A big birthday – whether that’s big in its number or simply in its significance – is always a cause for celebration.
It’s possible the COVID-19 pandemic may have prevented you from embarking on your dream milestone birthday trip last year. Why not make up for the lost time (or birthdays in this case!) by marking this year’s big day with a once-in-a-lifetime trip with Enchanting Travels?
As well as putting together a fantastic personalized itinerary for the duration of your holiday, our Trip Coordinators always aim to go above and beyond to make any birthday trip feel extra special and unquestionably memorable.
“It was my guest’s son’s 5th birthday and he really wanted to do something special. As a surprise, we decorated his bus with balloons. We also decorated his room with balloons, flowers and cake. I still remember the smile in the photograph of his special day!”
– Shivangi, Trip Coordinator for Asia
Whether you’ve always wanted to go on a sunrise safari or you’re craving some sand, sea and serenity, we’ve put together a list of some of the best birthday destinations around the world below.
Best birthday destinations for…
Relaxation and rejuvenation: the Maldives
The magical Maldives has long been one of the most idyllic locations for a beach getaway. It’s one of our best birthday destinations for those after luxury, too, with the country’s over-water villas providing the perfect backdrop for a special occasion.
Book a milestone birthday trip to Fushifaru, a private island with just a handful of luxurious villas scattered along its shores. Indulge in treatments at the spa, dine on gourmet global gastronomy at one of two restaurants, and enjoy snorkeling or dive trips to nearby Fushifaru Thila – a reef teeming with all sorts of amazing marine life.
Alternatively, the Six Senses on Laamu island offers the quintessential Maldivian over-water villa experience. The only resort on the palm-fringed island, it’s a haven for those eager to escape from reality and admire the stunning scenery of the Indian Ocean.
As well as powder-soft sand beaches and luxuriously decorated accommodation, you’ll have the chance to add all sorts of incredible activities to your Maldives itinerary. Sunset dolphin cruises, private dining on deserted beaches and outdoor cinema screenings are just some of the ways you can make your getaway a little bit more special. You could also take part in fantastic cultural excursions to nearby communities or book a local cooking class with the resort’s highly qualified chefs.
History and heavenly views: Agra, India
A true jewel of Northern India, the grand Taj Mahal is undoubtedly one of the world’s most visited attractions. If you’ve always wanted to see this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site in person, a trip to Agra should definitely be on the list for your next milestone birthday.
Due to the popularity of the ornate complex, visiting can often be an overwhelming experience. After you’ve navigated the crowds and spent some time soaking up every inch of its beauty, you might be craving a little time to rest and reflect. The Oberoi Amarvilas ticks both of those boxes.
The five-star resort is one of the most extraordinary places to stay in the area, with architecture that mirrors the Mughal palaces of the surrounding city. The Oberoi Amarvilas – one of several luxurious hotels run by the Oberoi group – is also less than a kilometer from the Taj Mahal and offers unbeatable views of the monument from every single one of its plush rooms and suites.
Beyond its outstanding outlook, the luxurious hotel boasts beautifully landscaped grounds, a selection of gourmet restaurants and a spa. Hospitality at The Oberoi Amarvilas is of the highest caliber; expect to be treated like royalty throughout your stay, especially on your birthday itself.
Wonderful wildlife: the Serengeti, Tanzania
There are many places across Africa where you can witness some of the most amazing animals on Earth in their natural habitats. The Serengeti National Park – which spans northern Tanzania – is undoubtedly one of the best birthday destinations for both first-time and experienced safari-goers.
Instead of spotting the Big Five and dozens of other extraordinary species from a jeep or on foot during a bush walk, why not make mesmerizing memories during a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti? Take to the skies at sunrise and enjoy uninterrupted views of thousands of animals – from elephants to gazelles – strolling across the plains and coming together to drink at watering holes.
As well as bird’s eye views of the wildlife, your balloon pilot will act as a guide and provide fascinating information about both sky safaris and what you can expect to see. Hot air balloon safaris are available in the Serengeti throughout the year, too, meaning you can book this magnificent excursion regardless of what month your birthday falls in.
