Last Updated on March 7, 2023
Your 65th birthday is a milestone worth celebrating. To make it extra special, why not try something different and unique and make it truly memorable? Here are 25 tips to help you plan your perfect 50th, 55th, 60th, or 65th birthday getaway.
1. Take a Cooking Class in Italy
Food can be an incredible experience if done right, so why not learn some tips from the locals by taking part in a cooking class?
Enjoy delicious meals and great company in a fun atmosphere by taking a cookery class/es in Tuscany, Sicily, or Umbria.
Some companies that offer cooking classes and workshops include:
- Experiencetuscany.com – offers a number of 3-hour courses for a variety of Italian foods.
- Montese Cooking Experience – based in Siena province, Italy, they offer cooking classes including learning how to make gnocchi, pasta, and Italian desserts.
2. Explore and Stay in a Rainforest
Take a guided tour through one of the world’s most biodiverse places and experience first-hand the beauty and mystery that is the rainforest.
Likewise, you might decide to stay in a rainforest in a lodge.
Consider locations including:
- Bolita Rainforest Cabinas – It’s where I stayed recently on my trip to Costa Rica.
- Bwindi Lodge in Uganda – overlooking the Bwindi forest
- Mashpi Lodge in Ecuador – a stunning location to see wildlife close-up
- Daintree Ecolodge, Australia – stay inside the Daintree Rainforest
3. Take a Luxury Cruise Around Europe
Why not enjoy all the delights of a cruise without all the stress that getting from A to B otherwise involves?
Indulge in exquisite cuisine, relax on deck, and watch the beautiful scenery pass you by as you travel from place to place.
There are numerous cruise routes and operators but, if I had to choose one, I would suggest a Greek Islands cruise.
4. Go Skiing in the Alps
This idea really depends of course on what month of the year your birthday is on.
If you have a wintertime birthday, why not make it a great memory with a trip to the Alps and hit the slopes with friends or family?
If you feel that downhill skiing is a little too physical as you reach your 65th year, then why not consider cross-country skiing?
5. Ride a Hot Air Balloon, over Africa
Take in the stunning wildlife from a bird’s-eye view as you sail through the skies with a hot air balloon ride.
This is definitely an experience that will stay with you for life.
You can try this in many countries including in:
- Bristol Balloons in England
- Grand Canyon hot air balloon experience (for a truly memorable 65th)
6. Visit a Remote Island
If you’re looking for complete serenity and isolation, then why not travel to an island that is off the beaten track?
You can relax on the beach, go snorkeling or take part in some other exciting activities at these remote locations.
If you can afford this option, then why not consider Necker Island, owned by Richard Branson.
7. Go on an African Safari
Watch some of nature’s most amazing creatures in their natural habitats.
There are some great locations for trying your first safari experience including Namibia.
7. Go on a Road Trip
Whether you’re driving by yourself or with friends, this is a great way to experience everything that the country you have in mind has to offer.
One of the classic road trips (and one I, unfortunately, have not taken yet) is Route 66 in the States.
If you are a fan of the United States, I would also recommend driving the Pacific Coast Highway in California, for stunning views and a great experience.
8. Ride a Train Through Europe
Take in the stunning countryside views as you travel across Europe on a train.
This is an excellent way to get around if you want to take your time and really enjoy the sights.
But to make it even more special, why not experience the thrill of riding the Orient Express.
9. Learn to Surf
It’s never too late to try and there are many great places around the world to learn how to surf.
Consider making sure you get in touch with a local surf school and tackle some waves on your 65th birthday.
11. Visit the Great Wall of China
Take a journey back in time as you explore one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.
The Great Wall of China is an incredible feat of engineering and is another really quite unique experience.
A number of companies provide the Great wall packages including:
- Exodus (UK)
- Travelocity (US)
12. Go on an Adventure Vacation
If you’re feeling really adventurous, there are plenty of thrilling activities to choose from and age should never be a barrier!
