50th Birthday Holiday Ideas

Turning 50 is more than a milestone – it is the beginning of another. Such a monumental occasion surely deserves an unforgettable celebration to match. If you are looking to mark your 50th birthday with a once-in-a-lifetime trip abroad, it is worth looking beyond the typical destinations. From safaris in Africa to icy adventures at the poles, there are some truly incredible experiences to be had across the globe.

Whether you are looking for a solo escape or a group holiday with your nearest and dearest, here, we explore 10 extraordinary regions that all offer remarkable birthday experiences.

South Africa

South Africa has so much to offer. The wildlife, for one, is incredible, boasting the opportunity to see all the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos and rhinos), and the natural landscape on which this megafauna lives is nothing short of breathtaking. Coastal lowlands surround the high central plateau and the land is lush and bountiful, playing host to vineyards that produce world-famous wines.

Take in the best of South Africa on our sample 10-day Discover the Rainbow Nation’s Diversity itinerary. Begin in Cape Town with visits to Kalk Bay, Simon’s Town and the Cape Point Nature Reserve before heading to the winelands of Franschhoek. South Africa’s wine country offers world-class wines fresh from the stunning vineyards that cover this landscape. Franschhoek is rich not just in grape-growing soil but also in beautiful hotels, such as Le Clé, La Residence and The Last Word, which all offer top-notch service, stunning views, delicious food and, of course, wine-tasting experiences.

After your time in the wine country, head onto the Sabi Sands Game Reserve for prime game-viewing and sumptuous lodges. Here, you will spend the days spotting the Big Five on safari and your nights enjoying firelit dining under the stars. Some of our favourite lodges include Notten’s Bush Camp or Londolozi, which cater specifically for wildlife enthusiasts looking for personalised service and high-end accommodation.

Japan 

Japan is a wonderful place to celebrate your 50th birthday in style. For tranquillity, natural beauty, ancient history and a slower pace of life, head to Kyoto. With its rich spiritual and artistic heritage, this city is a beautiful haven complete with indulgent spas, natural hot springs and incredible ancient temples, such as Sanjūsangen-dō. Six Senses Kyoto, set in the Higashiyama district, is a luxurious base from which to explore.

If you are seeking a more innovative, modern experience in Japan, Tokyo is the best place to find sleek skyscrapers, sushi bars, cat cafés and designer districts. The Japanese capital is a brilliant place to enjoy a little retail therapy – you will find trinkets and contraptions of all sorts here that merge fun, creativity and high-tech inventions to offer a wide range of quirky and unusual souvenirs. Set up camp in the exclusive Palace Hotel to enjoy unmatched views over the Imperial Gardens.

There are endless opportunities to experience traditional Japanese culture and cuisine wherever you go, but for an extraordinary journey back in time, be sure to discover the islands. From misty forests teeming with wild monkeys and deer in Yakushima to the ancient wonders found in Awaji, you will be immersed in charm and history as you explore just a few of the almost 7,000 islands surrounding Japan.

Or, for an even more elusive experience, embark on an adventure to encounter Japan’s hidden gems, where you will experience ancient temples and tea houses in bamboo groves, explore secluded mountain villages and the Sacred Island of Miyajima, wander among deer and shrines, and explore Tokyo and Atami. During your two-week journey, stay in some of our favourite places, such as The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, a private rice terrace villa in Nara and the Asaba Ryokan in Izu.

Bonaire, Caribbean

For those dreaming of sun and serenity, Bonaire offers a diverse mix of protected marine parks, pristine beaches, hidden coves and heavenly beach retreats. The island is a haven for watersports, particularly snorkelling through reefs but also diving, glass-bottom boat rides and sailing. It is also a great spot for surfing from December to July when the winds are steady and the waves consistent.

Our favourite spot to stay in Bonaire is the Sorobon Luxury Beach Resort, it is quintessential barefoot luxury at its best. Combining comfort and natural beauty, as well as contemporary design and Caribbean charm, Sorobon is a breath of fresh air. There is an infinity pool that overlooks the oceans as well as on-site spa.

