17 Incredible 50th Birthday Trip Ideas

Looking for 50th birthday trip ideas? Celebrate your big day in style with an adventure that promises to turn this milestone birthday into an unforgettable occasion.

Picture yourself whale watching amid the spectacular scenery of Alaska’s Icy Strait Point or embarking on a thrilling ride aboard Norway’s Flam Railway, traversing majestic landscapes, as you mark half a century of life.

Other birthday options include submerging yourself in the marine world of Cozumel National Marine Park in Mexico, or perhaps exploring the ancient ruins of Delos in Greece. For a touch of Italian splendor, consider visiting the Colosseum in Rome as well. Let your imagination run wild; you only turn 50 once, after all.

Kayak Through Norway’s Naerøyfjord

Why not embark on a kayak adventure for your 50th birthday? There’s no finer locale for kayaking than the grandeur of Naerøyfjord in Norway.

Naerøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a narrow fjord enveloped by towering cliffs that ascend dramatically from the crystal-clear waters. Glide past cascading waterfalls, lush greenery, and serene panoramas created by this impressive glacier-carved waterway and terrain.

As you paddle through this Norwegian fjord, you could encounter diverse wildlife, including cormorants, eagles, reindeer, harbor seals, and dolphins. Kayaking through Naerøyfjord will provide you with a humbling perspective of Norway’s colossal landscapes, creating a mind-blowing birthday odyssey.

Retrace Darwin’s Steps in the Galapagos Islands

If you’re looking for a transcendent and educational birthday journey, why not retrace Darwin’s footsteps in the Galapagos Islands, 850 miles off the coast of Ecuador?

You can walk the very landscapes that inspired Charles Darwin’s groundbreaking theory of evolution by natural selection. You’ll come across unique wildlife here like giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and Galapagos penguins—species found nowhere else in the world.

Explore the clear waters surrounding Isabela Island, home to some of the best snorkeling in the Galapagos. This Galapagos isle is brimming with creatures like parrotfish, king angelfish, Galapagos penguins, and playful sea lions. The islands’ unparalleled biodiversity, volcanic formations, and pristine ecosystems promise a life-affirming celebration of your half century.

Find Inspiration at Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia

For a memorable 50th birthday, head to Spain for a visit to Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, a one-of-a-kind architectural behemoth that blends Gothic and Art Nouveau styles into a surreal, magical creation.

Once you arrive, stand in awe at the intricate details of Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, with its soaring spires and incredible stained-glass windows casting a sublime display of colors across the interior of this remarkable church in Spain.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site will offer you a profound sense of wonder, as it’s filled with unique symbolism still being revealed to the public today (construction has been ongoing for more than a century). If you love architecture, a visit to Sagrada Familia will make for an amazing birthday extravagance that you’ll think fondly of for years to come.

Experience the Wild Beauty of Alaska’s Denali National Park

If you want to commemorate your birthday with a walk on the wild side, the untamed beauty of Alaska’s Denali National Park—home to Denali, North America’s tallest peak—is hard to beat.

A trip to Denali’s pristine wilderness will put you inside six million acres of exquisite, protected landscapes, where you’ll be able to encounter Alaskan wildlife like grizzly bears, moose, wolves, and other charismatic species.

Trek along rugged trails and enjoy wildlife tours, or even dog sledding during your time at Denali. The park’s primeval terrain and natural beauty offers a brilliant backdrop for your special birthday getaway, deep inside the heart of this majestic wilderness.

Dive Into the Gladiator Life at Rome’s Colosseum

When it comes to 50th birthday trip ideas, why not “time travel” back to ancient Rome to pretend you’re a rugged gladiator who’s survived enough bloody battles to make it to five decades?

There’s no better place to do this, of course, than Rome’s famous landmark, the Colosseum, an architectural phenomenon built by the Roman Emperor Vespasian in AD 70-80. Back in the day, the Colosseum even hosted Naumachia naval battles, flooding the arena floor to recreate epic naval clashes.

Step into a space where gladiators once battled and imagine the roar of the crowds echoing off the stone walls. As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Colosseum’s imposing edifice carves out an iconic silhouette known the world over.

