Updated on: Mar 03, 2024
Saying farewell to someone close to you? Are you trying to think of ideas for the best kind of party to throw in their honor? Maybe you're wondering how to plan a party that they'll remember? Throwing a bon voyage theme party is the perfect opportunity for friends and family to say their temporary goodbyes and still enjoy a fun night for the person leaving. We’ve put together recommendations for a bon voyage theme party from decorations to invitations, in order to throw a memorable party that your guests will never forget. In order to have an amazing party, it's important to make sure you've properly budgeted all of your checklist items so you can enjoy the party and not the stress of planning.
Bon Voyage Theme Party Decorations
1. Banner and Signs
No bon voyage theme party is complete without decorations like a banner or travel sign. Hang these signs on doorways, chairs, tables, and walls at your venue. These decorations are often made and constructed very nicely, so you can also give them to the traveling guest of honor as a remembrance of the party.
2. Photo Wall
Have guests bring pictures of their favorite memories with the guest of honor and create a photo wall by displaying the pictures for everyone to reminisce on. These images are sure to make your party one to remember while allowing guests to say good bye!
3. Globe Paper Lanterns
For some out-of-this-world decorations, hang globe paper lanterns from the ceiling. You can always purchase solid color paper lanterns as an alternative that matches your color scheme for your bon voyage theme party. Perfect for your going away theme!
4. Suitcases and Duffel Bags
Can't travel the world without a piece of luggage! Create suitcases and duffel bags out of paper, cardboard, or wood to place around your venue. To make it more personalized, have each guest bring a piece of their own luggage for the decorations.
5. Welcome to...
Decorate and transform your venue into the city, state, or country that the guest of honor is traveling to. For example, if the destination is Italy, decorate with Italian-theme colors and symbols. You can even make your centerpieces Italian-themed!
6. Bye Bye Balloons
Hang or tie bon voyage balloon letters or travel-themed balloons anywhere at your event to bid farewell. This will bring your party to life because they are especially festive if you are looking to spice up your balloon decorations.
7. Map
A large map is perfect for a travel or bon voyage theme party. It can just be for decorations or used as a backdrop for pictures.
8. Adventure Awaits
To continue with your bon voyage theme party, but to change the wording slightly, try to encourage that adventure awaits.
Bon Voyage Theme Party Favors
9. Baggage Claim
Place all the party favors on a designated table and set it up and call it the baggage claim, for guests to grab their gifts and head off on their next adventure.
10. Mini Globes
Where to travel next? Mini globes as party favors can encourage guests to see the world. If it can be opened, fill it with sweet treats!
11. Compass
What direction should you take? Give a compass as a party favor to figure out! Add this to your list of traveling party ideas!
12. Party Favor Bags
Give guests party favor bags with an airplane or cruise ship on them that say "Bon Voyage!"
13. Picture Frames
World travelers need a keepsake for their memories. Small picture frames are just what guests need to remember your party.
14. Keychains
Keychains are the perfect souvenir from a trip or party.
15. Mini Suitcases
Make mini suitcases out of paper or card-stock and fill them with candy to send guests on their way!
Bon Voyage Theme Party Food Ideas
16. Kabobs
Take the party outside and follow a tasty recipe video or recipe book to grill kabobs! An awesome addition to any menu!
17. Lifesavers
For an easy and simple snack in a bowl, lifesavers are perfect since they match the theme.
18. Cupcakes
If you decide to serve your guest of honor's favorite food, don’t forget an honorary cake or cupcakes with toppers. A cupcake is a sweet way to say goodbye.
19. Cocktail Bar
Want a vacation-style vibe? Create your own cocktail bar, hire a catering team, or a bartender to provide food for your party.
20. Themed Food
Research the destination your guest of honor is traveling to, and then buy or make that region's local foods and snacks. Add the flags and symbols of the destination to the tables and food dishes. For instance, if you’re serving Italian food, decorate tables with miniature Italian flags and mini chef hats.
Bon Voyage Theme Party Games and Activities
21. Bingo
For a fun and quick game, play a couple of rounds of bingo. Always embrace creativity and change the squares if you want to!
22. Who Said It?
If you're looking for more fun activities try this one out! On each party table, place a container out with strips of paper in them. Have each guest write an anonymous statement about their favorite memory with the guest of honor. Collect the statements and read them aloud. Have the guest of honor try to guess which person wrote each one.
23. Photography
Make sure each guest gets their picture taken with the guest of honor. Set up a photo booth with props or find local photo booth services. Don’t forget to take candid photos of everyone together with the guest of honor at the party. Create a scrapbook using a bon voyage-themed photo album with all the photos from the party. This makes for a great going-away present for the guest of honor to have on their trip.
24. Where Am I From?
Write the names of different countries or cities onto name tags, and place one onto each guest’s back as they walk in. If your guest of honor has traveled a lot previously, use these specific places as the options to put on the guests’ backs. Each guest must figure out which country or city they have by asking only yes or no questions. For some extra fun, place the destination that the guest of honor is traveling to on a different guest’s back. Whoever has this destination can win a prize!
25. Suitcase Race
Ready, set, GO! Challenge guests' packing skills by providing them with numerous items and see who can pack the suitcase the fastest. This is sure to be funny and receives many laughs!
Bon Voyage Theme Party Supplies
26. Tablecloths
Cover your tables with map tablecloths as a creative option rather than just solid colors. This is the perfect touch to your bon voyage decor that your guests and guest of honor will appreciate.
27. Plates
Put the meals on the map with these travel-themed plates.
28. Centerpiece
Place a world traveler centerpiece on the tables to hold pictures or balloons to share the adventures!
29. Napkins
These napkins are much needed to wipe away the happy and sad tears.
30. Photo Booth Props
The perfect addition for your bon voyage theme party photo booth!
31. Backdrop
Set up a map of the destination the guest of honor is traveling to for an instant backdrop.
Bon Voyage Theme Party Invitations
32. Passport
Create an invite inspired by a passport. Fold a card the same size as a passport, and glue the front copy of a passport to the top of the card. Glue on the back copy. On the inside, add a photo of the guest of honor as the passport photo, and include all the party details.
33. Luggage
Make the card into the shape of luggage or luggage tag! This is a nod to traveling and would be great for a goodbye party. Personalize it by including fun colors and the destination of where your friend is going for a fun little twist.
34. Boarding Pass
All aboard! These boarding pass invitations fit perfectly with your bon voyage theme party.
35. Postcards
This is definitely a cute way to send invitations, and they can be personalized or actual postcards.
36. Oh The Places You'll Go!
The possibilities are endless with these "Oh The Places You'll Go!" themed invitations.
Bon Voyage Theme Party: Conclusion
Traveling to a new destination can be intimidating, but it can also be one of the best experiences of a lifetime. Throwing a bon voyage theme party for your guest of honor is a great way to make them feel special and appreciated before they leave for a new place. We hope your next party is inspired by these great ideas. Check out more of our blogs for other ideas about planning events!
Written by Jessica Bundy, Natalie Davidson, and Mackenzie Hogan; Contributors: Amber Phipps and Maisy Wingert