
  • water safety. Swimming and alcohol don't mix. Especially swimming in the ocean.
  • safety around heights. Risky stunts look impressive on video. But no amount of social media clout is worth falling from a balcony ledge.
  • the risk of drugs. Taking drugs always comes with risk. Overseas in a foreign country is not the place to experiment with them. Many countries have much harsher penalties than Australia for carrying and using drugs.

Visit our partying safely hub for resources to help you start this conversation.

Read more about partying safely.

Help them pack the essentials

We have printable cheatsheets for schoolies travelling to Bali, Vanuatu, Thailand and Fiji. They list:

  • what to organise before travel
  • essentials to pack
  • top tips from consular staff
  • local emergency contacts.

Digital bookings and contact lists are great until the device they're on gets broken, lost or stolen. Having hardcopy back-ups removes some of the stress if something happens to their phone. Put together a travel binder with:

  • a copy of their passport ID page
  • a copy of their visa, if bought in advance
  • printouts of any e-tickets for flights and accommodation, including accommodation locations
  • a list of emergency contacts back home and in their destination, including the nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate
  • copies of prescriptions for any medication they're taking (and check their medication is legal where they're going). 

See our checklist of the basics for more advice on how to prepare for a trip overseas.

Remind them to stay in touch

Schoolies is often a child's first trip without you. It can be overwhelming for you and them. Set up an agreed daily check-in time before they leave. It can relieve some anxiety and reassure you they're doing ok.

But if they haven't replied in a few days, try not to worry. Most likely, they're just too busy having fun. If you're concerned:

  • check their and their friends' social media
  • try messaging the people they're travelling with
  • if they're on a tour, contact the tour provider. Schoolies tours typically have a parent number for you to call.

Looking for more advice?