This unspoilt island is full of exotic wildlife, including the rare yellow-shouldered parrot, and its sparkling waters are perfect for eco-friendly, responsible marine adventures. Bonaire also boasts a strong commitment to sustainability and the atmosphere here is laid-back and peaceful. If you enjoy a balance of romance, relaxation and adventure, this could be the perfect destination for your 50^th birthday.

Peru

Peru offers an extraordinary blend of nature, culture and ancient history; it is a destination where adventure, heritage and culinary excellence come together. What better time to connect with the ancient wonders of the Inca Empire than on your 50th birthday? Hike the Inca Trail to witness this epic landmark first-hand or ride on horseback to the breathtaking Colca Canyon to see the giant Andean condors.

For history buffs, a trip to the iconic Machu Picchu is surely on your bucket list. Our experts will ensure you explore this world-famous UNESCO site in the best way possible by creating an incredible bespoke itinerary. Read one of our sample itineraries here, which captures the country’s beauty, history, culture and natural wonders all in one, taking you through the marvels of Lima, The Sacred Valley, Machu Picchi, Cusco and Lake Titicaca.

Base yourself in Peru’s spiritual heart by staying in a boutique hotel in the Sacred Valley. With traditional Peruvian cuisine, ethereal scenery, cobblestone villages busy with artisanal market stalls, salt mines and mystical ruins to explore, there is no end to the cultural and naturally beautiful adventures possible here. If you are feeling adventurous, you could even stay in a beautiful eco-lodge in the Amazon Rainforest.

You could also extend your Peruvian adventure by combining it with a trip to Bolivia. Our itineraries are entirely bespoke but if you are interested in finding out more about the kind of trip we can create for you, read this sample itinerary. Bringing together the best of both countries, it takes you from Lima to the Amazon River and The Sacred Valley, through Cuzco to Lake Titicaca and the Uyuni Salt Flats. In this exciting adventure, you will travel by river cruise, plane and through the Andes on one of the world’s most luxurious trains, and enjoy encounters with South American culture, cuisine and wildlife.

Jordan

Celebrate your birthday with a blend of exotic charm and desert adventure in Jordan. Our Destination Experts can help you make the most of the awe-inspiring architecture of the monasteries and Roman ruins in this fascinating country and the stunning wilderness of the Wadi Rum.

A land steeped in ancient history and full of contrasts, Jordan is known for its deserts, temples, ruins and the Dead Sea, but many overlook the capital of Amman which is full of culture and history in its museums, galleries and restaurants. Here, you will taste mansaf, a traditional Bedouin lamb dish made with yoghurt broth, cumin and paprika, which dates back the Mamluk period of 1200 AD.

It was in Wadi Rum, the ‘Valley of the Moon’, where iconic films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Star Wars and The Martian were filmed. Immerse yourself in the desert life with a stay in its heart at Discovery Bedu Luxury Camp in Wadi Rum, which offers an authentic Bedouin experience with traditional furnishings and a range of activities, including camel treks and 4WD desert expeditions.

We will craft an amazing itinerary just for you, but if you are looking for some inspiration, read this sample 11-day itinerary, Spectacular Contrasts of Jordan, which takes you through Amman’s culture, the Decapolis cities, the beautiful Dana Nature Reserve with its endangered wildlife, Petra’s incredible history, the protected area of the Wadi Rum valley, before enjoying some coastal relaxation in Aqaba and the Dead Sea.

In Petra, we recommend the backdoor route, which takes you away from the tourists on an adventurous trail on horseback through rugged landscapes that reveals ancient tombs and monuments. The Mövenpick Resort, located at the entrance to the ancient city, is home to spectacularly appointed rooms and suites, as well as top-rate food, spa and pool for cooling off in the heat of the day.

Iceland

As you turn 50, why not welcome the occasion under the surreal display of the Northern Lights? With a trip to Iceland, you can enjoy a well-deserved break filled with natural wonder and magic. But of course, there is much more to Iceland than just the aurora borealis – it has a diverse and often otherworldly landscape. Visit ice caves, geysers, waterfalls and lava fields before retreating to a private geothermal hot spring to watch the skies illuminate the landscape in hues of green, pink and blue.

