Destinations for a milestone birthday around the world

Birthdays are a time to treat yourself and enjoy the things you love most, so why not celebrate in style abroad?  

Love them or hate them, birthdays are a natural part of life, and they simply aren’t going away any time soon. That’s not a bad thing, though, and they’re just as much a reason to be thankful for another year of health, wisdom, and memories made. When it comes to the most significant milestones, then, it’s no surprise we often look to go all out, with many Brits opting to treat themselves to a trip abroad. 

Whether you’d prefer to mark the occasion with one of Europe’s finest rail journeys or that one long-haul trip that you’ve always dreamt of, there are plenty of options to make the most of the special occasion. Our team has been thinking about the best ways to commemorate each landmark birthday away from home, and here are six destinations that stand out.  

Where are the best places to celebrate each milestone birthday? 

30th – Japan 

Some consider 30 to be the first step into ‘proper adulthood’, and to mark the occasion, it could be worth splashing out on a wish-list trip unlike any you’ve experienced before. Japan certainly fits the bill with this in mind, and its contrasting collection of highlights offers the perfect combination of historic discoveries, intimate cultural experiences, and famous modern wonders.  

While your daytime exploration is sure to impress, Japan’s major centres are just as colourful by night, and each city’s neon-lit nightlife promises thrilling ways to celebrate after the sun’s gone down. Whether you’re interested in Japan’s ancient traditions, cultural highlights, or breathtaking natural glories, this is the perfect trip to usher in your 30s.  

Our recommended tour – Japan Unveiled 

40th – Borneo 

By 40, many of us will have become seasoned travellers, and so it’s only natural to look further afield for your next wish-list trip. If something totally different is on your travel wish-list, look no further than Southeast Asia and the wildlife-rich rainforests of Borneo. Though the animals often take centre stage here, the island’s idyllic coastal resorts and its sprawling mountain plantations mean there’s plenty more to discover.  

Whether you’re keen to spend some quality time with loved ones by the beach or see some of Asia’s most elusive species deep in the rainforest, Borneo is a destination that’s never dull. With so many nature trails available to enjoy around Sabah, the Malaysian half of the island, Borneo rewards those who are comfortable with physical activity. With many people feeling more settled at 40, travel is the perfect way to breathe new life into your daily routine, and no holiday promises a break from the everyday quite like Borneo.  

Our recommended tour – Borneo’s Orangutans & Rainforest Adventure 

50th – China 

Your first half-century calls for a trip with a greater impact and China could be the perfect choice. Similar to Japan and nearby South Korea, China features a wide range of historical wonders contrasting with the energy of its cosmopolitan cities, and that’s what makes it worth a trip. From the vast Great Wall of China to the grandeur of Beijing’s Forbidden City, there’s no shortage of lifelong memories to be made, and they aren’t limited to the inner cities either.  

Venture out to the rambling bamboo forests of Sichuan and come face-to-face with the country’s legendary giant pandas in Chengdu or perhaps soak up the marvellous landscapes that line the banks of the Yangtze River. If modern comforts are more your thing, you won’t be left wanting with a stop in coastal Shanghai either, with its famous evening skyline providing the perfect backdrop to an intimate birthday meal.  

Our recommended tour – Highlights of China with Yangtze Cruise 

60th – South Africa 

As you approach 60, it’s easy to long for the trips you’ve always dreamt of and safari escapes often top the list when it comes to many Brits’ travel wish-lists. That’s where South Africa, home to some of the most impressive wild spaces on earth, comes in. From the acclaimed Kruger National Park to the Garden Route, there are plenty of world-famous routes to choose from. Plus, with a shared language and welcoming communities every step of the way, it’s even easier to step out of your comfort zone in confidence.  

No milestone celebration would be complete without a toast or two to mark the occasion, and in South Africa, you’ll be well-placed to try some of the finest local tipples on the planet. Make time to visit the renowned Cape Winelands, nestled a short way inland from Cape Town, or simply embrace one of the country’s safari traditions with a sundowner in the heart of the bush. However you choose to experience this exquisite part of Africa, memorable experiences are never far away, and that’s exactly what makes it well-suited to a 60th celebration.  

Our recommended tour – Kruger Safari & the Garden Route 

70th – Switzerland 

For many, 70s are a time for enjoying the finer things in life and Switzerland is a spot that’s worth its weight in gold with regard to natural beauty, heritage railways, and exquisite local produce. It’s a country that can feel a touch more refined than some of its European neighbours, and there’s no better way to explore it than as part of an escorted tour.

For rail enthusiasts and nature lovers, there aren’t many better ways to celebrate a major birthday than with a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the Alps. One of the most scenic routes, the GoldenPass Train, showcases some of the continent’s finest mountain views, with local wines and canapés available to enjoy on board (at your own expense). Of all Europe’s wish-list destinations, Switzerland is the most indulgent, and that’s exactly what a 70th birthday should feel like.

Our recommended tour – Swiss Alpine Glories & the GoldenPass Train 

80th – Italy 

Italy is a destination that suits all ages, but for those of us approaching our 80s, it’s also the ideal setting for a slower-paced birthday treat. With a remarkable range of highlights, suiting all tastes and interests, it’s also a destination that never gets old. If, by this stage in life, you’ve already explored much of the country, rest assured there are still several lesser-known spots to discover away from the most visited areas.  

Puglia, the idyllic ‘heel’ of the boot-shaped south, offers a more rural experience than Northern Italy and isn’t short of unique experiences to help inspire your wanderlust all over again. With traditional Masseria estates, rock-cut cities that have withstood centuries of change, and pristine countryside villages that are sure to capture your attention, it’s a region which simply must be experienced to be fully appreciated. 

Our recommended tour – Heritage of Southern Italy – Puglia & Basilicata   

Celebrate with Newmarket Holidays 

Where will you be spending your next big birthday? If one of our featured itineraries has inspired your wanderlust, we’ve got departure dates running through 2027 and beyond. To get started on your next escape or for more information on each itinerary, give one of our friendly holiday planners a call today. If you’re keen to enjoy a birthday trip elsewhere, our escorted tour collection features over 100 holidays across six continents, and you can browse them all on our dedicated destinations page.