Ideas for a 40th birthday trip can fall into many different categories, depending where you’re at in life. Island hopping through Greece on a family getaway with your young kids might sound nice. Or maybe a couples’ trip with some of your friends to enjoy sunshine and beaches in Florida could hit the spot.
Looking for something more relaxing? Spend your 40th birthday at a cabin in the Canadian Rockies where you can lounge by the lake or go on leisurely nature hikes.
These 40th birthday trip ideas were chosen to provide a wide range of leisure, adventure, and indulgence to celebrate your big 40th, no matter where you’re at in your life.
If you’re ready to start planning your 40th birthday vacation, use Troupe to make it easy. With your travel crew, vote on possible dates, destinations, and accommodations. Share flight information, links to your favorite activities, and add notes on where to eat. Check out Troupe’s group trip planner app to learn more.
The best places and experiences to celebrate your 40th birthday:
- Cabin getaway to Banff
- Pub tour of London
- Island hopping in Greece
- Bars and restaurants in Miami
- Exploring all there is to see and do in New York City
Top 5 ideas for a 40th birthday trip to remember
1. Cabin Getaway in Banff
If your idea of a great 40th birthday trip is a relaxing getaway in nature with friends or family, then Banff is your spot. There’s no better place to go than the Canadian Rockies for pristine wilderness.
Pictures of the unbelievably blue Lake Louise surrounded by the mountains of Banff National Park are all over social media. And for good reason– the lake is wildly photogenic and it’s even more beautiful in person. Head up the Tea House Trail for a moderate 2-hour hike to an old, tiny, wooden tea house where you’ll be rewarded with – you guessed it – a cup of tea and a bite to eat.
In addition, downtown Banff is an adorable mountain time with wonderful options for restaurants and bars. Take your pick from steakhouses, Indian restaurants, and Irish pubs, all surrounded by beautiful mountain views.
Want to explore even more? Enjoy one of the most scenic drives on Earth by taking a trip from Banff to Jasper National Park.
2. A pub tour of London
While you can easily go on a bar tour in the city nearest you, there’s nothing quite like a pub tour in London. Having a pint in a British pub hits different on your birthday. So put on your 40-year-old big boy (or girl) knickers and hop on a flight to Heathrow for a 40th birthday trip idea to remember.
Make sure to visit Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, one of the oldest pubs in London (it was rebuilt in 1667!). The narrow stone staircases break off into small nooks with comfortable seating, great for sharing a drink with friends. ‘The Cheese’ is said to have been the stomping ground for famous authors like Dickens and Orwell.
Also on the must-drink pub crawl list? The Churchill Arms, The Grapes, The Grenadier, and Ye Olde Mitre.
The beauty of a London pub crawl is all the wonderful activities to do in between bars. Explore the British Museum, see all the popular sites like Big Ben and Shakespeare’s Globe, and chill in Hyde Park.
3. Island hopping in Greece
One of our favorite ideas for a 40th birthday trip, island hopping in Greece is perfect for every kind of birthday getaway. Bring the kids if you’ve got ’em or enjoy Greece with a group of friends. Exploring the different islands of Greece is a fun way to enjoy the beautiful scenery with plenty of downtime while still seeing a few different places.
Every island has its own flavor, but we suggest heading to Santorini to start with. Enjoy the beautiful sunset views with a glass of wine in Oia. Rent ATVs to explore the island and stop by the hidden breweries, wineries, black sand beaches, and more.
From Santorini, you have your pick of the rest of the islands of the Cyclades Islands group. Party in Mykonos, relax in Paros or get off the beaten path in Sifnos.
When it comes to ideas for a 40th birthday trip, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Greece, no matter where you’re at in life.
4. Bars and restaurants in Miami
If you’re looking for ideas for a 40th trip where money is no object, Miami is your spot. Miami is a great birthday destination for a bit of indulgence if your 40th birthday has you more well off than you’ve ever been before.
Restaurants like Novikov, KYU, and LPM Restaurant and Bar are great for high-end dining. In addition, you’ll find plenty of nightlife, from laidback bars with billiards and darts to pulsating nightclubs and bougie cocktail bars.
Stay at the SLS LUX Brickell in downtown Miami and enjoy food and drinks in a poolside cabana on their 9th-floor terrace. While you’re in town be sure to check out Wynwood Walls, an outdoor collection of incredible mural street art. Nearby in Wynwood, grab some margaritas and elevated Mexican cuisine at BAKAN. When it comes to 40th birthday trip ideas, it’s hard to beat sunny Florida.
With warm weather year round, this is one of the best ideas for a 40th birthday vacation for those celebrating in the winter months. These Miami hotels with rooftop pools also make for the perfect place to stay on your 40th birthday trip.
5. Plenty to do and see in NYC
There are itineraries for NYC for any age, but a 40th birthday in The Big Apple might just be one go the best occasions to visit. Start your adventures in the West Village where you can stop into Murray’s Cheese shop during the day or catch a show at Smalls Jazz Club at night.
The Meatpacking District and Chelsea are great for exploring. Stroll through Chelsea Market before continuing onto the High Line, a former elevated railroad platform that’s been transformed into a pedestrian walkway and park. At night, Meatpacking is full of options for bars and nightclubs. Head to the top of The Gansevoort Hotel to enjoy their posh rooftop bar.
Head to Brooklyn’s DUMBO neighborhood to enjoy beautiful views of Manhattan from the waterfront parks. At night, you can even enjoy free movies here during the summer. And if your 40th birthday has you feeling blue, hop on the subway to enjoy the magic of Coney Park. After all, you’re never too old for some good, old-fashioned carnival games and a Nathan’s hot dog.
You’ve pondered ideas for a 40th birthday trip, now it’s time to make a decision and start planning your getaway using Troupe’s group travel planner app.
And check out some fun things to do on vacation to fill your 40th birthday trip with excitement no matter where you end up.
None of the above ideas suit your mood? Maybe you’ll enjoy these swim up rooms in Jamaica or swim up rooms in Cancun. Or if you’d like to stay more active, consider taking one of these backpacking trips for beginners across the U.S.
Feel 10 years younger? Explore options for 30th birthday trip ideas, like a food tour of Mexico City or a brewery tour of Denver! And if you’re feeling nearly 20 years younger, get some inspiration from these top places to go for a 21st birthday. Or start planning in advance with 50th birthday trip ideas.