While ’50’ may only be a number, it’s a great reason to take the trip you’ve always wanted. Don’t wait another day or put it off until next year; we’ve listed below a few options for a variety of travelling parties and budgets to help you celebrate making it to this milestone. And, we at Scoop wish you many more to come.
Celebrate – Just The Two of You
Whether you’re already an empty-nester, the kids are old enough to leave at home alone, or you just have the best babysitter ever, these destinations are a great fit for two.
Australia
Yes, it really is as beautiful as it looks. No, it’s not as far as it seems. Direct flights leave from Dallas, LAX and SFO. QANTAS is also a partner airline of American Airlines which streamlines your departure from CLT. Must-dos obviously include Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef, consider a ‘coastal safari’ along the east coast, but don’t forget about the often-missed beautiful city of Perth on the west coast. Invest a minimum of 14 days to include your travel time and time changes across the equator (it’s already tomorrow there at the time you’re reading this.)
Marrakech, Morocco
Also known as Marrakesh or the Red City, it is often referred to as a magical place — brimming with life at outdoor markets, many majestic gardens, and beautiful palaces, and mosques. Historic Medina is recommended as a must-see and the Mandarin Oriental will definitely help add to the birthday magic. Carriers from CLT include Air France, KLM, and Royal Air Morac. Flights typically go through NYC and Casablanca.
Blackberry Farm, TN
Only about a four-hour drive from Charlotte is the majestic Blackberry Farm, located in the idyllic Smoky Mountain foothills. Ranked as one of America’s most intimate luxury hotels, it’s the perfect 50th celebration location for two. The large estate offers a wellness house for birthday pampering and renowned cuisine for the foodies. Activities include everything from carriage rides to wake surfing, and luxurious rooms to return to (or you know, never leave).
Celebrate With The Family
Celebrating is always fun and given turning 50 is a biggie, you may want to bring the kids along or include your extended family. With that in mind we’ve selected some truly memorable trips that everyone will treasure for years to come (after all isn’t that what it’s really all about?).
Africa
You only turn 50 once, it’s time for one of the best adventures our planet has to offer. Consider Botswana and Zimbabwe. If the budget permits let a travel agent/expert book your journey from beginning to end. Many hotels and resorts are all-inclusive offering unique access to food, culture and of course wildlife. Independent travel advisor Caroline Wallace recommends, Kings Pool, Vumbura Plains, Cape Grace Hotel and Victoria Falls Hotel.
France
While Paris may be known as the most romantic city in the world, France is ideal for a family celebration. With many options from bustling cities to picturesque villages, France is a reasonable flight from CLT and an easy-to-navigate country. You are turning 50, so how about a-once in-a-lifetime experience at Chateau de Gudanes? Or renting a house is a great option for a family birthday adventure – look to Provence and the Cote D’Azur. If staying in Paris there are many options that work for a small or extended family including the très luxurious, yet very kid-friendly Four Seasons Hotel George V.
Wyoming/ Montana
50 is a big deal and calls for big sky country… and with the family in tow, a dude ranch may be the way to go. The ‘all-inclusive’ is obviously a nice treat, but the built-in and optional activities make dude ranches a celebration that works for everyone. Plus, many ranches also offer kids-only programs and dinners, giving you time to celebrate during happy hour worry-free. Checkout Flat Creek Ranch and Turpin Meadow Ranch in Wyoming. In Montana we like the Ranch at Rock Creek and their Little Grizzlies Club, and the Family Packages at The Resort at Paws Up.
Celebrate With Your Crew
50 is a great age to get away with just the friends in your life — your besties can help you celebrate a new year in style and keep your party secrets!
The Galapagos Islands
It’s time to check this one off your bucket list… and one of the best ways to experience the one-of-a-kind environment and wildlife is via private yacht with your ladies or on the luxury-level of a larger boat… (the Galapagos, part of the Republic of Ecuador, are an archipelago of volcanic islands – hence by boat is the way to go). This trip will take some planning so definitely consider hiring a travel expert, there’s only two airports in the area and day visits are usually scheduled in shifts so as not to negatively impact the islands. Different islands offer different experiences from dining, diving and wildlife encounters.
San Francisco
San Francisco is a great option for a birthday celebration with friends. Still States-side to wane any out-of-country anxiety/ being too far from family worries, and with just the right mix of chic and adventure that turning 50 demands. Stay in the city – we recommend The St. Regis and Hotel Vitale. Walk the city enjoying all it has to offer including buying yourself some presents on Fillmore Street. Or, make the easy trip to nearby wine country (hello, birthday celebration) Ram’s Gate is an easy drive. Don’t rule out flying into LAX and driving up to SFO.
Charleston, SC
A close-to-home, birthday trip that has all your crew needs. Whether you want to lounge by the beach or pool, or hit-up some of the museums, Charleston has it all. Catching a show at the recently opened Gaillard Center is a must. Consider staying a little out of town at Wild Dunes or in the unparalleled community-unto-itself, Kiawah Island Golf Resort. In town Charleston Place and Vendue Inn are most fab. Some on-the-smaller-side cozy places for you and the girls to be able to celebrate and still carry on a conversation include drinks and divine apps at 167 Raw, lunch at Cru Cafe or The Glass Onion, and more drinks (hey you’re turning 50, remember) and dinner at at Gaulart & Maliclet, Le Farfalle or birthday cheers on the rooftop at Harold’s Cabin.
*All images sourced from Facebook pages of locations listed*
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