Action and adventure: Antarctica
It’s really no surprise that the seventh continent is on many people’s bucket lists! And what better time to tick off Antarctica than a milestone birthday?
Book a cruise to Antarctica and get ready for an out-of-this-world experience where every day is as exciting and adventurous as the one before. You’ll get to soak up the region’s epic landscapes as you arrive by sea from Argentina, in addition to on foot during a series of exceptional daily outings.
Visit important research stations, glimpse whales frolicking in the ice-cold waters of the Antarctic Sea, and hike across dramatic landscapes to spot hundreds of penguins nesting. There are also opportunities to hear from Antarctic wildlife experts. You can choose to add other bespoke activities, like camping on the ice, to your itinerary to make it even more worthy of a big birthday celebration.
A kaleidoscope of culture: Sri Lanka
If you love your holidays to be as diverse and culture-packed as possible, Sri Lanka is a must-see destination. The island just south of India has seemingly endless attractions and activity options, making it ideal for those of you who have a wide range of likes and interests.
Sri Lanka’s coastline is fringed with beautiful beaches, from the gorgeous shores of Galle in the south to the relatively untouched islands of the Kalpitiya archipelago in the north. You could also choose to head inland to the country’s tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya, ride a vintage train through the Ella hills or stay in a sensational hotel in the lush mountains surrounding the ancient city of Kandy.
Animal lovers are additionally accounted for thanks to places like Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park which provide sanctuary for elephants, leopards, crocodiles and numerous native birds. Why not talk to our experts about planning a tailored milestone birthday trip to Sri Lanka that includes enchanting excursions, gastronomical experiences and exceptional accommodation options?
Dramatic landscapes: the Galapagos Islands
The far-flung Galapagos Islands are another wonderful destination where you can expect to enjoy some truly life-changing experiences.
The group of volcanic islands is nestled off Ecuador’s Pacific coast and is well-known for providing habitats for numerous astonishing animals and marine life. The region – which has UNESCO status – was first made famous by Charles Darwin nearly two centuries ago and its wildernesses remain almost as untouched today as they did when he first stepped foot on them in 1835.
You can’t book milestone birthday trips to the Galapagos without exploring the Parque Nacional Galápagos. The national park is fringed by crystal clear ocean waters which harbor huge marine iguanas, sharks and sea lions. On the shores, you might be lucky enough to spot turtles and penguins gliding across the sand. Bird-watchers will also be in paradise, with blue-footed boobies, albatross and frigates all calling the region home.
The best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is between May and December, although you’ll still be able to enjoy most of its glorious landscapes and wildlife if your birthday falls outside these months.
Eco-friendly luxury: Patagonia, Chile
Undulating hills, glistening glaciers and vast lakes which can only be navigated by kayak or canoe await in Patagonia. The region, which straddles both Chile and Argentina, is a paradise for nature fanatics and easily one of the most remarkable regions for a milestone birthday trip.
Patagonia’s eco-friendliness also makes it a magnet for those who would like to be more sustainable in their travel experiences. There’s a wide range of eco-lodges to base yourselves in across the region, including the incredibly peaceful Explora Patagonia. The sustainable hotel sits within the spectacular Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and it’s one of the most peaceful places to stay in Patagonia.
Spend your days exploring the surrounding reserve’s 2000 square kilometers of majestic landscapes via a range of personalized activity options. Among Explora Patagonia’s excursion offerings are guided horse treks through the park’s grasslands, hikes to epic viewpoints and bird-watching tours with local experts.
Once the sun goes down, it’ll be time to relax in Explora’s plush yet sustainably designed suites which maximize the area’s natural beauty through large windows featuring breathtaking views. A lack of technology (besides the essentials, of course) allows you to switch off from the world and totally immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the picture-perfect Patagonia region…
Tell us what you REALLY want for your birthday and we’ll make it happen. Get in touch today to plan your perfect trip.
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