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17 Summer Vacations Everyone Should Take Before They’re 50

Let's face it, you're still plenty young, hale, and hearty. So dive into these exciting destinations before you turn the big 5-0.

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Machu Picchu panoramic view at dawn, Peru
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Climb Machu Picchu

Perched high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, this Incan citadel is one of the new seven wonders of the world. The driest season—and the best time to visit—happens to be summer. Fly into the city of Cusco a few days early to acclimate and enjoy the local cuisine. For a comfortable stay that’s convenient to landmarks and restaurants, try the JW Marriott Cusco. Then take the Inca Rail to Machu Picchu. If your budget allows, upgrade to their first class ticket, which includes a full brunch with champagne! Once you’re in Machu Picchu, stay at Sumaq, a home-away-from-home after your strenuous hike. Note: Book your site tickets ahead of time, especially if you want to take the longer route—Huayna Picchu—which offers better vantage points.

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Summer-Vacations-Everyone-Should-Take-Before-Theyre-50
imageBROKER/Shutterstock

Take the kids (or nieces and nephews) to Disney World

Disney offers plenty of ways to scoot around the summer traffic and still enjoy the splendor. You can buy the FastPass to skip lines and pre-book rides that have long waits. Make sure you stay at one of the Disney Resort properties, according to Disney travel expert Greg Antonelle, who says the amenities make it worthwhile: free transport to the parks, surprises in your hotel room, and much more.

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South Africa. Safari in Kruger National Park - African Elephants (Loxodonta africana)
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Witness wildlife at Kruger National Park

Of all the reserves in the world, Kruger National Park in South Africa may be the most notable and accessible. Depending on your budget and the type of vacation you’re seeking, you can either camp at the park or upgrade your experience to a luxury safari lodge. In Greater Kruger, check out the Royal Malewane, where each suite features an indoor and outdoor shower and a private pool from which you might spot elephants, buffalos, lions, hyenas, and more.

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Beautiful sunrise over Amsterdam, The Netherlands, with flowers and bicycles on the bridge in spring
Dennis van de Water/Shutterstock

Ride bikes through Amsterdam

You’ll enjoy getting lost in the narrow 17th-century streets. For history-lovers, Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum are must-sees. Rent a bike for the duration of your stay—it’s the preferred method of travel in this exciting town. Consider staying at The Pulitzer Amsterdam, a former 17th-century canal home. It’s a three-minute walk from a tram stop and less than two miles from the legendary Rijksmuseum. Like the 15 of America’s best places to visit in the spring, Amsterdam is also pretty special in the springtime.

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Beautiful Mount Fuji Viewed from behind Chureito Pagoda at Twilight, Fujiyoshida Japan. Chureito pagoda is a five storied pagoda facing Fuji, built as part of Arakura Sengen Shrine in 1963
Jay Yuan/Shutterstock

Experience culture shock in Tokyo

From the airport, a fast-paced train can deliver you into the heart of Tokyo where you’ll find beauty stores, conveyor belt sushi, and cafes with kittens, hedgehogs, owls, and more. Stay at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo for easy access to the sprawling metro system that can take you anywhere you’d like to see. Don’t miss the shopping on Takeshita Street, the scene at Shibuya Station—”busiest intersection in the world”—the world of Disneyland Tokyo, and the majesty of Mt. Fuji.

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This is the vacation time show wood chairs on a beautiful tropical beach with white sand and clear turquoise ocean at exotic island
benedix/Shutterstock

Enjoy an all-inclusive resort in Mexico

Check out the family-friendly all-inclusive Grand Moon Palace in Cancun: Not only is this resort next to crisp, blue Pacific waters, but it offers an affordable experience that’s ideal for couples that want to escape the party scene. The restaurants offer cuisines from around the globe and inventive cocktails, and the golf course, arcades, and numerous pools will help you burn the extra calories. Want to explore more south of the border? Don’t miss these 7 must see destination on Mexico’s Pacific coast.

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Bright colors of Caminito street in La Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Jess Kraft/Shutterstock

Dance on the streets in Buenos Aires

Make sure you arrive hungry since nearly every meal features steak, especially asado, the Argentine version of BBQ. Make time for tango (this is the birthplace, after all) by taking in a show or a lesson; plan a bike tour around the city; take a stroll through the arts district of Palmero; and if you’re there on a Monday, check out the internationally famous drum show La Bomba. The Four Seasons Buenos Aires is relatively affordable and puts you at the heart of the city, allowing easy access La Boca, Plaza De Mayo and other landmarks. Bonus: Their onsite restaurant offers some of the best beef in the city.

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tourist riding on elephants Trekking in Thailand
pixfly/Shutterstock

Cook Thai food and hang out with elephants in Chiang Mai

This northern Thai town offers countless cooking schools in which instructors take you into the wonderful markets to purchase your ingredients before learning how to whip up all of the classics, from mango sticky rice and coconut milk to Khao Soi, Pad Thai, and other classics. Set aside a day to visit Elephant Nature Park, where you can bathe, walk, feed, and if you’re lucky, cuddle with elephants who were rescued from poachers or tourism parks. Consider staying at the stunning and culturally-connected Four Seasons Chiang Mai. Thailand is also home to one of the most gorgeous hot springs in the world.

