Table of Contents
- 1.- Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
- 2.- Vietnam
- 3.- Mumbai
- 4.- Holbox, Mexico
- 5.- Pamplona, Spain
- 6.- Cote d’Azur, South of France
- 7.- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- 8.- Banff, Canada
- 9.- Istanbul, Turkey
- 10.- Santorini and the Greek Islands
- 11.- Havana, Cuba
- 12.- Jerusalem, Israel
- 13.- Tanzania
- 14.- New Zealand
- 15.- Vatican City, Italy
So, you’re turning fifty. The big 50. Congratulations! Here’s a list of 15 exotic locations in the world worth visiting to celebrate your 50th birthday.
Turning 50 is one of life’s major milestones. Of all the birthdays we celebrate, I can only think of turning 21 and turning 100 to be any more important than turning 50.
Read also: 13 50th birthday destinations on a budget
When I turned 50, I wanted to go somewhere different, do something wild, something unique. But I was too busy to do any research or plan anything.
So, I ended up staying home with my wife and kids. We had cake from our local grocery, blew candles, and made wishes. Whatever.
I decided to put this list together to help you—and me when I turn 60—because we should celebrate in grand fashion.
We should do something outside the box, like host a 50th birthday themed party or better yet, travel to faraway, exotic destinations, and be amazed by what this world of ours has to offer.
So, I created this fabulous list of 15 awesome life-changing places to celebrate your 50th birthday:
1.- Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
If you’re looking for a living and breathing spiritual place to celebrate your 50th birthday, consider Lake Atitlán and the surrounding villages like Panajachel, San Marcos la Laguna, and San Pedro la Laguna among others.
The lake itself is not just the deepest lake in Central America, it’s also one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
It’s surrounded by three volcanoes: Atitlán, Tolimán, and San Pedro. The landscape is amazing, but Lake Atitlán and its surrounding area are the center of Mayan life.
The place has a quiet, magical vibe. If you enjoy yoga or are seeking a spiritual experience, a journey to Lake Atitlán will fit right into your plans.
2.- Vietnam
Newsflash: Vietnam is no longer our enemy. As a matter of fact, they’re our friends. The people are super friendly.
And like Cuba or the former Soviet Union, places like Vietnam are intriguing, different and caught up in a strange time warp.
Places to visit in the country are obviously Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) for the mix Western, communist, and Buddhist culture as well as Colonial French architecture. But then get out of the city and explore the country.
There are too many places in Vietnam to list in this short blog, but a must is Hạ Long Bay. You’ve seen it in movies, on Instagram, and in your wildest dreams.
So taking a junk boat tour along Hạ Long Bay’s thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rainforests is your top priority.
3.- Mumbai
Once called Bombay, this is India’s largest city. It’s the country’s financial center and the home of Bollywood.
I’m sure you’ll be struck by this city of contrasts, its old-world architecture, strikingly high rises, and many other cultural and traditional structures.
Take a walk along Marine Drive, a 3-kilometer promenade along the bay and visit the different street markets.
Some of the tip landmarks are the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a Victorian railway station and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kanheri Caves with their amazing Buddhist sculptures and relief carvings, or the Elephanta Caves, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and a collection of Hindu and Buddhist cave temples.
4.- Holbox, Mexico
Holbox is a tiny island just off to the northeast of the Yucatan peninsula, about 30 miles from Cancún as the crow—or airplane—flies. By car, it’s about 80 miles.
The island is about 20 miles long but only a mile wide. It is exactly the opposite of Cancún (Mexico’s number one tourist destination).
Holbox is super laid back with small boutique hotels, no chain restaurants, and no cars.
The island is part of the Yum Balam Nature Reserve. You go there for a laid-back beach experience, to enjoy nature, and to swim with whale sharks as they migrate in the area between the months of June to September.
5.- Pamplona, Spain
Yes, it’s a classic—a cliché even. But the running of the bulls during the Fiestas de San Fermín in Pamplona, made famous by Ernest Hemingway’s first and most fabulous novel, The Sun Also Rises has been a destination for everyone from college students to those suffering from a mid-life crisis.
Think of days of partying with wine, bulls, and some of the best food in Spain.
And since you’re already there, take a short trip up to the coast and check out San Sebastian and Bilbao for a taste of the Basque country—you won’t regret it.
6.- Cote d’Azur, South of France
Looking for class and glamour? Visit the south of France.
You can base yourself anywhere along the coast in Southern France hugging the Mediterranean: Cannes, Antibes, St Tropez, Nice.
It’s all good and it’s all close enough for one or two-day visits. Why not rent a convertible and put together a nice ten-day itinerary and drive along the coastal highway, hit all the towns and bask in the sun, lay on the beach, and enjoy the blue Mediterranean?
And you don’t have to go in summer when the area gets crowded with tourists. There is no wrong way to do the Cote d’Azur.
