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15 Fiftieth Birthday Celebration Ideas

Surviving half a century is a milestone worth celebrating.

And whether you’re planning a birthday party for yourself, or you’re wondering how to make a special lady in your life feel extra-special on her 18,262nd day… we’ve got 15 birthday celebration trip ideas to help you mark the occasion in style.

Travel is now the No. 1 way to celebrate milestone birthdays and anniversaries.

And there are 3 types of ‘Milestone Birthday Trips’ we recommend you consider including:

  • Bucket-list destinations and adventures
  • Group celebration trips with friends and family
  • Romantic birthday getaways for two

Here are our top 5 recommendations for each type of birthday trip and the reasons why we think you’ll love them:

Top 5 Bucket-List Destination Trips (Includes ideas for couples or group celebrations)

#1 Ancient Rome - ITALY

Everyone should visit ancient Rome at least once in their lifetime.

But we think it’s delicious mix of vibrant city culture, iconic must-see attractions, and amazing food, make Rome the ideal destination for celebrating a special birthday… on any budget.


How and where to celebrate your birthday in Rome?

Book into the enchanting Unique Al Palatino restaurant at Hotel Kolbe Rome. This award-winning garden restaurant is perfect for an intimate 50th birthday celebration, or if you’re planning a bigger celebration and travelling with a group of family and friends, you can head up to the rooftop terrace for an exclusive 50th birthday party with spectacular city views of the Palatine and Roman Forum.

Send a direct enquiry to the celebrations team at Hotel Kolbe and Unique Al Palatino restaurant here

#2 Northern Lights  - ICELAND

Witnessing the northern lights is high up on many a bucket-list.

And whilst it’s impossible to guarantee your experience, Iceland is one of the best destinations to go if you’re dreaming of celebrating your 50th birthday with a magical natural light show. In Iceland the auroras can be seen most nights plus the climate is a little warmer than other popular northern-lights-viewing destinations such as Scandinavia.


How to celebrate your birthday seeing the Northern lights in Iceland?

Make your Northern Lights birthday experience extra special with a VIP evening aboard a luxury yacht on a cruise to see the Aurora Borealis. Cosy up under a blanket on the deck as you watch the skies illuminate with brilliant hues of pink and green, or if why not ‘push the boat out’ (sorry!!) and take exclusive hire of the whole yacht for an unforgettable 50 birthday party for up to 98 guests.

Send an enquiry here to our partners Friend in Iceland to arrange a Northern Lights birthday celebration to match your personal requirements

#3 Emerald Coast - NICARAGUA

Discover Central America’s rising star of travel.

The Emerald Coast of Nicaragua is an off-the beaten-track hidden gem steadily gaining a reputation for its unspoilt Pacific coastline beaches, spectacular sunsets, and opportunity for adventure.


How to Celebrate your birthday on the Emerald Coast?

Toast your half a century with an unforgettable al-fresco birthday dinner under the stars on the beach. Your birthday meal will be accompanied by live acoustic guitar music (including at least one rendition of ‘Happy Birthday,’ of course) and followed by a magical sunset horseback ride along the coastline. Experiences can be arranged for both couples and groups.

Arrange an Emerald Coast birthday adventure here with the help of our expert local partners at Rancho Santana Resort

#4 Birthday Cruise – WORLDWIDE

Embark on an incredible world cruise to commemorate your extraordinary milestone!

You'll be taken on an unforgettable journey through picturesque destinations like the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Dubai, Abu-Dhabi, Qatar, or the Caribbean. Promising a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, cruises are especially popular with guests celebrating special birthdays. Get ready to create lifetime memories on the high seas!


How to celebrate your birthday with MSC Cruises?

Experience European hospitality at its finest with MSC Cruises – the ultimate choice for your 50th birthday celebration! And here's the best part: this vibrant crowd is younger than the typical cruise-goers, averaging just 45 years old. Prepare yourself for a luxurious journey like no other as they whisk you away to paradise on board their incredible ships. Brace yourself for an unforgettable adventure with MSC!

Book a Birthday Cruise of your dreams with MSC Cruises

#5 Royal London – UNITED KINGDOM

Treat yourself to a London birthday celebration… fit for a queen.

Whether you’re a devoted royalist or not, the theatre and history of the British monarchy holds an undeniable fascination and appeal. And there’s nowhere better to experience it first-hand than London.