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Doctor's Cave Beach Club, Montego Bay (also known as Doctor's Cave Bathing Club) has been one of the most famous beaches in Jamaica for nearly a century.
CO Leong/Shutterstock

Lounge away in Montego Bay

As the capital of Saint James Parish on the north coast, this is a popular cruise ship port that’s known for golf courses and white sandy beaches like Doctor’s Cave and Walter Fletcher. Book your stay at the all-inclusive Royalton Blue Waters, which is known for its attention to detail and culinary options. Take advantage of the private pool on your balcony and the sea views.

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Table mountain sunset
Kanuman/Shutterstock

Climb Table Mountain in Cape Town

If you’re making the journey to South Africa, seeing the city and the surrounding country from atop Table Mountain is a memory you will always remember. Check into the Cape Grace Hotel where you can recover from your flight in or your ascent of the mountain at the rooftop pool. For less strenuous adventure, consider touring Stellenbosch and its picturesque vineyards. Looking for more mountainous vacations? These destinations that are even better in the winter are full of them!

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Surfing in Nicaragua
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Learn to surf in Nicaragua

The point is that it’s still not too late, right? So consider booking a week-long stay at a surfing camp. One affordable immersion trip is Rise Up & Surf Nicaragua. You’ll get at least one surf session and yoga lesson each day, and all your meals and drinks are included. You’ll have the opportunity to meet travelers from around the world at this comfy camp.

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Vineyard in Colchagua Valley, Chile
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Go wine-tasting in Chile

Chile boasts hectares of vineyards with views of the Andes Mountains in the background. Fly into the capital of Chile, Santiago. Plan a stay at The W Santiago, and be sure to take in the rooftop views of the city. Have dinner at the hotel’s fusion restaurant, Karai, where the chef can prepare mouthwatering meals for any diet. An easy hour-and-a-half ride to Casa Silva will put you in the heart of quintessential Chilean wine country where you can stay in a renovated 18th-century farmhouse converted to a boutique hotel with access to numerous vineyards. South America is also home to a lot of package deal trips, including some of the best all-inclusive vacations around the world.

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Brooklyn Bridge in New York City at dawn.
Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Tour the Big Apple

Head to this beloved metropolis in early summer before the humidity becomes unbearable, and plan visits to all the amazing sights, from the Guggenheim Museum to Central Park to the Empire State Building to the Brooklyn Bridge. While there are a seemingly endless number of hotels to pick from, one boutique pick is The Library Hotel, which puts you close enough to the action of Times Square that you can walk, but far enough away that you don’t feel overwhelmed.

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Rice TerracesBali
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Visit a Balinese healer

Your dollar will go far on this surprisingly unspoiled island. You can tour rice paddies, take in gamelan (traditional Balinese orchestra), rent scooters to visit the art-centric town of Ubud, and see a Balinese healer. Consider booking a few days at The Melia Bali, which offers several pools and restaurants, comfortable beds, and views of the Indian Ocean.

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Ashford Castle
Courtesy Ashford Castle

Stay in a castle in Ireland

You can feel like royalty when you head to Ireland. Though the temperatures will still be chillier than most places in Europe, summer is a great time to witness Ireland’s lush, green beauty. Though there are plenty of castle-staying options, the 800-year-old Ashford Castle in County Mayo may be the most renowned: You can stroll the amazing grounds and gardens, try falconry, ride horses, or skeet shoot, just like a real royal.

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Early morning sunrise at the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse in Maine, USA
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Eat lobster in Maine

You’ll be hard-pressed to find the crustacean any fresher than on the stunning shores of this beautiful state. Consider staying at Cliff House Maine in Bald Head Cliff, which has 70 oceanfront acres. Not only will you enjoy Atlantic Ocean views, but you’ll be able to sample the catch of the day as you watch the sunset.

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Lake Tahoe
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Go swimming in Lake Tahoe

Though known for its nearby ski resorts, this lake offers a whole different experience in summer. Try at Aston Lakeland Village Beach & Mountain Resort on the California side of the lake where you can wake to stunning views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. You can kayak on the emerald green waters of Lake Tahoe, or take hikes through the surrounding peaks to alpine ponds.

Lindsay Tigar
Lindsay Aurora Tigar is an experienced digital editor and blogger in NYC. Her blog, Confessions of a Love Addict, has a large following around the world, and a book project based on the blog is under development. The New York Post named her New York City's most eligible single in January 2014. She was also selected as one of New York's most desirable singles by the lifestyle dating website Rachel & Chris and has partnered with several popular dating blogs to create viral content. She is part of the HerCampus Blogger Network and spoke at their summer conference on "How to Be a Powerhouse Blogger." She's a social media and digital media guru with large followings on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest. She freelances for several sites, including Shape.com, eHarmony.com, AskMen.com, Engagement 101 and more. She's also the resident dater for Women'sHealthMag.com, writing weekly about her dating adventures in her "Dater Diary" column.