Celebrating milestones in life is important, and we think the perfect way to mark the occasion of a big birthday is to travel. Not only are the memories priceless, but they will long outlast almost any gift. Here are some ideas for where to plan the next milestone birthday in your life.
21st birthday
It’s no secret that most people turning 21 are looking to party, and Austin, Texas, is high on our list for a good time. From infamous dive bars to raucous music halls, there’s no shortage of opportunities to whip out your ID and commemorate this rite of passage. Blow your candles out further from home in Buenos Aires, offering legendary Latin nightlife with a side of European culture. The party doesn’t start until 2 a.m., so there’s plenty of time to fuel up at a parrilla (steakhouse) and catch a nap before hitting a packed nightclub.
30th birthday
By 30, your idea of a good time might have changed, and with any luck, your wallet may have expanded. Ring in 30 trips around the sun with a wine-fueled trip to Napa Valley. Though tasting your way through all the vineyards is a must, there is so much more to do: hiking, biking, hot air ballooning, shopping, spa-ing, and more. For an international festivity, several U.S. airports offer direct flights to Iceland where you’ll find endless hot springs to soak in, waterfalls to hike to, black sand beaches to walk along, and glaciers to conquer.
40th birthday
Forty is the new 30 (or something like that), so there’s now slowing down here. Entering your 40s comes with a certain distinction, and it’s hard to name a more distinct city than New Orleans—from its cuisine to its music and architecture. Visit Frenchmen Street to find fewer crowds and four blocks of live jazz, bars, galleries, and eateries. Beyond the U.S., Costa Rica would be the perfect backdrop for a 40th birthday. Beautiful beaches, jungle adventures, fresh food, and Pura Vida are waiting to welcome you into your 40s.
50th birthday
If you’ve lived through half a century, you deserve an escape. We suggest a retreat to charming Nantucket, where you’ll find countless five-star dining experiences nestled on quaint cobblestone lanes, perfect for marking the occasion. By day, roam peaceful beaches that line idyllic inlets and bays on foot, bike, or Jeep. Overseas, Paris is always worthy of a big birthday trip. Toast to five decades from the Eifel Tower, view word-famous art, watch the sunrise on the Seine, and simply let time pass at an outdoor Parisian café.
60th birthday and beyond
Now’s the time to book those once-in-a-lifetime trips you haven’t gotten around to yet. We suggest an expedition to the most remote place on earth: Antarctica. Watch whales breach the icy waters, leopard seals roll on the ice, and penguins nest, feed, frolic, and swim. If icy voyages aren’t your thing, a safari is a great choice: view iconic African wildlife (think lions, elephants, and leopards) on game drives and enjoy romantic dinners under the stars.
