37 Epic 40th Birthday Trip Ideas for 2024
If you’re celebrating an “over the hill” birthday, and trying to figure out some unique 40th birthday trip ideas, then you've arrived at the correct destination. You can go explore your own backyard or take a once in a lifetime trip overseas.
At all ages, traveling is amazing for self-discovery and making memories with loved ones. Whether you’d prefer to relax and escape your daily worries or set off on an extravagant adventure, there’s 40th birthday trip ideas to suit every type of traveler.
As you approach your quadragenarian birthday, you might be asking yourself, “Where should I go when I turn 40?” or “Where is the best place to spend your 40th birthday?” From skiing to spa-ing, solo or with a group, down-to-earth camping or luxury resorts, here are 37 unforgettable 40th birthday trip ideas to kick off another exciting decade.
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- 40th Birthday Trip Ideas for Her
- 40th Birthday Trip Ideas for Guys
- 40th Birthday Trip Ideas with Kids
- 40th Birthday Trip Ideas for Couples
- 40th Birthday with Friends
- Luxury 40th Birthday Trip Ideas
40th Birthday Trip Ideas for Her
1. Drive Up the Scenic East Coast
Being one of the best 40th birthday trip ideas for solo or couple travelers, driving up the East Coast is a great way to admire some of North America’s best natural beauty, delicious food and historical sites all in one.
Rent a nice car if you’d like and stop along the way to appreciate the views, climb a few lighthouses and warm up over bowls of fresh New England clam chowder. This can be an especially awesome 40th birthday trip idea if your birthday takes place in the Fall, when the trees will be decked out in their most vibrant autumn hues.
Some top spots include Acadia National Park in Maine, Stowe in Vermont, Portsmouth in New Hampshire, Cape Cod in Massachusetts and Newport in Rhode Island.
2. Sip and Stay at a Vineyard
Finding fun things to do on your birthday doesn’t have to involve a ton of planning, even if you’d love to travel. Check out popular vineyards in locations like Napa Valley, Sonoma County or Paso Robles to see which have special resort-style packages to make your 40th birthday trip ideas as streamlined as possible.
Plus, when you stay on-site at a winery, you can sample all the delicious wines without worrying about a designated driver or taxi ride home! Happy to travel over the ocean? Then you can explore top wine regions like Bourdeaux in France, Tuscany in Italy or Rioja in Spain. There are some great new world options too like Margeret River in Australia or Stellenbosch in South Africa.
3. Have a Girls’ Night Out in NYC
If you were born in the 1980s, you probably remember eagerly awaiting for new episodes of Sex and The City, and laughing at all of the main characters’ relatable antics, dreaming about a life in New York.
If you’re looking for 40th birthday trip ideas, a girls’ night out and birthday dinner in NYC is one of the best places to go for a 40th birthday with friends! Take photos on the steps of iconic brownstones, window (or actual) shop the Upper East Side and sip on cosmopolitans all weekend long.
4. Soak Up the Sun by the Sea
If you’re struggling to imagine 40th birthday trip ideas that strike the balance between relaxing and adventurous, make a beeline to the nearest coastline. Hawaii, California, Florida and even Texas have some lovely beaches (hello, South Padre!) with plenty of things to do and miles of gorgeous coastline to wave your cares away.
Or head across the border to Mexico's beach havens like Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco. For uber luxury, book a getaway to the Maldives. When it comes to 40th birthday trip ideas for her, what’s not to love about snorkeling, sunbathing and sipping frozen cocktails in a cabana?
5. Book a Weekend Spa Getaway
Whether you’re looking for 40th birthday trip ideas for yourself, a partner, a friend or a family member, any birthday girl is sure to appreciate a relaxing spa getaway.
Book a weekend stay at an all-inclusive spa resort to ensure the experience is as simple and streamlined as possible, then kick back, relax and enjoy massages, facials, hot springs and more.
6. Reflect at a Women’s Camping Retreat
For women’s 40th birthday trip ideas that feel thoughtful and introspective, a women’s-only wellness retreat is a great way to commune with nature and celebrate another amazing decade of life surrounded by like-minded women.
While they can be pricey, many women’s retreats have plenty of built-in activities, games and more to ensure you have an amazing 40th birthday trip. And when else do you get to splurge on yourself?
40th Birthday Trip Ideas for Guys
7. Kick Back in a Cozy Cabin
If you’re looking for 40th birthday trip ideas for guys, gather up all your friends for a stay at a gorgeous cabin. Some great places to look include Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Broken Bow, a few date ideas in Oklahoma City like glamping in Edmond or the redwood forests in northern California.
