Big birthday holiday destinations

[Neilds]

We went to New York for my wife’s 50th and looking at a Japan cruise for her 60th in 2 years.
My 50th was a bit of a damp squib, as we were meant to be in Mauritius to celebrate my birthday and me leaving the RAF - unfortunately COVID had other ideas and we ended up in local bar having 2 pints and a ‘substantial’ meal . For my 60th I am hoping to go to Australia to watch some of the Ashes matches and tour the country.

 

[GB72]

Keyonna Beach or Galley Bay in Antigua, total relaxed luxury. Love both places

 

[Tashyboy]

Love the thought of a cruise, I've been on 1 and booked on the Disney one for next year

Best of all worlds

Nice living on the ship and then different destinations every day

The Disney ship I saw two weeks ago looked gorgeous.

 

[PJ87]

The Disney ship I saw two weeks ago looked gorgeous.

It does look amazing. First holiday (abroad) we are attending with the kids without grandparents (1 so far)

If they behave they can go turkey another year with us .. maybe 2026

 

[Tashyboy]

2 years off yet but the wife and I are both 50 and looking at going somewhere special. Never been to any Caribbean islands or Mexico. Looking at various options but wondered where people have been that would stand out as potential places?

Wife likes the thought of totally chilling, beach optional, nice food, special feeling of the place and with the odd day trip. I'm easy

We normally go to a beautiful small Crete village so this will be the opposite but wanted to celebrate our 50ths in style/luxury

First question is what time of the year are you looking at, if it is Oct- March it’s not Europe

If it is a chilling holiday it is a beach holiday. On that list you can put Cape Verde although I have never been and two weeks would kill me as I personally would be bored witless.

But Barbados, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Costa Rica ( was special) Caribbean islands. somewhere special, Maldives, Mauritius, Bali.

A cruise is a good shout, having just got back from my fourth they have changed in the 7 year gap I have had with P and O.
A lot more young ones going. Plenty of beach options on days in port. We did Long bay beach on Beef island ( Tortola ).
Carlisle beach on Barbados which would be a good place for two weeks. St Maartens ticked many many boxes as an island and the beaches were gorgeous, plus there’s a nudist beach . Loved Philipsburg for a base. Vivid beach on St Lucia. If Missis Marshy wants a beach holiday, you can mix and match Caribbean beaches whilst on a cruise, which gives you excellent food, good entertainment and Birra Moretti at £5.85 a pint.

We have done several 2/3 centre holidays but always ended up with a beach holiday.
Thailand, Bangkok, Chang Mai and a week at Krabi.
Vietnam, Han Hoi, Halong Bay, Cambodia, Siam Reep with Ankor Wat etc, back to Vietnam and Hoi Ann.
Malaysia, Kuala Lumpar, Borneo for the Orangutans and Probisus monkeys which always seem to have an erection. A week in Bali.
Sri Lanka, cultural triangle, Maldives.

The 2/3 centre holidays have all been brilliant but the can be hectic, but have all been brilliant it part helped by chilling on a beach last off.

 

[C7usk]

Love the thought of a cruise, I've been on 1 and booked on the Disney one for next year

Best of all worlds

Nice living on the ship and then different destinations every day

Luv a cruise... Great food, drink and entertainment. Being able to visit so many different places you would like to visit but may not necessarily want to book a week's holiday at..
They might be slightly more expensive than a standard AI to say tenerife or similar but they are worth it..

 

[Tashyboy]

It does look amazing. First holiday (abroad) we are attending with the kids without grandparents (1 so far)

If they behave they can go turkey another year with us .. maybe 2026

 

[Bdill93]

Only thing I don’t like about Mexico is the humidity!

Hotels, food and experiences are all pretty first class though!

 

[Tashyboy]

 

[sunshine]

You're only 50, not ready for a cruise yet!

If you want to do nothing, how about Seychelles or Maldives.

In the Caribbean, I loved Barbados. Bahamas and Cayman are beautiful but have a lot of Americans so are quite noisy.

Hawaii was beautiful. Although it is in America, it has a different vibe.

I'm not including any SE Asia destinations as if you're worried about your nut allergy you just won't be able to fully relax and enjoy yourself.

 

[PJ87]

You're only 50, not ready for a cruise yet!

If you want to do nothing, how about Seychelles or Maldives.

In the Caribbean, I loved Barbados. Bahamas and Cayman are beautiful but have a lot of Americans so are quite noisy.

Hawaii was beautiful. Although it is in America, it has a different vibe.

Well now he's 50 he could go on the saga cruise

Don't really think you have a lower age limit on cruises . It's a status . Majority of people I know who cruise are wealthy

 

[sunshine]

Well now he's 50 he could go on the saga cruise

Don't really think you have a lower age limit on cruises . It's a status . Majority of people I know who cruise are wealthy

I can't think of any wealthy people who go on cruises. Wealthy people have their own boat, or rent one.

You're right, a 30 year old could go on a cruise, but I suppose it's a mindset most associated with elderly people.

 

[PJ87]

I can't think of any wealthy people who go on cruises. Wealthy people have their own boat, or rent one.

You're right, a 30 year old could go on a cruise, but I suppose it's a mindset most associated with elderly people.

My parents went on their first cruise in 2011 (would have been 54 then) they ate their meals with a British Paralympian who competed in 2012 think he was in his 20s

It's much like people think of golf and plus 4s .. just outdated

 

[Tashyboy]

I was gobsmacked how many younger folk were now going on cruises. Loads in there 20,s and 30’s.

 

[PJ87]

I was gobsmacked how many younger folk were now going on cruises. Loads in there 20,s and 30’s.

It's amazing how much money you have spare when you cancel Netflix and stop eating avocado

 

[Tashyboy]

It's amazing how much money you have spare when you cancel Netflix and stop eating avocado

 

[Sid Rixon IV]

Borneo for the Orangutans and Probisus monkeys which always seem to have an erection. A week in Bali.

Lets face it Tash, you're an attractive man!

 

[Tashyboy]

Lets face it Tash, you're an attractive man!

It must of been the crocs.

 

[Tashyboy]

I was on about this to Missis T last night.
What is important re booking a holiday. Timing. Black Friday and cyber Monday can usually be a good time, but another is just after Xmas. There are usually a few good sales knocking about.
I was having a look last night at going to Athens with Missis T for her birthday. I went with my son for the supercup final with Man City. It is a lovely City. Bottom line. It isn’t going to happen. £950 for B and B with TUI and Jet2 is even more. What I have picked up on is that both companies are using EasyJet and Ryanair and hand luggage only with another £110 for a suitcase. So a minimum of £1100 for B and B.
So equate that to the cost of a cruise and that’s why folk are leaning towards them. Excellent value for money.
Re the OP. If your 50th holiday is in a couple of years time, I would be having a good look now

 

[GreiginFife]

I can't think of any wealthy people who go on cruises. Wealthy people have their own boat, or rent one.

You're right, a 30 year old could go on a cruise, but I suppose it's a mindset most associated with elderly people.

There is a "wealth middle ground" I think,

Wife and MiL went on a cruise last year, Greek Islands tour with a company called Silversea. "Small" cruise ships and was mainly fairly well off Yanks that were on board. Each cabin was like a suite and had their own butler.

Cost £12k per head for the 9 days they were on board and some of the doodles were on it for 3 weeks.

I wanted to object to the cost but it's her money at the end of the day, she works hard for it.

And it gives me superb leeway when it comes to paying expensive green fees