Special Occasions

Travel Adventures for Your Special Celebration

Pop the Champagne

Beyond weddings, life presents us with so many beautiful moments that deserve more than just a card or a cake – milestone birthdays, significant anniversaries, hard-earned graduations, exciting promotions, or even just celebrating resilience and togetherness! Choosing to mark these special occasions with travel elevates the moment, transforming it from a passing day into a cherished memory etched against a new and exciting backdrop. It's about consciously deciding to honour the achievement or the passage of time with an experience, rather than just an object.


Taking a celebratory trip allows you to step outside the everyday, focus on the joy of the occasion, and create shared stories that will last a lifetime. It's a chance to indulge, reflect, have fun, and connect with loved ones (or enjoy some well-deserved solo time!) in a setting dedicated purely to honouring that specific milestone. Whether you're craving vibrant city energy, serene natural beauty, cultural immersion, or luxurious relaxation, there’s a perfect destination waiting to host your celebration.

Four Fantastic Destinations to Make Your Milestone Memorable

A cheetah is laying in the grass in a field.

New York City, USA

Big Apple Buzz for Big Moments

Got a big birthday, a major promotion, or a graduation to celebrate? Match the magnitude of the moment with the electric energy of New York City! Catch a dazzling Broadway show, explore world-class museums like the Met or MoMA, soak in panoramic views from an observation deck (Top of the Rock or Summit One Vanderbilt!), indulge in diverse culinary scenes from Michelin stars to iconic street food, and feel the city's pulse in Times Square or Central Park. NYC offers endless excitement and iconic backdrops perfect for a high-energy celebration.

A group of cheetahs are walking down a dirt road.

Paris, France

Timeless Romance for Anniversaries & Love

Is there any city more synonymous with romance? Paris is the quintessential destination for celebrating an anniversary or simply reaffirming your love. Wander hand-in-hand along the Seine, share pastries in a charming boulangerie, marvel at masterpieces in the Louvre, enjoy breathtaking views from the Eiffel Tower (especially when it sparkles!), and toast to your years together in a cozy bistro. The city's timeless beauty, art, and culinary delights provide the perfect, effortlessly romantic setting for celebrating your connection.

A cheetah is laying in the grass in a field.

Tuscany, Italy

Rustic Charm for Relaxed Celebrations

For a slower-paced, more indulgent celebration – perhaps a significant anniversary or a milestone birthday where relaxation is key – escape to the rolling hills of Tuscany. Base yourselves in a charming farmhouse or villa, explore medieval hilltop towns like San Gimignano and Siena, go wine tasting at local vineyards (Chianti Classico, anyone?), learn to cook authentic Italian dishes, and simply savour the dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing) amidst picturesque landscapes. It's a feast for the soul as much as the palate.

A herd of lions drinking water from a pond.

Banff National Park, Canada

Majestic Nature for Adventurous Spirits

Celebrating a graduation, a fitness achievement, or simply the love of the great outdoors? Banff offers awe-inspiring natural beauty that invigorates the spirit. Paddle on the impossibly turquoise waters of Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, hike amidst stunning Rocky Mountain peaks, look for wildlife like elk and bighorn sheep, relax in the Banff Upper Hot Springs, and cozy up in a mountain lodge. It’s the perfect place to feel small against the grandeur of nature and celebrate life's adventures, big or small.

Making Your Celebration Trip Extra Special

Book a 'Wow' Experience Tailored to the Occasion

Elevate the celebration by booking one truly special activity that resonates with the milestone. Think a spectacular tasting menu dinner for an anniversary, a thrilling helicopter tour over the landscape for a big birthday, tickets to a major sporting event for the passionate fan celebrating a win, or a deeply relaxing spa day after completing a challenging project or degree. Make it memorable and specific!

Capture the Moment Professionally (Not Just Selfies!)

Invest in an hour or two with a local photographer. Services like Flytographer or local freelancers can capture candid, beautiful photos of you (and your loved ones) enjoying the celebration against the backdrop of your chosen destination. It’s a fantastic way to get high-quality images that truly capture the joy of the moment, far beyond a phone selfie stick could manage.

Incorporate a Symbolic Theme or Ritual

Connect the trip directly to the reason you're celebrating. If it's an anniversary, find a place to recreate a memorable date or enjoy an activity you both love. For a birthday, ensure there's cake and a special toast. Celebrating a creative achievement? Visit a local gallery or artisan workshop. This adds a layer of personal meaning and acknowledges the specific milestone throughout the journey.

Toast with Something Uniquely Local

Make your celebratory toast extra special by seeking out a significant local beverage. This could be wine tasting at a nearby vineyard, visiting a craft brewery for a flight of local beers, finding a distillery producing regional spirits, enjoying a traditional tea ceremony, or even just finding a café known for a unique local coffee or drink. It connects your personal celebration to the flavour of the place.

Fun Tips for Celebration Trippers


Just like honeymooners, don't hesitate to mention the specific occasion (e.g., "We're celebrating our 25th anniversary," "It's my 50th birthday trip!") when making reservations. Hotels, restaurants, and tour operators often appreciate knowing the context and might offer small gestures – a better table, a complimentary drink, a small celebratory amenity – that can add a lovely touch to your experience.

Let Them Know Why You're Glowing!


Especially if travelling with others or planning for someone else, ensure the itinerary truly reflects the tastes and interests of the person(s) being celebrated. If it’s your partner's milestone birthday and they love history but dislike hiking, prioritise museums over mountains! The trip should feel like a tribute to them, making them feel seen and cherished.

Tailor it to the Star(s) of the Show


Pack a few small items to enhance the festive atmosphere. This could be a 'Happy Birthday' banner to hang in the hotel room, a special celebratory outfit saved for a particular dinner, a small Bluetooth speaker for favourite tunes while getting ready, or even just some fun confetti or balloons (check hotel policy first!). These little touches can make your space feel more personal and celebratory.

Bring the Party With You (Subtly!)


Even on a relaxed trip, schedule a specific point to formally acknowledge and celebrate the milestone. This could be a planned celebratory dinner, a scenic spot chosen for a champagne toast at sunset, a moment before a show or activity, or even just gathering for cake and reflections in your accommodation. Having this focal point ensures the occasion is properly honoured amidst the travel fun.

Plan a Dedicated 'Ta-Da!' Moment

Celebrate Life's Chapters in Style

Travel is a powerful way to honour the moments that shape our lives. Stepping away from the routine to mark a special birthday, anniversary, or achievement allows you to create vivid, lasting memories intrinsically linked to that milestone. It’s an investment in joy, connection, and the story of your life.


So, whether it's a significant number on a birthday cake, another wonderful year together, or a personal triumph worth shouting about, consider marking it with the gift of experience. Choose a place that calls to you, focus on celebrating the moment and the people involved, and enjoy adding another incredible chapter to your adventures. Cheers to your next celebration!