Skip into town for a round at the local pub, admire the mountain views from a bubbling hot tub or for a truly adventurous group of dudes, check out nearby group hunting or fishing tours.
8. Find Your Inner Cowboy in Austin
Barbecue plus river views plus live country music equals one of the best 40th birthday trip ideas ever. Round up your friends and mosey into Austin to experience the charm of an authentic cowboy lifestyle.
There’s something for everyone in Austin, from rodeos to local trail rides, vintage shops, paddleboarding and a vibrant downtown nightlife. Book a stay or an experience at one of the many Dude Ranches that Austin and its surrounds offer, like Mayan Dude Ranch or Rancho Cortez in Bandera.
9. Book a Bourbon Tour in Louisville
There’s lots to do and see in Louisville, but this city known as the “gateway to the south” is most famous for its bourbon distilleries. Take the planning out of a busy day in Louisville by signing up for a guided bourbon tour with companies like Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
One of the best 40th birthday trip ideas for guys, a guided bourbon tour in Louisville will transport you to some of Kentucky’s oldest, most famous and most delicious distilleries, so you and your friends can focus on having a good time.
10. Storm a Historical Castle
Live out the vacation of your medieval fantasies by planning a trip to an ancient castle or fortress! Château de Foix in France, Tintagel Castle in England or Eltz Castle in Germany are just some of the amazing locations still standing today.
A visit to one of these legendary sites is one of the best 40th birthday trip ideas for husbands, boyfriends, friends or family members with a bit of a nerdy side or a flair for medieval history. Combine your visit with a pub crawl to truly experience life like the locals.
11. Try Your Luck in Las Vegas
If you’ve never been to the famous “Sin City,” a trip to Las Vegas is easily among the best 40th birthday party ideas. Book a stay at one of Las Vegas’ most luxurious hotels, like Caesar’s Palace, The Venetian or Crockfords, all located right on the famous Las Vegas strip.
Plan a foodie adventure by booking a light breakfast in Las Vegas and an unforgettable birthday dinner in Las Vegas. What happens in Vegas might stay in Vegas, but your memories from this exciting 40th birthday trip idea will last a lifetime.
12. Zip Along a Cycling Trail
Memorable 40th birthday trip ideas don’t have to be extravagant or even lock you into one place. If you’re an enthusiastic biker, plan a whole multi-day biking route along one of America’s best biking trails, like George S. Mickelson trail in South Dakota or the Down East Sunrise Trail in Maine.
Whether you decide to go solo or with a group, plan to stay at a few cabins or campsites along your way to make this 40th birthday trip idea extra special.
40th Birthday Trip Ideas with Kids
13. Visit the Four Corners
The Four Corners is the only place in the United States where four state borders meet: Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado. One of the best 40th birthday trip ideas with kids, the little ones won’t just get a kick out of hopping between the states; this special spot also symbolizes the amazing four decades of your life!
For a fun touch, do something in each state that represents that age, such as ice cream in Arizona (age 0-10), a rock concert in New Mexico (age 10-20), canoe in Bryce Canyon National Park (30-40) and a spa day in Colorado (40+).
14. Hit the Slopes in Colorado
A classic family adventure and one of the coolest 40th birthday trip ideas, book a stay at a ski lodge in Colorado and enjoy the state’s natural beauty and incredible slopes. Some of the best ski resorts to consider include Snowmass, Keystone and Breckenridge Ski Resort.
With great potential to choose your own adventure, these resorts allow you to sign the kids up for ski lessons, hang back at the lodge or beat your own record on a black diamond slope.
15. Relax at a Water Park Resort
Sometimes it can be hard to plan 40th birthday trip ideas with kids that ensures everyone has fun and you get to celebrate your birthday exactly how you’d like.
A weekend trip to a water park resort such as Schlitterbahn in Texas, Kalahari in Wisconsin Dells or the Hyatt Regency in Indian Wells is one of the best one-and-done 40th birthday trip ideas. The kids stay busy on rides and you get to lounge by the pool or float the lazy river all day.
16. Explore Grand Canyon National Park
If you’re asking yourself, “How should I celebrate turning 40?” but you're also wondering what you can do with kids, the Grand Canyon is one of the must-see places for any travel lover. So if you’ve never been, make it one of your 40th birthday trip ideas!
From hiking to camping, kayaking and helicopter tours, there are endless ways to explore this magnificent world wonder and build lifelong memories.
17. Plan a Museum Hopping Road Trip
For the museum lovers out there, there are no better 40th birthday trip ideas than a grand tour of the best museums in the world. Depending on how extensive you’d like your trip to be, plan to visit one museum each day along a road trip or get to know your own city better by visiting all the museums you’ve never seen before.
