Looking for a Life-Changing Experience

QUESTION:

I am turning 40 next year and would like to plan a life-changing trip to celebrate and mark this occasion in my life. I’d like to celebrate being here, being whole, and being healthy. 

I’ve been through a LOT in my life and feel it’s time to celebrate myself and how far I have come. Money is no object. I’m looking for more than a pricey hotel on a fancy island (although I will take those recs as well), but rather a once-in-a-lifetime experience that changes how you see the world and makes you glad to be alive. Something inspiring. 

Some ideas I had were walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain or the Aman journey in Bhutan. Open to any and all suggestions! With friends, partner, or solo! I’m excited to read what wonderful ideas you have!

ANSWERS:

Kimberly Hilliard, Luxury Travel Advisor, Front Porch Travel

I would first like to wish you a Happy 40th Birthday and congratulate you on your strength for getting through this rough time in your life and coming out stronger!

I absolutely love the two ideas you wrote about in your post but here are a few other ideas to consider.

1. A journey to Antarctica: Visit a place where very few will ever have the opportunity to experience…see 18 different types of penguins and more!

2. Visit India: Tour some of the top yoga and wellness resorts in the world that offer complete Zen and finish the trip with a photo at the Taj Mahal.

3. African Safari: What types of animals inspire you? There are different countries that I can recommend based on what you want to see: gorillas, elephants, lions, zebras …you choose!

If you decide you want to walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain or the Aman journey in Bhutan…make sure to check in with an experienced travel agent to help you plan every detail so your journey goes smoothly. Feel free to reach out to me– I specialize in girl’s trips and solo trips for women.

Terri Markle, DC Travel Blogger and Creator of FemaleSoloTrek (Instagram: FemaleSoloTrek)

Congratulations on reaching this milestone. I have traveled to over 35 countries, and I’d take an experience over a present any day! I recommend booking an operator that specializes in small group travel (maximum 15-20 people), such as Exodus Travels, Backroads, or Smithsonian Journeys. 

I have a friend that just walked the Camino de Santiago in Spain in the spring. She said it was life-altering. She cried when she reached the end. Every blister was worth it. You are halfway through your life’s journey. Why not set a goal to walk 15 miles a day over six days to prove your strength? You will always link this experience to turning 40. 

Patricia Galofre-Riska, Flight Attendant for major airline, Founder of Wings of Love Kuwait

I think going to Croatia with friends and renting a yacht (which is not expensive) and seeing different islands with friends. Another idea is to backpack through 40 countries?

Trish Brett, Flight Attendant for 18 years 

I would take the time to sit within yourself and ask what exactly makes you feel alive and inspires you. Is it experiencing different cultures? If so, Angkor Wat in Cambodia and visiting the Blue Mosque in Istanbul during Ramadan were two of my favorite experiences. Even though I am not religious myself, being able to submerse oneself in other religions and cultures is a beautiful experience. 

Being from this area, are you an accomplished sailor or have you ever wanted to learn? Rent a Catamaran with a captain and sail the British Virgin Islands for a relatively easy trip with regards to ease of travel and no language barrier, or if you’re looking to get a little more adventurous and outside your comfort zone, try sailing the Greek Isles. If you choose Greece, definitely defer to a travel agent who is familiar with their sailing seasons, as the winds can make this a very challenging trip at certain times. 

Will great food and wine inspire you? Or being able to accomplish something physically you didn’t think you were capable of? Find your answer and the destination will come to you.