During your Colosseum visit, you can explore the structure’s labyrinthine underground passageways and even dress as a gladiator for a memorable 50th birthday portrait.

Snorkel in Cozumel National Marine Park, Mexico

Enhance any birthday by plunging into the underwater realm of Cozumel National Marine Park, situated off the shores of Cozumel, an isle in the Caribbean near Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.

Cozumel is one of the best islands for snorkeling in the world. The crystal-clear turquoise waters here teem with marine life that flits around dazzling coral reefs. Underwater visibility can reach up to 200 feet, making all of this marine beauty accessible to you.

While gliding through the water, you might chance upon sea turtles or spotted eagle rays effortlessly “flying” through the water. The park’s rich biodiversity and sun-dappled underwater vistas render it an ideal venue for a birthday escapade, with a few celebratory margaritas after your dip.

Take a Dip in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon

Get creative with your 50th birthday vacation ideas by treating yourself to some geothermal goodness at Iceland’s steamy Blue Lagoon. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Iceland.

This natural spa, distinguished by its misty-blue, mineral-rich waters infused with natural salts and silica is famed for its skin-nourishing qualities. Encircled by lava fields, this ethereal sanctuary will present you with a delightful soaking experience, heightened by the contrast of the starkly beautiful scenery of Iceland.

Whale Watching in Alaska’s Icy Strait Point

Seeking some birthday excitement? Look no further than Icy Strait Point in Alaska, one of the top spots for whale watching.

Around the forested Chichagof Island in southeastern Alaska, on which Icy Strait Point lies, you’ll be able to witness humpback whales breaching, along with orcas cruising the chilly waters, all set against the stunning backdrop of the region’s snow-capped mountains.

This diverse ocean haven offers glimpses of other animals too, like sea otters, seals, and majestic bald eagles. You might even chance upon minke and gray whales as well.

Try a Bahama Mama in The Bahamas

We’re all aware that many 50th birthday trip ideas involve celebrating with cocktails. But rather than heading to your local bar, why not soak up the sun in the Bahamas instead and relish the taste of paradise with a classic Bahama Mama cocktail? It’s the perfect potion to welcome in your sixth decade.

The Bahama Mama is a popular Caribbean cocktail—a blend of rum, coconut, pineapple, and grenadine (pomegranate syrup), ideal for sipping while unwinding on the islands’ pristine white sandy beaches.

During your getaway to the Bahamas, you might want to sample some other local drinks too. The Goombay Smash, a flavorful fusion of rum, fruit juices, plus a hint of apricot brandy, is a good place to start.

Regardless of your drink preferences, the Bahamas’ vibrant atmosphere, beach bars, and easygoing vibe guarantee a 50th birthday celebration you’re bound to enjoy.

Discover the Historic Ruins of Delos in Greece

Would you like to observe your 50th birthday in a scholarly manner? Then the ancient wonders of Greece, located at the historic Greek ruins of Delos, should satisfy the budding archeologist inside you.

Delos, off the coast of glamorous Mykonos, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that, according to Greek mythology, is the birthplace of the gods Apollo and Artemis. During your time here, you can explore the remnants of ancient temples, theaters, and complex mosaics that will offer plenty of insight into the island’s long history.

Wander through the Terrace of the Lions, with its marble lion statues, then marvel at the House of Dionysus, which features Dionysian-themed mosaic floors.

Delos is uninhabited and exudes serenity, the hum of insects on the breeze and the rustle of the wind in wildflowers the only sounds. It’s a wonderful place to reflect on your five decades.

Head off on a Tongass Rainforest Trail Expedition

A 50th birthday expedition through the Tongass Rainforest Trail is precisely the kind of northern adventure that will infuse the matchless beauty of Southeast Alaska into your memories.

Explore this temperate rainforest—the largest national forest in the United States—and immerse yourself in ancient terrain adorned with majestic spruce, hemlock, and cedar trees. You could encounter all kinds of wildlife here, from bald eagles and salmon to black-tailed deer and black bears.