Museums are a brilliant 40th birthday trip idea to keep kids busy, stretch your legs every few miles and absorb awesome facts about the world we live in. There are museum types for all tastes and ages, so be sure to plan in advance.
18. Celebrate at a Theme Park
You’re never too old for a trip to Disneyland or Disney World, but other awesome places include Universal Studios, Magic Kingdom, Dollywood or Six Flags.
To travel to the furthest reaches of your imagination, some theme parks like Universal Orlando even include fun virtual birthday party ideas like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter experience.
40th Birthday Trip Ideas for Couples
19. Visit an All-Inclusive Romantic Resort
Wondering “Where can I take my wife for her 40th?” An all-inclusive romantic resort is one of the best 40th birthday trip ideas for couples, allowing you to totally relax, enjoy each other’s company and celebrate another wonderful birthday with the one you love.
From spa and massage services to top-notch meals, entertainment and a built-in nightlife, resorts like all-inclusive luxury Sandals at various locations, adults-only Excellence Punta Cana in Dominican Republic or acclaimed Live Aqua Beach Resort in Cancun are a little slice of heaven on earth.
20. Admire the Desert Sunset
For a quiet, laid-back 40th birthday trip idea, go semi off-grid and check in to a secluded desert vacation in Arizona or New Mexico.
Cities like Taos, Santa Fe and Tucson are full of exciting events, beautiful parks and best of all: secluded, romantic vacation rentals where you and your partner can enjoy the picturesque desert environment.
21. View the Northern Lights in Alaska
Research shared in Psychology Today shows that traveling with a partner can strengthen your bond and spark lots of passion, especially if you try something new together.
When it comes to 40th birthday trip ideas for couples, it doesn’t get more romantic or memorable than a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Alaska and a night under the Northern Lights! Fairbanks, Anchorage and Talkeetna are a few of the best locations to see the lights, which put on a show almost every night from August to April.
22. Get Wild on an African Safari
For a 40th birthday trip idea like no other, Sign up for a guided safari through the stunning plains of Africa, coupled with a unique glamping experience or luxurious lodge accommodations.
Admiring the mighty lions, intelligent elephants and beautiful zebras of the African savanna is one of the best unforgettable 40th birthday trip ideas for husband and wife or any other adventurous couple.
Watch the Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes, cross the Serengeti plains from Tanzania to Kenya from June to November. Or take a more relaxed and luxurious stay at the Kruger National Park in South Africa.
23. Explore the Streets of Paris
A list of 40th birthday trip ideas for couples simply wouldn’t be complete without suggesting Paris, France! A vibrant city full of history, art, walkable shopping districts and delicious food, Paris has long been appreciated as one of the most romantic cities in the world.
When you’re walking shoulder to shoulder along the Seine river, whispering sweet nothings at the Louvre or enjoying fresh pastries by the Eiffel Tower, you’ll be glad you tried this 40th birthday trip idea.
24. Treat Your Spouse to a Shopping Spree
If you’re stumped on romantic 40th birthday gift ideas, why not let your sweetheart shop for all their heart’s desires? Visit one of the best shopping destinations in the country, such as Santa Monica Place, The Fashion Outlets of Chicago or the Mall of America.
For a less mall-like experience, explore the quaint and idyllic boutique shops in Boston, New York City, Chicago or Atlanta. Hit the ATM, fuel up with an iced coffee and shop ‘til you drop!
40th Birthday with Friends
25. See a Broadway Performance
Need 40th birthday trip ideas for a lover of the arts? Celebrate their next big act with a trip to New York City and tickets to a Broadway performance.
Some of the most beautiful theatres and talented actors in the world can be found on Broadway, and Manhattan is chock full of other exciting sights and experiences, so this is one of the 40th birthday trip ideas that will make you feel like you’re living in the spotlight.
26. Take a Train Through Europe
Bring your friends all aboard and enjoy a scenic train journey through the European countryside.
There are dozens of opportunities available, but the Bernina Express is one of the most renowned train routes, passing through jaw-dropping views from Tirano, Italy to Chur, Switzerland.
27. Hike the Hills of Machu Picchu
Built by the Incas around the mid-1400s, the abandoned city of Machu Picchu remains one of the most incredible human-made structures on Earth.
Located in the mountains of Peru and explorable only on foot, this majestic city may take your breath away in more ways than one, so be sure to visit with a group of strong hikers!