How to celebrate your birthday in royal London?

Book into Rubens at the Palace for a birthday weekend as next-door-neighbours to Buckingham Palace. Here you’ll be in the beating heart of ‘royal’ London with an exclusive vantage point on daily royal life, plus the hotel team here are renown experts in helping guests celebrate special occasions. Wait till you try their hand-made chocolate birthday truffles!!

Top 5 Birthday Celebration Trips for Groups of Family & Friends

#1 City Celebrations in Marrakech – MOROCCO

A city break with family and friends is a popular choice for fun-loving birthday girls who enjoy celebrating.

Marrakech stands out as an ideal destination for group getaways and festivities, offering a vibrant blend of culture, excitement, and relaxation.


How to have a group birthday celebration in Marrakech ?

If you're planning a milestone birthday celebration in Marrakech, look no further than Es Saadi Marrakech Resort. This iconic venue excels in hosting extraordinary parties and events.

Your special day should feature a refreshing dip in the pool, followed by a rejuvenating afternoon at the spa, before coming together for a grand celebration of your birthday - personalized just for you. Enjoy an elegant evening of fine dining at La Cour des Lions, host a vibrant cocktail garden party at Lagon & Jardin, or celebrate against the stunning backdrop of the Atlas Mountains from the rooftop solarium terrace of the spa.

Get in touch with the celebrations team at Es Saadi to arrange a special birthday stay or event

#2 Rent a Luxury Caribbean Villa – TURKS & CAICOS

Sometimes you just wanted to be pampered in paradise.

Treat your nearest and dearest to white sand beaches, sweeping ocean views and the ultimate ‘butler serviced’ villa experience for a birthday trip you’ll never forget. This is all about being together with the people you love, and just having fun… in the most beautiful surroundings imaginable.


Where to book your dream birthday villa?

On the tropical Turks and Caicos Islands, Beach Enclave offer stunning villa accommodations with between 2-7 bedrooms. With 5-star amenities, a private butler to cater to your every need and a dedicated birthday and celebrations planner at your disposal you’re guaranteed a 50th to remember including sunset cruises, horseback riding on the beach, birthday photo shoots, destination dinner parties and much more.

Send a direct request to the celebration planners at Beach Enclave here

#3 50th Birthday Canal Cruise Party – UNITED KINGDOM

Book a unique ‘moving’ party venue perfect for celebrating with guests of all ages

One of the hardest aspects of planning group trip is finding a venue or destination that equally suits a group of guests with mixed ages, budgets, and interests… all without compromising on your experience. However, we think we’ve found the perfect solution.


Where to hire a canal party boat?

A canal cruise from Leeds to Liverpool on the Graceful Swan is a truly unique way to celebrate your birthday. Capable of hosting between 20-54 passengers, the Graceful Swan is ideal for both an afternoon tea celebration, or an evening party with full music and entertainment included to dance the night away with your friends and family.

#4 Hire a Chateau on the French Riviera – FRANCE

Celebrate your birthday like a 1920’s Hollywood movie star

Transport your guests into the magical world of prestigious Cap d’Antibes, for a birthday celebration filled with elegance and glamour. As one of the most sought after addresses along the French Riviera, this has been a destination of the rich and famous for hundreds of years.


How to hire an exclusive Chateau on the French Riviera?

Available for a private hire, Château Romanov is a 19thCentury Belle Epoque villa that will guarantee to wow your guests. Up to 150 guests can be seated for dinner in the garden or 80 guests inside the Chateau. The luxury decorated apartment is also available for up to 8 guests to stay up to 7 nights including 450m2 of accommodation surrounded by 1500 m2 of Florentine style Garden, plus gazebo for summer and a breath-taking sea view.

#5 Go Glamping – UNITED KINGDOM

Party under the stars with your family and friends

Glamping is a fun and unusual way to celebrate your birthday. And filled with a unique romance and charm it’ll bring you and your loved one closer than ever. Plus, you’ll find plenty of birthday treats and indulgences for the birthday girl including private hot tubs, intimate movie nights and outdoor spa treatments.


Where to host your glamping party?

