Birthday Bucket List:

Dream Destinations for Celebrating

Happy birthday to me! Today is my birthday, and I’m loving spending it with family and friends here at home in South Carolina. But since I’m always planning my next trip, I started thinking about my “Birthday Bucket List”: a handful of places in the world I would love to spend my next birthday. 

Want to spend your next birthday in one of your bucket list locations? Reach out, tell us your travel dream, and we’ll make it come true. 

I believe that birthdays are the perfect excuse to pack a bag, hop on a plane, and celebrate YOU in a way that feels unforgettable. Whether you want to spend your day hiking, relaxing, skiing, or enjoying the perfect glass of wine with a jaw-dropping view, here are my curated bucket-list-worthy birthday getaways:

Tropical Birthday Dream – Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica 

Start your special day hiking at sunrise on the breathtaking Peninsula Papagayo—because nothing says “new year, new me” like watching the world wake up, from a stunning coastal trail. After that, indulge in some well-deserved R&R at a luxury spa and sauna. The grand finale? A half-day private boat charter complete with a gourmet picnic on a secluded beach. Just you and your loved ones, the waves, and pure bliss.

Ski, Sip, Repeat – Sun Valley, Idaho or St. Moritz, Switzerland

If fresh powder and mountain air sound like your ideal birthday vibe, then it’s time to hit the slopes in one of my two favorite ski destinations: Sun Valley, Idaho or the legendary St. Moritz, Switzerland. Sun Valley has a truly relaxed pace, where you can spend the day carving through pristine snow before heading to a cozy mountainside restaurant for dinner at sunset. St. Moritz not only has epic slopes, it has an incredible mix of cultures for excellent dining and shopping. Picture yourself sipping a big, bold Italian red while gazing out over snow-capped peaks… because birthdays deserve a little luxury.

A Feast for the Senses – Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is the ultimate playground for those who love vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and mouthwatering food and wine (definitely me!). Spend the day soaking in the city’s sounds, sights, and flavors: bustling markets, Gaudí masterpieces, and tapas on every corner. End the night on the highest note at Aldea, the brand-new bar from our good friends Silvia and Francesco. Nothing beats toasting another fabulous year with friends in one of the world’s most enchanting cities.

Adventure Off the Beaten Path – Lisbon, Portugal 

Lisbon is magical, but the real magic happens when you experience it like a local. Let our dear friend Alvaro, a Lisbon native and expert storyteller, take you on a food and drink tour to all the secret spots tourists never find. From hidden fado bars to hole-in-the-wall seafood joints, this is a birthday experience you’ll never forget.

Coastal Paradise –  Algarve, Portugal

While I’ve not been (yet!), two of my favorite travel friends, Cristian from Italy and Iona from Romania, made the Algarve their home, and that’s all the reason I need to go. Exploring this breathtaking coastline through their eyes, discovering hidden beaches, and soaking up the sun would be the ultimate way to celebrate. Feeling like this one may need to be checked off the bucket list in general! 

So where will your next birthday adventure take you? Whether it’s mountains, beaches, a bustling European city, or simply dinner with friends, make it unforgettable!

Got a birthday bucket list, or want help making one? Reach out here and we’ll start dreaming together.

Relax, we’ll take care of everything,

Amy Westerman
President
The Curated Travel Collection