28. Explore the Jungles of Belize
On the hunt for 40th birthday trip ideas for animal lovers? Belize is full of wondrous beaches, mountains, caves and streams. Yet a guided tour through the jungle is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Monkeys, jaguars, tapirs, ocelots and manatees are some of the beautiful and bizarre creatures you may encounter on your trek.
29. Adventure in New Orleans
You may not have to travel far to find exciting and unexpected 40th birthday trip ideas. New Orleans is one of the best all-around cities in the U.S. for groups of travelers.
Party it up on Bourbon Street, keep things chill in the garden district, admire the natural beauty of this southern state, enjoy incredible food and live music; NOLA is the whole package when it comes to 40th birthday trip ideas!
30. Attend a Multi-Day Music Festival
For the music-obsessed, there are few better places to go for a 40th birthday with friends than a music festival with a lineup of their favorite artists.
Express yourself at Burning Man, see the trendiest acts (and some oldies) at Coachella, experience one of the greats at Lollapalooza, explore your funky side at Bonnaroo, get artsy at SXSW, or dance till sunrise at Ultra!
When planning for a multi-day festival as a 40th birthday idea, you don’t have to rough it at the campsites; book a nice hotel, rent an RV or give glamping a try if you’re feeling adventurous!
Luxury 40th Birthday Trip Ideas
31. Visit the U.S. Virgin Islands
The United States has a handful of gorgeous sunny beaches, but they pale in comparison to the picturesque waters and welcoming island towns of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
A perfect 40th birthday trip idea for newbie travelers, you don’t even need a passport to explore these three charming islands located just east of Puerto Rico.
32. Set Sail on a Luxury Cruise Line
For 40th birthday ideas that allow you to totally relax, put someone else in the driver’s seat and enjoy a luxury cruise. Crystal, Viking and Silversea are just a few of the well-known luxury cruise lines.
They include magnificent features like gourmet dining, spa treatments, comfortable cabins and exclusive excursions. Don’t be surprised if you want to set sail again as one of your 50th-birthday-ideas and every decade after!
33. Find Peace in Greece
From the white sand beaches of Mykonos to the mountainous island of Santorini, Greece is one of the most coveted and luxurious travel destinations in the world.
Aside from the beautiful weather and crystal blue waters, you’ll enjoy delicious and decadent foods, an abundance of historical sites and a welcoming, relaxing atmosphere that will make you want to stay forever.
34. Relax at a Ryokan Retreat
Traditional ryokan hotels are an immersive upscale experience and one of the best 40th birthday trip ideas for anyone seeking a refreshing, luxurious vacation abroad.
At a ryokan, you may enjoy soaking in a private onsen bath, walking the house gardens, dining on fresh and healthy foods and communing with your friendly hosts.
You can find some of Japan’s most stunning ryokan inns in cities like Kyoto, Hakone and Hokkaido, many of which are closeby to other tourist attractions and must-see historical sites.
35. Bungalow in Bora Bora
If you’re dreaming of 40th birthday trip ideas with crystal clear lagoons, decadent gourmet meals and schools of tropical fish dancing around your feet, a bungalow in Bora Bora, French Polynesia is your luxury destination.
Book a cabin that seems to float magically over the blue waters and enjoy diving right in from your balcony. Or walk the piers to admire the resort’s breathtaking natural beauty.
36. Soak in Castle Hot Springs
Most extravagant 40th birthday trip ideas will see you flying to another country and setting sail overseas, but one brilliant and luxurious travel destination is located right here in the States.
A trip to Castle Hot Springs resort hotel in Arizona is one of the best 40th birthday trip ideas for those craving a high-end experience that’s a little closer to home. This historic retreat offers rugged natural beauty, guided adventures, hot springs spas and farm-fresh dining included in your stay.
37. Map out a Michelin Road Trip
One of the most luxurious birthday trip ideas may not be so far away – especially if you’re a foodie. Research the Michelin-star restaurants near you or plot them out on a road trip and plan to eat at one restaurant each day to take your tastebuds on the adventure of a lifetime.
If you didn't know, Michelin stars are only found in some states like California, Chicago, Washington D.C., New York, Philadelphia and Florida. For U.S.-based extravagance you can also look at the AAA Five Diamond Awards or the Relais & Chateaux options.
This excursion can also be combined with any of these other 40th birthday trip ideas for an even more decadent adventure.
Planning an unforgettable 40th birthday for yourself or a loved one can be challenging, but there are plenty of wild and wonderful travel opportunities out there to discover.
We hope these suggestions for 40th birthday trip ideas have jumpstarted you on your next brilliant journey and inspired you to keep living life to the fullest. After 40 wonderful years on earth, the vacation of your dreams is well-deserved!
For even more fun birthday ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
