Holiday destinations for every life milestone

There are many ways to celebrate life milestones, but it’s becoming ever-more popular for people to mark a special occasion by jetting off on a trip of a lifetime.

In this blog, we’re sharing some dream destination ideas to help you mark some of life’s most important moments.

1. Family-friendly trips

Memory-making family holidays will likely be at the top of your list if you have little ones.

The hometown of Santa Claus will wow the whole family. Head to Lapland for a family-friendly break with all sorts of activities from husky sledding to tobogganing to enjoy… with a special visit to see the big man himself, of course.

If warmer climates are more your thing, don’t miss a trip to Disneyland®. There are five resorts across the world, so you can choose your magical destination. Make dreams come true as your kids meet their favourite Disney characters and enjoy a raft of rides and on-site entertainment.

2. Honeymoon holidays

Some of the most popular honeymoon destinations include Hawaii, the Maldives, Italy, the Caribbean, Greece and Bali (based on expert travel agent insights and social media trends).

Your choice will likely depend on whether you are city explorers, nature lovers or simply want to soak in the sun.

If you’ve decided on Italy, you have plenty of destination choices including Rome, Venice, Florence or Tuscany. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking which Hawaii island to visit too, from the tranquil Kauai and bustling Oahu to the exciting Island of Hawai'i with the Volcanoes National Park.

For more honeymoon inspiration, check out Hitched’s guide to the best honeymoon destinations around the world.

3. Anniversary adventures

A romantic trip for two is a great way to celebrate an anniversary, whether it’s your first year as a married couple or you’ve been together for decades.

Paris is typically thought of as one of the most romantic places in the world where you can spot landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or take a trip to the Louvre museum. But look outside of the capital and you’ll find plenty of hidden gems in France, too, from Nice to Bordeaux.

If you’re ready to try something a bit different, Santorini in Greece is the perfect place to relax and reminisce. Sun seekers could enjoy a romantic trip to the Caribbean, too, with Antigua boasting several luxury hotels.

4. Big birthday bonanzas

Hit the Las Vegas Strip for a birthday celebration you’ll never forget. Party in style or even see a once-in-a-lifetime show while you’re there. One of our customers, Annette, enjoyed an action-packed two-week US tour for her birthday – read her story for inspiration.

Low-key city breaks could also be a great way to celebrate without breaking the bank. A weekend trip to European cities such as Berlin, Copenhagen, Madrid or Croatia could scratch that travel itch and mark a key milestone of your life without requiring too much planning. You’ll have plenty of activities to choose from once you get there, or simply enjoy exploring a new place and soaking in the local culture.

5. Retirement getaways

Say goodbye to the 9-5 grind! Whether you choose a relaxing holiday to enjoy the sun, or an adventure-packed road trip, now’s the time to make all your travel dreams come true.

An extended break could be a great way to see more of the world. Consider a leisurely cruise, such as a trip to discover the beauty of the Fjords, or a railway holiday exploring far flung destinations.

A simple coach trip exploring different tourist spots across the UK could also be a great way to indulge your travel bug while you plan future adventures.

6. Wedding wanderlust

According to The Knot 2022 Real Weddings Study, the most popular location for an international destination wedding is Mexico, closely followed by the Caribbean islands and Costa Rica.

Bride and grooms-to-be are jetting to Cabo San Lucas for the wedding of their dreams, with breathtaking views and stunning weather awaiting them.

Cyprus also has plenty of luxurious choices for an unforgettable wedding, with destinations like Paphos providing an idyllic backdrop for your nuptials.

7. Graduation celebrations

While backpacking around Europe is one of the most obvious trips for a recent grad, there are other exciting options to consider.

Grads might enjoy far-flung trips to Dubai and Thailand though budget limitations may hold you back from an extended trip.

Don’t underestimate the joy you can get from camping, whether you head to a US National Park or stick to Europe. It’s a fun and cost-effective way to see the world.

8. Stag and hen do destinations

While many stag and hens still choose to keep the party local, there are lots of exotic destinations to choose from.

Popular locations include Amsterdam, Dublin, Benidorm, Budapest, Prague and Barcelona. Combine culture and entertaining activities with big nights out for a trip you won’t forgot.

Expect to spend a fair bit of cash if you’re jetting abroad for a stag or hen do, though. Research suggests men spend £1,256 on celebrations abroad with women spending £1,158 on average.

9. Family reunions

If you’re inviting lots of different people with varying interests, it’s important to choose a location that has something for everyone.

New York is the ideal destination for foodies, sightseers, musical theatre lovers, art appreciators and much more. So if you’re treating your family to a blow-out holiday or taking part in a big family reunion, the Big Apple could be for you.

You might also find an all-inclusive resort helpful if you’re bringing together lots of different people. This gives you all the option to spend time together and reconnect, without feeling claustrophobic. You can each get out and about to do your own travelling during the day – particularly if you choose a vibrant destination such as Spain or Turkey.

Look closer to home if you want to book a holiday home or cottage. There are some fabulous cost-effective venues right here in the UK, with sprawling countryside or exhilarating attractions right on your doorstep. For a family reunion, the goal is often to spend quality time together and you don’t always have to travel to an exotic destination to do that.

10. Babymoons

Are you preparing to welcome a new member of the family? Take your opportunity to enjoy some quality time as a family of two before the baby arrives.

A babymoon should be an ideal time to relax – so you’ll need to pick a tranquil destination (and likely a trip that doesn’t involve a significant amount of physical activity). A beach resort somewhere sunny, like Florida or the Bahamas, could be perfect.

You don’t have to travel too far, either, with the UK boasting plenty of five-star spa hotels. Why not pick a city you’ve never been to before?

Boost your travel budget with a holiday loan

If you’re planning a bucket list holiday, the itinerary could be more expensive than you first thought. Taking out a holiday loan could help you to spread the cost of a dream holiday over a series of fixed-rate monthly payments. This might be more manageable than finding the full amount upfront.

With Novuna Personal Finance, you could borrow up to £35,000 and spread the cost over 2 to 7 years. Rates start from just 7.4% APR Representative (£7,500-£25,000).

Apply now and start planning your special trip