Please give me ideas for a 40th birthday trip!

[Grobagsforever]

Myself and boyfriend both turn 40 this year, in winter. For work reasons the trip will likely need to be October half term. Plan is to leave DC with grandparents (they will get two holidays with me and one additional overseas holiday with grandparents in summer so feel ok leaving them for a childfree break).

It's been a shocking decade (DH died) and I like to celebrate making it to 40 with a trip.

Budget not fully decided but probably around 1500 pp plus spending money, Ideas please? We're looking at New York and Iceland but I'm struggling to get excited, but maybe that's because haven't found the right deal yet.

Boyfriend doesn't like temps over 30 degrees, I don't like anything that doesn't involve a proper bed and access to tea

I'm sorry to hear about your dh. how would you feel about a road trip? there is a plan for one around Sweden here that looks fantastic

Ah great idea @sleepismysuperpower1 but DH was Swedish so would be a bit strange!

oh ok, you could always do a similar idea but in a different country? Norway maybe?

Why not have a stop-over in Iceland en-route to New York? We went to Iceland in Dec a few years ago. The hot springs, waterfalls, geisers etc were great and we met many people using it a stop-over to or from the states.
I'm looking into Budapest currently. Their hot springs and sights looks great too.
It will be winter, but what are you into? Somewhere warm enough to swim? Foodies? Museums? History? More info could help us give advice on suitable places.

Iceland is amazing I would really recommend it.

October half term probably opens up lots of Europe temperate wise. You could do a train journey through central/Eastern Europe, I know you said you like a proper bed but it doesn’t need to be sleepers.

If you went to New York you don’t have to stay in the city the whole time. That time of year could be good for a trip through New England or up through the Adirondacks towards Lake Placid.

Following as I turn 40 this year too

@Elouera - food -yes. History yes. Boyfriend is very musical. Museums in small doses. Natural beauty, definitely. A chance to relax is essential also.

For foodies, I always recommend Italy. Each area has a speciality and there is so much else to see and do. Maybe Tuscany? Good food and great scenery in Autumn.
We previously were in Sicily in Nov and there were still people swimming! Another time we went to Pompeii (staying in Naples) then got the fast train to Rome and spent a few days there. Iceland was great for hot springs and scenery, but for me the food was expensive and had some unusual food options- and I eat anything!
I can't think of anywhere 'musical' as such, unless its opera your boyfriend is into? There was a great musical instrument museum in Brussels, but that is more of a city break than a week of relaxation.

New York is amazing. So much to do. Oct half term tends to be ok prices too.

We did Vegas too for DHs 50th.

Yes he's into opera, I am not though!!
Iceland- New York combo sounds amazing but pricey I guess...

New York and Boston, two great cities and can take train between two or drive and see some of New England in the fall!

Have you thought about a cruise? You could visit a few different places that way.

Watching too, but I'm lookimg at Jan....

Vegas...you’ve got to see Vegas..even if you only do it once
We still talk about it now and it’s been 22 years
There’s more to it than gambling
If you don’t take it seriously..it’s just rip roarious fun. And you two are young enough to take it as it is
Not too hot either.

Sorry about dh though

We went to Venice in October. It was warmish but not too crowded.

Friends did a med cruise beginning of November last year
Weather was atrocious. Bitter cold and rained most of the time.
I’m so glad we declined their offer to join them
With over 5000 on the ship..dh would not have been amused

Food history and natural beauty also makes me think Italy! Florence, Siena, Lucca are some of my favs. For relaxation maybe up north Lake Como/Lake Garda also gorgeous with some truly fab and indulgent hotels.

I hate the idea of Vegas (sorry PP!) but loved San Francisco and again food was amazing. You could tour all around west side of Cali, loads to see and do and temps should be reasonable especially if you head further down like San Diego way.

Oh yes, no need to spend all your holiday there..three to four nights should do the trick..then onto San Fran, Monterrey etc

When my dad came home and said caesars palace casino is the size of this block ( huge)
He wasn’t joking..but I couldn’t visualise till it saw it for myself.
Then there was the chap at the craps table..shaking his dice..everyone was hootin and hollerin...we’d seen nothing like it.
My daughter was thinking of getting married there..so we checked out all the little wedding chapels
On the buses up the strip..everyone so good natured..people getting on holding their cups with their coins in..and yes getting the bus to the next stop...ie the next casino
Fabulous buffets
The ship at treasure island

Amazing place...one big theme park

Definitely Boston and then NYC, to get the Fall. Best holiday we ever had in OCtober.

@Dowser I agree Vegas is totally fabulous! We have been 3 times ow for various celebration, and got married there in the Bellagio.

Ah sorry definitely not Vegas, it's just the opposite of my personality!

We love Italy but are taking the kids earlier in year. New York and Boston is an interesting idea though! Boyfriend did San Francisco and surrounds last year on a world trip. (I know, middle class problems).

@Grobagsforever you'd come back with a new crazy personality and potential alcohol poisoning with all the open bar offers for £20

We are planning on New York, Washington DC and Boston at some point.

I went to Budapest for my 40th - mainly because I've already visited a lot of Italy and Spain.