Turning the big 4-0? It’s time for a celebration that’s as fabulous as you are! Start here to plan your epic birthday trip. Whether you’re craving me-time, looking for a romantic getaway for two, or a glory days bash with your besties, you have to pick a place to party. The SheBuysTravel team has compiled a drool-worthy list of domestic and international 40th birthday destinations to help you choose. Get ready for an adventure so amazing, you’ll be telling trip tales until your next big milestone rolls around.
Domestic 40th Birthday Trip Ideas
Palm Springs, California
Want to have a 100% guarantee for great weather for your birthday trip? Palm Springs, California’s gorgeous desert oasis, has 360 days of sunshine, world-class golf and luxurious, fun hotels (like the Margaritaville Resort).
If your birthday falls mid-April, consider the Coachella Music Festival. If, though, that’s not your jam, here are fun ways to celebrte in Palm Springs:
- Check out Palm Springs’ epic pool parties, bars and nightlife.
- Soak in a mineral hot spring-fed pool.
- Explore the outdoors; hiking, horseback riding and biking are popular activities.
Napa Valley, California
Looking for a sip and spa celebration? Head to California’s Napa Valley for an upscale 40th birthday trip.
Unforgettable Napa Valley experiences include:
- Take a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train for scenic vineyard and valley views.
- Spoil yourself with a spa treatment at the Calistoga Spa Hot Springs where you can get a relaxing massage or even a volcanic ash mud bath.
- Enjoy world-class wines and Michelin star dining.
Miami, Florida
Miami gives off year-round party vibes. South Beach, in particular, hums with fun. Ocean Drive, the main drag, is lined with bright boutique hotels, cafes, high-end restaurants, Art Deco architecture and incredible beach views,
Not a party animal? Here are other ways to celebrate your 40th in Miami:
- Lounge at the hotel pool and sip mojitos.
- Take a tour around Star Island, home to celebrities.
- Explore Little Havana.
Key West, Florida
Get all the feels of the Caribbean in the southernmost point of the US. Key West is a day trip drive from Miami and a great 40th birthday destination.
- Home to America’s only living barrier reef, perfect for snorkeling and diving opportunities.
- Embrace Key West’s festive nightlife culture.
- Consider the nightly Sunset Celebration on Mallory Square your personal birthday party.
- Snap a souvenir photo at the Southernmost Point in the continental USA!
New York City, NY
Whether you’re celebrating with your besties, your partner or the whole family, New York City is packed with iconic restaurants, beautiful parks, live entertainment and world-famous attractions, Plus, you can visit the City That Never Sleeps is a yearround destination.
How to celebrate a 40th birthday in NYC:
- Hit the top tourist sights – Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park.
- See the lights in Times Square.
- Have dinner and a Broadway show.
Las Vegas
If you love the nightlife, Las Vegas is the ultimate destination. You’ll have an unforgettable happy birthday.
And there’s a variety of things to do, beyond the casinos. Some of the best include:
- Poolside parties to beat the desert heat.
- Shows, shows, shows including perennial favorites like Cirque du Soleil’s “O” and KÀ,
- World-class shopping and dining.
- Epic day trips including the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon National Park.
Read More: Beyond the Casinos: Best Day Trips from Vegas
Maui, Hawaii
Choosing one of Hawaii’s islands for your 40th birthday can be challenging. I recommend Maui, consistently rated as the “Best Island in the U.S.” by Condé Nast Traveler.
What’s special about Maui?
- More than 30 miles of world-famous beaches.
- Impressive volcanic rock formations.
- Bucket list helicopter tours.
- Sunset luaus.
International 40th Birthday Trip Ideas
Cancun, Mexico
A Caribbean beach vacation is a wonderful way to celebrate a 40th birthday. And Cancun’s all-inclusive beach resorts make it super easy to plan.
Cancun trip highlights:
- Lounge away the days on beautiful white sand beaches.
- Explore historical Mayan ruins.
- Swim in cave cenotes.
- Visit Isla Mujeres, a 4-mile-long island paradise off the coast of Cancun.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta is a popular vacation destination for solo travel, best friend getaways and family vacations. As a resident of Puerto Vallarta, I can confidently say that anyone who spends their 40th birthday here won’t be disappointed.
Here’s how to celebrate your 40th in Puerto Vallarta:
- Book a spa day at one of luxury resorts
- Hike waterfalls, bike through the Sierra Madres or go kayaking
- The Rhythms of the Night boat tour is a popular crowd pleaser and excellent birthday gift to yourself or someone else.
- Do nothing but relax on the sand in Puerto Vallarta, home to some of the best beaches in Mexico.
Greece
Opa! So you want to ring in your 40 years in a picture-perfect dream location? The Greek Islands deliver ancient history, exciting nightlife and dreamy beaches.
What’s your Greek trip vibe?
- Party-goers will want to head to Mykonos, known for its cosmopolitan vibe and beautiful, sandy beaches.
- Santorini is a great place to spend a more relaxed birthday, with black sand beaches, wineries, unique landscape and architecture.
- The largest island in Greece, Athens is packed with history, ancient ruins and incredible restaurants.
Iceland
If the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, your 40th birthday is the time to check it off! Known as “the Land of Fire and Ice”, Iceland is an ultimate birthday destination more than worth a 40-year wait.
Trip highlights:
- Explore Reykjavik, known for its famous lagoons, swimming pools, natural hot tubs, museums and theaters.
- A trip along the Golden Circle route is a great way to view volcanoes, waterfalls, geysers, and the famous Blue Lagoon (a must-do on your big day).
- Spend a night in the Icelandic countryside and try to glimpse the elusive Northern Lights.
Italy
If you want to experience the world’s best art, food, architecture and fashion for your 40th birthday, then put Italy on your list. You’ll want to spend months here, but, even with only a few days, you can explore this amazing country. City highlights include:
- Rome: Explore the famous Colleseum, Trevi Fountain or Vatican Museums.
- Florence: View masterpieces by Michelangelo and other world-famous artists.
- Venice: Spend your birthday afternoon sailing down the famous canals.
- Milan: Treat yourself to high-end fashion friends.
Thailand
Nicknamed “The Land of Smiles,” Thailand has tropical beaches, ancient ruins, temples and palaces. And the US dollar stretches pretty far, so you won’t have to break the bank to celebrate.
What’s your Thai trip vibe?
- Food and Culture: Head to Bangkok
- Tropical Beaches: Phuket is the hands-down place to be
- Nature Lover: Chiang Mai is quiet and tranquil
Bucket list things to do in Thailand include the floating markets, volunteering at an elephant sanctuary and street food tour.
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