Going
September 18, 2025
12 min read
Planning the perfect 40th birthday trip depends on your travel style and interests, with options ranging from budget-friendly domestic destinations to luxury international escapes. The best destinations offer experiences that match your celebration goals, whether that’s adventure, relaxation, cultural immersion, or quality time with loved ones. Here are some top picks before we dive into the complete list.
Cities and towns
Natural wonders
Other notable spots
Expert tips
Celebrating your 40th birthday with a trip is a great way to usher in a new decade, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. With smart planning and the right destinations, you can create unforgettable memories while staying within budget. The key is choosing places that offer the most for your money. There are many ways that you can save, whether that’s through affordable accommodations, free activities, or simply choosing a destination where your dollar stretches further.
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville combines natural beauty with vibrant culture. This artistic mountain town offers free hiking trails and affordable breweries.
Sedona‘s red rock formations create a stunning backdrop for your 40th birthday celebration. While some spas can be pricey, the area offers plenty of budget-friendly activities, like hiking Cathedral Rock, exploring art galleries in Tlaquepaque, or watching spectacular sunsets from Airport Mesa.
This charming Southern city offers historic beauty, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality at reasonable prices. Free walking tours are perfect to learn about its fascinating history and most attractions, including Forsyth Park and the Historic District, cost nothing to explore.
Prague offers European charm at a fraction of Western Europe’s cost. The city’s Gothic architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and rich history create an enchanting atmosphere for your celebration. Plus, Czech beer is among the world’s best and remarkably affordable.
In Bali, your dollar stretches remarkably far, with luxury accommodations, spa treatments, and gourmet meals available at budget-friendly prices. The island’s spiritual atmosphere and stunning natural beauty provide the perfect setting for reflection and celebration as you enter a new decade of life.
Morocco offers a wonderful cultural experience, from exploring the bustling souks of Marrakesh to relaxing in traditional riads. Local cuisine is both delicious and inexpensive, while many of Morocco’s most memorable experiences, like watching the sunset over the Atlas Mountains, cost very little.
Spend your days touring boutique wineries, enjoying private tastings, and indulging in farm-to-table dining experiences. Napa Valley‘s stunning landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for romantic walks and sunset dinners, while luxury resorts offer couples’ spa treatments and wine-focused amenities designed for intimate celebrations.
This tropical paradise offers beautiful beaches, water activities, and the famous Mallory Square sunset celebration. The island’s vibrant dining scene and historic charm provide endless opportunities for romantic activities, from intimate seafood dinners to sunset sailing adventures.
Charleston‘s Southern charm, historic architecture, and culinary excellence make it a perfect romantic destination. The city’s bed and breakfasts and luxury hotels provide intimate settings for your milestone celebration.
Big Sur offers dramatic coastal beauty and secluded luxury with its rugged coastline, towering redwoods, and exclusive resorts. This destination is ideal for couples who appreciate natural beauty and want to disconnect from daily life while celebrating this important milestone.
Santorini’s iconic blue-domed churches, dramatic cliffs, and spectacular sunsets create one of the world’s most romantic settings. The island’s intimate hotels carved into cliffsides offer private terraces with breathtaking views, while local wineries provide romantic tasting experiences.
Stay in converted farmhouses, explore medieval towns, and enjoy private wine tastings at family-owned vineyards. Tuscany’s emphasis on slow living and authentic experiences provides the perfect atmosphere for couples to reconnect and celebrate together.
Bora Bora offers complete privacy and luxury, with activities like snorkeling, sunset cruises, and couples’ spa treatments. The island’s natural beauty and exclusive resorts create an unforgettable setting for celebrating this special birthday.
Paris remains the city of love, perfect for couples celebrating significant milestones. From intimate bistro dinners to romantic Seine river cruises, the city offers countless opportunities for romantic discoveries.
From world-class shows and concerts to incredible dining experiences and nightlife, Sin City ensures every member of your group finds their perfect celebration activity. Las Vegas was practically built for celebrations—think casinos, parties, attractions, and endless nightlife for groups.
Nashville‘s music scene and Southern hospitality create the perfect atmosphere for celebrations. The city’s walkable downtown and friendly atmosphere make it ideal for groups wanting to explore together while celebrating this special milestone.
Austin‘s “Keep it Weird” culture and vibrant music scene appeal to diverse group interests. The city offers incredible live music, unique food trucks, and outdoor activities like paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake.
The key to celebrating your 40th birthday with children is finding places where multi-generational interests can be met. Your chosen destination should offer enough variety to keep children engaged while providing the adults with opportunities for relaxation and celebration.
Consider destinations like Orlando, Florida, where theme parks provide endless entertainment for kids while adults can enjoy resort spas and fine dining. National parks like Yellowstone also create opportunities for family bonding with stunning natural beauty that makes any birthday feel special.