In the heart of the South Norfolk countryside Glamp and Tipple’s luxury glamping site is available for exclusive hire (up to 32 guests)for bespoke celebrations including; Decorations, Gourmet Hampers (Breakfast, Picnic, Pizza and BBQ options), Afternoon Teas (Boxed or Full High Tea Set Up), Hog Roast, Pizza, Burger/Kebab, Fish & Chip and Dessert Trailer Options, Gorgeous Treats for Your Tents on Arrival, Mobile Bar Options/Horsebox Bar, Giant Outdoor Games, Additional Children's Activity Tents, Private Group Yoga/Exercise Classes on Site, Candle Making Workshops, Silent Discos, Beauty/Spa Treatments in Your Bell Ten, and a Private Cinema. That’s what we call a party!

Top 5 Romantic Birthday Celebrations for Two

#1 Secret Picnic in the Yorkshire Dales – UNITED KINGDOM

Equally romantic on a warm summer’s day or cosied up in winter.

Backdropped against the evocative views of the Yorkshire Moors this is a birthday celebration for two brimming with wild passion and intimate moments. Share a gourmet hamper of delicious and indulgent treats personally selected for the birthday girl.


How to Arrange a Romantic Picnic in the Yorkshire Dales?

We recommend a cosy picnic at Bothy Hut on Swinton Estate, overlooking the parkland. Or if you prefer to celebrate indoors then head to the Secret Island. Accessible only by hand drawn cable ferry, complete with fairy lights and a flower strewn summerhouse, give your loved one a romantic birthday surprise beyond their wildest dreams.

Get in touch with special occasions team at Swinton Estate and they'll help you create your perfect celebration.

#2 Charming “Old World” Country House – IRELAND

Be embraced by a big warm Irish welcome

If the lady in your life appreciates authentic, rustic, love-laden experiences then she’ll love a true Country House atmosphere imbuing peace and tranquillity, with antique furnishings and glowing fires. This is all about real long-lasting love, with no flashy gestures required.


Where to find the ultimate country house birthday retreat?

Carrygerry Country House is a Charming “Old World” Country House, which was originally built in 1793. Located near Shannon, in the scenic countryside of County Clare it’s less than 10minutes from Shannon International Airport. They’ll prepare you a special romantic room with four-poster bed and couples photoshoot. Plus, once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as a romantic picnic on the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, one of the seven wonders of the world.

Get in touch with owners Geraldine & Gillian here (they'll help you create a very special time in County Clare)

#3 World’s Most Amazing Romantic Hideaway - ITALY

Celebrate your birthday in luxury love nest by the sea

If you just want to be alone with one another, surrounding by stunning sea views, and enjoying epitome of 5-star luxury… look no further. This is a birthday getaway of world-class romantic aspirations and complete privacy (just 5 minutes from the beach).


Where to book your birthday love nest?

BaBa Dream offers a truly unique and indulgently romantic experience, designed for intimacy, privacy and connection on the north Italian coastal city of Alassio. Make the most of the outstanding views with bubbly champagne filled evenings together in the transparent outdoor bathtub and enjoy private romantic dinners in your residence, or on Baba Beach (open June/Sept) overlooking the cool sea waters.

#4 Barefoot Birthday Dinner on the Beach - BEQUIA

Delicious food, romantic thoughts, and warm sands between your toes.

There’s something magical about white sand tropical beaches that makes you feel lucky to be alive. And we think that’s exactly how you should feel on your 50th birthday.


Where to book your romantic beach dinner?

Located on Friendship Beach - a mile long white sand beach with breath-taking views of neighbouring Mustique - Bequia Beach Hotel can arrange an intimate couple’s dinner especially for celebrations. Your 3-course dinner will include Lobster (seasonal) or Steak, sparkling wine, and plenty of romance. Dinner can be set-up in a Gazebo, on the beach or in the property gardens.

#5 Book into a Luxury Love Nest in London

London is city full of secrets and seduction… making it the perfect destination for a romantic birthday celebration for two. With everything from West End theatre to a romantic ride on the London Eye, you certainly won’t be bored on your birthday.


Where to book your luxury love nest in London?

If you’re looking to impress then look no further than the Guv’nor Suite at The Montague on the Gardens. This suite is made up of two magnificent bedrooms, complete with a huge stand-alone copper bath and a private conservatory… the perfect place for a candlelit birthday dinner. It is less so a room, and more your own private apartment within the heart of the city.

For all our recommended Birthday Trips & Celebrations in over 100+ destinations worldwide click HERE