Whether it’s:
- scuba diving
- bungee jumping
- or mountain climbing
why not consider something active to really remember that special day? Be daring!
13. Go on a Wine-Tasting Tour
If your idea of a birthday celebration is drinking wine and spending time with friends and/or family, why not consider taking everyone on a wine tasting tour in a vineyard?
Being Italian, it might perhaps not be a surprise that some of my recommendations include:
- Tenutecamilleri.it – Sicilian wine tasting tours
- go-etna.com – ‘Go Etna’ also give wine tours and what better place than on the Etna?
14. Visit the Grand Canyon
Visiting the Grand Canyon is really quite an experience and one that I highly recommend.
You can stay quite cheaply in Las Vegas and then visit the Grand Canyon on a day trip.
15. Visit Machu Picchu
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, then why not explore one of the world’s most mysterious sites?
Provided you have a good head for heights, then visiting Machu Picchu is another experience that one never forgets in a hurry.
16. Climb a Volcano
Take your birthday celebrations to new heights by climbing an active volcano.
This is definitely a more daring way to celebrate, but the views from the top are sure to be worth it!
You could combine visiting the Etna Volcano in Sicily, with a wine-tasting tour!
17. Go on a Helicopter Ride
A great way to appreciate the beauty of your 65th birthday destination from above and, to do this, I recommend a helicopter ride.
The most stunning such ride I have experienced and can recommend is in Las Vegas, where you get the chance to ride down to the bottom of the canyons and land beside the Colorado River.
18. Get a Spa Day
Relax and pamper yourself on your 50th, 55th, 60th, or 65th birthday by getting a massage or facial at a luxurious spa.
Try the sauna, steam sauna, a massage, or experience yoga. The choice is really yours.
19. Take a River Cruise
Enjoy the convenience of having all your transportation needs taken care of as you sail across seas and rivers.
Cruises offer plenty of activities for everyone and will guarantee an unforgettable birthday celebration.
Two specific river cruises I recommend having tried them are:
- Rhine river cruise – along the river, taking you through France, Holland, and Germany
- Mississippi river cruise – combined with a stay in New Orleans
20. Rent a Private Villa
Make your birthday even more special by renting a luxurious private villa.
This way you can have the privacy and space to really enjoy your time away from home on this special occasion and invite as many friends and family as you wish.
A great option for finding luxury vacation villas around the world is the Mr & Mrs Smith site.
21. Visit an Exotic Beach in Bora-Bora
There’s nothing quite like relaxing on the white sandy beaches of Bora-Bora, so why not visit one on your big birthday?
There are plenty of activities to enjoy here as well, such as snorkeling and jet skiing.
You can learn more about this French Polynesian island here.
22. Go on a Whale-Watching Tour
Spot some of the world’s largest creatures as you go on an exciting whale-watching tour.
You’ll get to admire these majestic animals in their natural habitat, making it a memorable 50th, 55th, 60th, or 65th birthday experience.
23. Go to Glastonbury Music Festival in England
Music festivals are great fun and the perfect way to get into the party spirit on your birthday!
From jazz to rock & roll, there are plenty of genres and styles to choose from, so you can pick whichever is your favorite.
24. Go Skydiving
Make a daring leap of faith on your 65th birthday and go skydiving!
This extreme sport is sure to make for an unforgettable experience that you’ll never forget.
25. Take a Tour of the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands offer an unforgettable view of nature’s beauty, so why not explore them on your 65th birthday?
From the stunning landscapes to the fascinating wildlife, there’s something here for everyone.
Final Thoughts
No matter which activity you choose to celebrate your 65th birthday with, make sure you have a wonderful time and create unforgettable memories!
Please also let us know your own 65th travel birthday ideas in the comments below. Let’s share our best ideas to inspire each other!
Hi. I’m Dr Valeria Lo Iacono, a lady in her 50s living in the UK. I write about the over-50s and 60s lifestyle including on travel, health, food, and fashion.