Iceland is also awash with natural life, home to Arctic foxes, reindeer, a range of whales, including blue, beluga and humpback, orcas, seals and birds, such as puffins, Arctic terns and the gyrfalcon, the largest of the falcon species. This island nation is also home to the Icelandic horse, a descendant of Norse horses.

Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, is the northernmost city in the world. It is compact, making it ideal for those who like to explore on foot. It is also brimming with culture, with thriving art and music scenes as well as museums and galleries. If you are planning to visit Reykjavik but don’t want to spend too much of your Icelandic adventure in the city, here are some ideas for what to do if you have just 24 hours in Reykjavík.

For further inspiration, read this sample itinerary for a week in Iceland, which includes the best eateries for authentic Icelandic food, exhibitions of local culture and exciting excursions to see the area’s nature and wildlife. However, do not forget your itinerary will be entirely bespoke. All our favourite hotels in Iceland offer fantastic service and very comfortable accommodation in beautiful surroundings – take your pick here.

Any time between November and March is best to visit this winter wonderland if you would like to experience glacier walking, snowmobiling, dogsledding and the Northern Lights, while June to August is perfect for exploring Reykjavík, hiking, horse riding and visiting the more remote geothermal pools.

Oman

For a birthday celebration where you can savour both desert drama and seaside serenity, Oman offers golden dunes, rugged mountains and coral-studded seas in one kingdom. The ideal time to visit is between October and March, when daytime temperatures hover around a pleasant 25–30°C, which is perfect for pre-dawn 4WD safaris across the rolling dunes of the Wahiba Sands or canyon hikes to the emerald pools of Wadi Shab.

For cooler air, head to the Al Hajar mountain range and retreat to spacious, cliff-edge suites at Alila Jabal Akhdar, which have been strategically arranged to maximise both privacy and the views of the mountains.

Dhofar is one of the standouts of Oman for us. This largely undiscovered province is not only home to beaches lined with palm trees but also a vast and unspoiled desert known as The Empty Quarter (also called Rub’ al Khali). The region’s capital, Salalah, and its surrounding areas put on a year-round display of greenery, thanks to the khareef – the wet months between June and early September.

Snorkelling aficionados will delight in the Daymaniyat Islands’ coral-strewn lagoons, accessed by a private dhow cruise from Muscat. You will have the opportunity to see turtles, barracuda and even humpback whales before returning to shore. Or, if you would prefer to take to the skies to make your 50^th birthday one for the ages, how about paragliding over the desert?

Argentina

Argentina is a beautiful country that stretches half the length of South America with the Andes on one side and the Atlantic on the other, giving it a wide variety of landscapes and experiences to discover and enjoy. The capital, Buenos Aires, boasts exquisite food, colonial architecture and an exciting nightlife scene – all infused with Latin passion. Our Destination Experts know some superb hotels in the capital, from the incredible colonial architecture and exceptional service of Palacio Duhau to the chic boutique design and lush gardens of Home Hotel and the luxurious rooms and world-class spa of Faena Hotel + Universe.

Outside of the capital, there is so much on offer. You can explore the stunning vineyards in Mendoza, stay in a luxury estancia in the heart of Los Glaciares National Park in Patagonia or discover the country’s wilder side; be inspired by this sample gaucho immersion itinerary, which takes you across the stunning scenery around Cordoba on horseback.

Or, to get a sense of everything this South American country has to offer, we can arrange a phenomenal itinerary, such as this sample essence of Argentina itinerary. On this journey, over 14 days, you will experience the nation’s deserts, mountains, jungles, waters, steppes, glaciers, cities and heritage through visits to Iguazu Falls, the capital Buenos Aires, the Perito Moreno Glacier, the Lake District and The Pampas. Along the way, you will stay in hand-picked luxury accommodation like Hotel das Cataratas, Esplendor and Estancia La Bandada.

