Time to Celebrate!

Planning a trip around an important life milestone? Whether it’s a birthday, retirement or something else, here are some fun ways to make the most of it while you’re away.

by Stephanie Matas

There's no better way to mark a special occasion than with travel. If you’re looking for ideas for ways to celebrate while you’re on your trip, read on.

Embrace traditions

Take part in celebratory customs at your destination for a fun and unique birthday experience. In Jamaica, friends and family playfully throw flour at partygoers. In Mexico, there are songs and chants for everything from cutting the cake to swinging at the piñata. In Spain, be prepared to have your ear tugged—once for every year! Your travel advisor can help you find an exciting spot in the region you’re visiting.

Upscale experiences

Splurge on an upgraded hotel room to make your time away more luxurious. Your travel advisor may even be able to help with that, as they can sometimes provide travelers with perks like better accommodations, early check-in and late checkout, daily breakfast, afternoon tea and more. Need a reservation at a popular restaurant or tickets to a sold-out show? Your travel advisor may be able to make it happen.

Sip and savor

Mark a big moment in your life with an unforgettable rail adventure. There are plenty of exciting tour itineraries across the globe, whether you want to celebrate atop a mountain in Machu Picchu, beneath a cherry blossom tree in Japan or while sipping champagne in a luxe full-service cabin while marveling at stunning landscapes.

Get and give

Spoil yourself with a shopping spree at local shops and marketplaces. You’ll find authentic products and exceptional services that you won’t find at home. Plus, you can feel good knowing your purchases support the local community. Consider picking up woven bags and baskets in Africa, handblown glassware in Murano, Italy, or an intricately carved flamenco guitar in Spain.

Take to the water

Whether you’re cruising, sailing, swimming or sightseeing, time on the water is a great way to spend a special day. Book a river cruise to visit offthe-beaten-track ports and destinations on a smaller ship, or a luxurious tropical ocean cruise for a fun all-inclusive vacation in the sun and sand. Consider one of the otherworldly infinity pools in Italy, Greece and Switzerland that boast spectacular views, or take a trip down under to enjoy some of the world’s best snorkeling and scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.