7.- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
My first suggestion is to shoot for February so you can be there for Carnaval. It’s insane.
Seriously. Brazilians know how to party. But any time of year is good for Rio.
Hang out in Ipanema or Copacabana Beach while sipping a nice caipirinha (Brazil’s National Cocktail) and visit the Christ the Redeemer statue atop mount Corcovado and enjoy the view of Rio, just a 20 minutes train ride through Tijuca National Park.
Try just about any churrascaria for mouthwatering beef, and take a Samba dance class.
8.- Banff, Canada
This is the Canadian Rockies at their best. Take a horse trail ride, stay at cool lodges and enjoy cowboy cookouts in the spectacular backcountry and feel like a pioneer in this beautiful and pristine terrain you could ever imagine.
If horses are not your thing, you can canoe in glacial Lake Louise or Minnewanka, hike Banff national park, ride the Banff Gondola for amazing views, ski, soak in hot springs, shop on Banff Avenue, and enjoy the small resort town.
Granted, it’s one of the most expensive places to visit in Canada, but hey, you only turn fifty once. And Banff is amazing.
9.- Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting Istanbul is like visiting history from the beginning of time.
Founded by the Greeks in the 7th century BCE, and ruled by everyone from the Romans to the Ottoman Empire.
It was a major stop on the Silk Road and one of the most important cities in history. Istanbul has numerous UNESCO sites and is considered the European Capital of Culture.
Wander the old city and explore the underground crazy cool street markets, enjoy amazing food, and don’t forget Turkish Coffee. Happy fiftieth!
10.- Santorini and the Greek Islands
If you don’t know about Santorini and the Greek Islands, you’ve been living under a rock. As of late it has been Instagram candy.
At least my Instagram feed is crowded with images of white and blue buildings and the pristine blue Mediterranean.
There are over 200 little islands off of Greece. And they’re all pretty much amazing.
Santorini can get over-saturated with tourists during the season. And the summer can be insufferably hot.
Shoot for the fall or spring. It will be less crowded and the temperatures will be more comfortable. Also consider the islands of Syros, Naxos, Hydra, and Milos.
11.- Havana, Cuba
For many, this is a forbidden place. We’ve had an embargo against travel to Cuba for more than 60 years. During the Obama administration things opened up some but then closed down again.
You can still go with the right tour group or exchange program, such as an artist or educational visit.
The Cubans would love you to visit. They’re incredibly friendly and approachable in the streets. Havana is a fascinating and enchanting city. There is no other way to put it.
From Habana Vieja (the old quarter) with its colonial buildings to Vedado and Miramar with their modern 50 and 60’s architecture.
There is great food, amazing music, and a lot of fascinating history waiting for you to discover it.
12.- Jerusalem, Israel
One of the oldest cities in the world, it is a holy city for the Jews, Christians, and Muslims. So basically, it’s the center of civilization.
It would take a book to talk about the history of this intriguing land. The Israelis and the Palestinians both claim Jerusalem as their capital, but it’s under the Israeli government. There are different quarters for the different religions.
And The Old City is packed with ancient history. Jesus died, was buried, and resurrected here.
And the Western Wall is the holiest site for people of the Jewish faith. But Jerusalem is also modern. There are high-end shops, restaurants and cafés and a happening nightlife.
13.- Tanzania
This country in East Africa is one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas on Earth.
It has 21 National parks, 1 conservation area, and 3 marine parks. So if your idea for a fiftieth birthday is to go on Safari, this is the place to go.
Visits to Serengeti National Park and Mt. Kilimanjaro are a must. There is also Selous Game Reserve which has the largest remaining elephant populations in the world and The Gombe Stream National Park for chimpanzees and other primates.
But much less mentioned is Zanzibar on the coast. This small city with a heavy Arab influence has amazing white sand beaches and crystal blue waters.
14.- New Zealand
Stuck far down in the far bottom of the Pacific Ocean is this beautiful little country made up of two islands.
The people are friendly and the landscape is out of this world, from rainforest to skiing alps, New Zealand has it all.
On the North Island, you can visit Rotorua National Park, the center of Maori culture, the natives of New Zealand. Rotorua is also known for its geothermal activity—that’s fancy talk for hot mineral springs and boiling mud! Further south in the North Island, you’ll come into wine country.
Acres of vineyards and wineries and small bed and breakfasts await. On the South Island, you’ll find majestic mountain landscapes. You’ll feel like you’re in the Alps, so bring your skis.
15.- Vatican City, Italy
I was originally going to suggest Rome but hear me out.
Vatican City is the smallest state by area at 120 acres and by population at 450 people. And it’s inside Rome. So there.
Vatican City is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the most sacred places in Christendom. And it’s the official residence of the Pope.
The main reason to visit is to check out St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world completed in 1626, and designed by Michelangelo, Donato Bramante, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and others.
The square, the Renaissance architecture, and the Basilica itself are unforgettable.
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