Of course, if you want to maximise your time in South America, consider combining your trip to Argentina with some time in Brazil. We recommend travelling from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro over around two weeks, taking in the Ibera Wetlands, the Jesuit Ruins of San Ignacio Mini and the breathtaking Iguacu Falls; after the Brazilian capital, relax with a cocktail in the sleepy beach town of Paraty. You will stay in lovely boutique hotels and eco-lodges such as Loi Suites, Puerto Valle Lodge and Pousada Literaria.

Bhutan

If your birthday celebrations are set to be centred on inner peace and introspection, there is no better setting than the Buddhist mountain kingdom of Bhutan. A rich cultural tapestry resonates through the pristine landscapes; monasteries balance on the edge of towering mountains; emerald valleys hide ancient temples; and century-old trading paths wind through the forests and hills. Our Destination Experts can design an incredible bespoke itinerary for you. For inspiration, read our 10-day Essence of Bhutan sample itinerary, which takes in the nation’s bustling capital, Thimphu, the picturesque Dochula Pass laden with Himalayan vistas, remote villages in Punakha surrounded by fields, rice paddies and temples, before arriving in Paro, home to some of Bhutan’s most sacred sites.

Taste unique, often spicy, traditional dishes as you dine with locals or receive a private blessing from a monk to mark your birthday and welcome good fortune into the next chapter of your life. For a deeply authentic holiday, stay at Punakha River Lodge, a picture-perfect retreat boasting an organic farm, intricate Bhutanese architecture, hot-stone bath rituals and much more. Or, for a hotel that makes the most of the gorgeous landscape, stay at Gangtey Lodge in Phobjikha Valley – the retreat blends seamlessly into the landscape, both preserving Bhutanese culture and offering unspoiled views.

If you want to really connect with the country’s nature, there is no better way than a hike and our experts have the inside track on the best walks through Bhutan’s mystical paradise. If you want to celebrate your 50^th with a festival, there are some truly astonishing ones to choose from in this remote corner of Asia. Performers adorned in bright and wonderful costumes dance to the crash of cymbals, drumbeats and horns across the country – find out more about Bhutan’s festival traditions.

If you are flying to Paro from India, request a seat on the left of the plane for a (weather dependant) chance to see Everest or on the right of the plane if flying to India from Paro.

Antarctica

As a journey that remains only a dream for most people, visiting Antarctica is the ultimate birthday celebration. Setting sail to this frozen wonderland will reward you with rare sightings of penguin colonies, seals, whales, orcas and albatrosses and you will learn how they have adapted to life in this harsh yet incredibly beautiful landscape.

With its massive glaciers and icy waters, Antarctica deserves caution and a bit more forward planning than other destinations, so we recommend following one of our itineraries to safely get the most out of this otherworldly land.

To inspire you, our experts have put together an extraordinary sample 10-day itinerary from picturesque Puerto Williams in Chile to the ice continent, on a specially designed expedition ship with spacious cabins and observation decks, as well as smaller excursion boats for up close experiences. This journey will take you to the Lemaire Channel, Port Lockroy, Deception Island, Paradise Bay and Danko Island.

Or, if you would prefer to fly over the Drake Passage and save yourself time, we can arrange that too. Read our sample Fly to Antarctica itinerary, which takes you by air from Punta Arenas in Chile to King George Island in the South Shetlands, where you will board luxury expedition ship, Magellan Explorer. The ship boasts spacious cabins, a modern design and exceptional facilities. Your adventure will include visits to Explorers House in Punta Arenas, King George Island, the Lemaire Channel, the Gerlache Strait, Deception Island, Paradise Bay and Danco Island.

Alternatively, you can follow in the footsteps of legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton, taking in South Georgia, the Falkland Islands and Antarctica. Perfect for history enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike, this is the ultimate polar journey. Your home for the 18-day excursion will be luxury expedition ship, the SH Vega, which has a modern design with very comfortable accommodation and expansive observation decks, and like all our handpicked vessels, comes with expert-led expeditions.

A trip to Antarctica can be a life-changing experience.