Wander along moss-draped paths, witness waterfalls cascading over cliffs, and relish the symphony of natural sounds creating vibrant melodies throughout this lush wilderness.

A Tongass Rainforest trail expedition will offer you an incredible opportunity to commune with Mother Nature as you commemorate yet another year.

Tour Cinque Terre’s Picturesque Seaside Villages in Italy

Cinque Terre’s picturesque seaside villages, clinging to the cliffs along the Italian Riviera on the Ligurian Sea, are a spectacular setting in which to celebrate your 50th.

Roam around the exquisite Cinque Terre towns of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, linked by pathways that feature stunning—and precipitous—coastal panoramas.

Stroll down the narrow lanes of these pretty hamlets, adorned with charming pastel-hued homes. Indulge in fresh seafood and a tangy limoncello, then relax on pebbled beaches or cliffside terraces.

Take a Ride Aboard Norway’s Flam Railway

Norway’s Flam Railway (Flåmsbana), traversing the distance from the village of Flåm, nestled in a quaint valley along the Aurlandsfjord, and Myrdal, will offer you incredible vistas of the region’s alluring fjords. Scenery aside, this is one of the world’s steepest standard-gauge railway lines, which makes for a thrilling ride.

Gaze in wonder at the dramatic waterfalls, lush valleys, and towering peaks as the train winds its way for approximately 12 miles from Flam to Myrdal. The journey on this remarkable railway is certainly a memorable way to celebrate your 50th.

Pedal Through Provence in France

Observe your 50th birthday with a full day cycling journey across Provence’s picturesque landscape, passing pretty villages, sun-kissed vineyards, and aromatic lavender fields. Celebrate the day by pausing to savor exquisite local wines at vineyards where growers have mastered their winemaking trade for centuries.

While biking, stop off for breathers to taste refined olive oils, cheeses, honey, juicy peaches, and charcuterie. A bike tour in Provence is a golden jubilee holiday you’ll want to add to your travel calendar.

Visit Mexico’s Chichen Itza Temples

Another 50th birthday vacation idea to consider is a trip to Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage site tucked away in the eastern Yucatán Peninsula near Cozumel, Mexico.

Upon arrival, you’ll notice the towering steps of the Kukulkan Pyramid. This pyramid, also known as El Castillo, is celebrated for its precise celestial alignments during the equinoxes. Appreciate the intricate Mayan artistry here in structures like the Temple of the Warriors, alongside the Great Ball Court, once a site for the Mayan game Pok-a-Tok.

The richness, splendor, and scale of the ancient temples at Chichen Itza continue to mesmerize, ensuring that a trip to this historic Mayan ruin remains an intellectually captivating birthday adventure well worth your time.

Discover Portugal’s Douro Valley Wines

One of the best places to visit in Portugal, Douro Valley is a lovely region acclaimed for its exceptional wines and breathtaking landscapes. Embark on a journey here through terraced vineyards and quintas (wine estates) located along the meandering Douro River.

During your wine-tasting journey, taste port wine, bold reds, and diverse local blends rooted in Portugal’s long-standing winemaking traditions.

The valley’s scenic charm, adorned with hills draped in vineyards, blends wine appreciation with river views, creating a wine-rich birthday bash that will keep your celebratory cups filled to the brim.

Stroll Through Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-Listed Old Town

Discover the allure of Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-designated Old Town while commemorating your 50th birthday. The remarkable architecture of Croatia will spring to life as you explore ancient cobblestone pathways flanked by medieval structures, fortified ramparts, and ornate churches.

Enjoy gorgeous panoramas from the apex of the city’s medieval walls, with views of red-tiled rooftops and the sparkling Adriatic Sea.

Explore the Stradun, the primary thoroughfare lined with grand old buildings. Tour prominent sites like the Onofrio Fountain, as well as the Rector’s Palace, which combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles of architecture.

Dubrovnik’s magnificent Old Town will set the stage for an enthralling birthday celebration filled with cultural richness, promising you amazing memories that will linger for years to come.

Toast your 50th birthday by booking a Celebrity Cruises voyage to Alaska, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, or another alluring locale. Browse our website to find your dream destination and start planning your big day.