Disney World creates magical experiences for everyone with attractions, dining, and entertainment for every age. The resort’s luxury hotels and adult-focused experiences ensure parents can celebrate appropriately while children enjoy incredible entertainment.
San Diego‘s zoo, theme parks, and outdoor activities keep families entertained while adults enjoy craft breweries, excellent restaurants, and beautiful coastal scenery. San Diego’s laid-back atmosphere and diverse attractions create ideal family celebration conditions.
Turks & Caicos provides tropical paradise with family-friendly resorts and activities. The islands’ safety and infrastructure make them ideal for families seeking a tropical celebration without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Yellowstone offers incredible wildlife viewing and natural wonders. The park’s geysers, hot springs, and diverse wildlife provide endless exploration for children and parents.
The Smithsonian museums, monuments, and government buildings offer incredible learning opportunities for both kids and adults while the city’s excellent restaurants and cultural events provide plenty of celebration options.
Philadelphia‘s role in American history creates numerous educational opportunities for history enthusiasts. Besides, the city’s food scene and cultural attractions give you plenty of celebration opportunities.
Colonial Williamsburg offers immersive historical experiences that take you straight to America’s colonial period. The living history museum provides educational entertainment while nearby attractions like Busch Gardens offer more traditional celebration activities.
Tulum combines ancient Mayan culture with modern wellness. The destination’s resorts offer world-class spa treatments, yoga retreats, and healthy cuisine alongside beautiful cenotes for swimming and meditation.
The Maldives offers privacy and relaxation, with activities like snorkeling, sunset cruises, and meditation sessions. The destination’s focus on luxury and natural beauty provides the perfect setting for celebrating yourself and this important milestone.
Costa Rica offers wellness experiences combined with adventure and natural beauty. The country’s eco-lodges and wellness retreats provide yoga classes, spa treatments, and outdoor activities like ziplining and wildlife watching.
Iceland‘s geothermal spas create unique wellness experiences unlike anywhere else in the world. The Blue Lagoon is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to hot springs that provide natural spa treatments, while the country’s stunning scenery offers opportunities for hiking and Northern Lights viewing.
New York City offers world-class museums, Broadway shows, and many other opportunities for culture enthusiasts. Plus, its music and food scenes represent every culture imaginable.
London combines centuries of history with modern cultural attractions. From the British Museum and West End theaters to Camden markets and Oxford Street, the city offers cultural experiences for every interest.
Tokyo offers fascinating cultural contrasts between ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity. Plus, its efficient transportation and safe environment make it ideal for solo or group exploration.
Barcelona’s artistic heritage, beautiful architecture, and vibrant culture create an inspiring celebration destination. Its lively neighborhoods like the Gothic Quarter provide endless cultural exploration. Also, the city’s beach location and incredible food scene add an extra layer to your celebration.
Jackson Hole offers world-class skiing in winter and incredible hiking in summer near the dramatic Teton Mountains. The charming town also offers excellent dining and shopping.
Alaska provides unparalleled wildlife viewing and outdoor adventure opportunities. Whether you choose a cruise, land-based adventure, or combination trip, Alaska offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Patagonia offers some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes for adventure travelers. This remote region provides challenging hikes, stunning mountain scenery, and unique wildlife viewing opportunities.
From bungee jumping and skydiving to hiking and wine tasting, New Zealand offers adventure activities for every skill level and interest. Its stunning scenery and friendly culture create an ideal environment for celebrating personal milestones with a unique twist.
Chicago‘s sports culture, architectural beauty, and incredible food scene create an ideal destination for sports-themed birthday celebrations. The city offers multiple professional sports teams, world-class museums, and renowned restaurants.
Boston’s walkable neighborhoods, historic sites, and legendary sports venues create numerous celebration possibilities. The city’s compact size makes it easy to experience multiple attractions during a birthday celebration weekend.
Denver offers adventure combined with urban landscapes and sports culture. The city’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains provides outdoor activities, while downtown offers professional sports, craft breweries, and excellent restaurants.
Phoenix provides year-round outdoor activities, professional sports, and resort luxury in a desert setting. The city’s many golf courses, hiking trails, and spas are great for both active and relaxing celebration activities.
Planning the perfect 40th birthday trip becomes much easier if you find cheap flights—and Going members have the upper hand at securing these deals with exclusive alerts. Plus, with our Premium membership or Elite membership, you’ll get access to international deals and mistake fares to help plan the perfect milestone trip.
Ready to start planning your unforgettable 40th birthday adventure? Download Going’s app to start receiving flight deals that will make your celebration dreams a reality. Our members typically save 40–90% on their flights, which means more money in your budget for the experiences that matter most. Your 40th birthday deserves to be celebrated in style, and Going is here to help make it both memorable and affordable.
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