Having the opportunity to see another year of life is a blessing worthy of a special celebration. But how do you commemorate your birthday in a way that’s truly unique? One way to observe this important milestone is by embarking on an unforgettable trip. Popular destinations simply won’t cut it. We’re talking about once-in-a-lifetime trips offering real adventure and rare experiences. If this sounds up your alley, consider one of these unconventional birthday trip ideas for your next solar return.
Mongolia
Venture to the East Asian country of Mongolia, a land that is as captivating as it is mysterious. Here, you can experience a nomadic lifestyle with a stay in a traditional yurt. Learn about the culture of the pastoral nomads who move several times a year to find food for their livestock. Explore the nation’s varied terrain, with its forests, mountains, deserts, lakes and plains. It is sure to be an unforgettable trip for travelers seeking to surround themselves with serenity and stunning scenery while being immersed in a culture vastly different from their own.
Rwanda
Rwanda is guaranteed to be an extraordinary birthday trip for lovers of wildlife. Imagine spending your day gorilla hiking through Volcanoes National Park in search of endangered mountain gorillas. An experienced guide will know just how to safely track these majestic creatures. Once you find them, you’ll be one of the few adventurers lucky enough to observe them in their natural habitat. The experience is undoubtedly both thrilling and humbling.
Myanmar
If you want to celebrate your birthday with a touch of magic, Myanmar just might be the unconventional birthday trip you need. We can’t think of too many experiences that are more enchanting than a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the ancient city of Bagan. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site in which more than 2,500 temples and pagodas are scattered across the landscape. It is truly the stuff travel dreams are made of.
Socotra
The remote island of Socotra sits off the coasts of Somalia and Yemen. It is home to dragon’s blood trees, a species not found anywhere else in the world. On the very same island, you’ll also find white sand beaches, limestone plateaus and canyons, making for one incredibly otherworldly landscape. Off-shore, visitors can explore the vibrant coral reels of the Indian Ocean and the colorful fish that call it home. Celebrating your birthday here is bound to be a surreal experience that brings you out of your comfort zone.