It’s often said that your 20’s are for partying and your 30’s are for new experiences, but what about your 40’s? At this stage of your life you are likely to be more stressed compared to previous decades as you try to manage your career and look after your children, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take a break every once in awhile! In your 40’s you will (hopefully!) have more money than you did in your 20’s and 30’s, and you will still be fit enough to take on new adventures. So take a look at our list of the 15 places to visit in your 40's and plan your next trip.
You need to be fit and healthy to climb to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro, so your 40’s should be the last decade to consider conquering it safely. Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. This trip will cost you a lot of money so you might not have been able to do it in your 20’s and 30’s. You will also be a lot wiser and will probably take the packing and preparation process more seriously.
Madagascar is not suitable for an inexperienced traveler, so that's why it is one of the places to visit in your 40's. Hopefully by this age you should have enough experience and wisdom to cope with this type of trip, and be able to afford it comfortably. Madagascar is home to thousands of animal species such as the ring-tailed lemur, which is considered the cutest animal on the planet. There’s also varied landscapes to trek across including rainforests and deserts, as well as some lovely tropical beaches to relax on.
Singapore has a unique cosmopolitan culture which blends old with new. The island city features impressive architecture including many modern skyscrapers, shopping malls and offices, but there are also heritage buildings and historical structures such as Old Parliament House and WWII sites such as Battle Box, Changi Chapel and Museum. It is one of many places to visit in your 40's, as you will have a better understanding of what you like, and luckily Singapore offers a range of activities to suit different interests.
New York City is one of the places to visit in your 40's, as well as your 20's, 30's, and so on. However in your 40’s you can take a trip here to appreciate the museums and enjoy fine wining and dining. If you have never visited before there are plenty of tourist attractions to see and do, and you will also still have enough energy to enjoy the nightlife and party into the early hours. After all, this is the city that never sleeps.
Peru is usually found on many people’s bucket list, and for good reason too. It is a great place to unleash the adventurer in you and explore different national parks as well as follow the inca trail to Machu Picchu. There are many different tours of Peru that you can take, but in your 40’s you will have more flexibility in choosing the right one for you without worrying about money constraints.
Salzburg may be famous for being the location of the film The Sound of Music, but in addition to this, it has so much more to offer. Salzburg’s other musical claim to fame is that Mozart was born there, and his birthplace has been turned into a museum. There are also many other museums to explore as well as castles and cathedrals, and you can even visit the salt mines.
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Oaxaca is suited for those who want to expand their palate and try out different types of food, as they offer the most varied cuisine in Mexico. Oaxacan food includes roasted grasshoppers, tlayudas, tamales and seven varieties of mole sauce. Once you are full up on their cuisine, broaden your cultural intelligence by visiting one of their art galleries or museums, or treat yourself to something at the Benito Juarez Market.
Kyoto was formerly the capital of Japan for over a thousand years and it contrasts greatly to the current capital which is Tokyo. You can embrace Kyoto’s relaxed culture by visiting one of 1,600 Buddhist temples, as well as the many shrines, gardens and museums, or improve your fitness levels by taking a hike. The local cuisine is also highly regarded and if you’re fan of shopping there are a lot of traditional and modern shops in the city.
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The Galapagos Islands are volcanic islands which are home to several different species, and also influenced Charles Darwin’s development of his evolution theory. You can take an island cruise, go diving or hiking or just relax on one of the beaches. Tortuga Bay is one of the most popular areas to visit, as there is an abundant amount of wildlife, while Las Loberias is home to several sea lions.
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Mykonos is a beautiful Greek island that is perfect if you want to relax and soak up the sun. The first thing you will see on your way to the island is their iconic windmills which were built in the 16th century to grind grain. Once you arrive you will be able to visit their beaches and dip your toe in the gloriously blue sea or have a stroll around Mykonos town. It’s one of the places to visit in your 40's with your partner, as you can watch the sunset over Little Venice while sipping wine and enjoying the local cuisine.
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Bordeaux is a port city in southwestern France which is famed for its many wine regions. It is one of the places to visit in your 40's, as your matured palate will mean you are ready to embark on a wine tour around the city and discover the many different types of wine that France has to offer. You can also enjoy fine dining outside and take in the breathtaking scenery.
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Northern India provides a unique travelling experience that you should have in your 40’s to truly appreciate this country. The hustle and bustle of India will still be bearable at your age and thanks to your maturity, your interest in history will be at a peaking point. Make sure to view the Taj Mahal and take a tour of the palaces of Rajasthan as well as go shopping in the very busy and hectic bazaars in Dehli.
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Tasmania is a little island that encompasses historic towns, unique wildlife and amazing beaches. If you fancy a road trip, but don’t want to endure really long distances between towns, this is the perfect place to go. There are wineries and whisky distilleries for you to explore and many restaurants that offer fine cuisine, making it a great foodie destination.
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Patagonia in Argentina is a must for those who enjoy a hike and getting close to nature. In your 40’s you will have a deeper appreciation for the outdoors compared to your younger self, and the views are spectacular. Be aware that if you decide to trek across Patagonia there will be a lot of intense hiking and mountain climbing involved, so it’s good to go there when you are still fit and healthy.
Okavango Delta is suited for those who enjoy wildlife, as it is one of the best places to see animals and birds in Africa. Some of the species you can witness include african bush elephant, hippopotamus, spotted hyena, white rhinoceros and the endangered african wild dog. There are several luxurious camps and lodges you can stay in and you can organise a range of different safari tours, travelling by boat or a canoe.
