Morocco
Basque region
Northern Ireland
Corsica, Sardinia, Corsica

Having visited each of those cities, I'd say it is a toss up between Venice and Paris. Believe me, whichever one you choose, you will never forget.

i keep hearing some wonderful things about prague. after my trip to rome, that's next #1 place on my list.

Richard -

I just returned from the Greek island of Santorini - which I will never forget. It's an incredible island, which you just have to see to believe. It's a volcano - I stayed in a hotel on the caldera edge - the views and sunsets were amazing.
Martha

Cairo. That's one of the most unforgettable places I've been and if it's late September, that will be pretty good weather, or Egypt in general. Prague is pretty good, too, I'll agree, but to be extraordinary, I think you need to get into a very different culture and continent, which is why I'd say outside western Europe. Of course, there are tons of places that are very different once you start venturing beyond Europe, say to Asia or the South Pacific or how about Peru or Istanbul. If you only want W. Europe, I'd choose Prague or maybe the outer islands of Scotland, like the Hebrides or Isle of Skye. If you like outdoors stuff I'd go up to Scotland, see Edinburgh and then head north.

Santorini.

How about renting a castle from the National Trust for a few days in Scotland? Amazingly inexpensive for what you get, I think. Saddell castle is one example of what is available.
Other than that, the Austrian/Bavarian alps have always held a great mystique for me - an easy place to meditate about where one is going in this lifetime.

Oh dear Richard,

you're getting on a bit, aren't you? For a holiday you'll never (ever) forget, you should head off to Magaluf. I'm telling you.....

why not going to island? or maybe finnland near the polar circle? or to hawaii? to visit other towns in europe you do have time enough.... after turned 40.....
or how about trinidad, barbados, bahamas or something like that???
i would do this, but maybe only, because i'm living in italy and all the european cities are very close...?

good luck to find your target!!

Hello Richard: As one who's already crossed the "great divide" I assure you there IS life after 40, so if you get your holiday wrong this year you'll probably still be able handle the aircraft steps at 41! My vote would be for something challenging - go to Tanzania and climb Kilimanjaro, what a great way to start your new decade - anyone reasonably fit can do it, it takes around 6 days. Alternatively, do what I did, go to a spa for a bit of rejuvenation. I chose the Golden Door in Escondido, Calif and came out feeling 21 again! Happy Birthday for September.

WENGEN the quiet,beautiful,magical village at the foot of the Jungfrau mountain range with incredible, awesome,and spectacular views will be the place to celebrate!!
Before you leave youj will already be planning the return visit for the next birthday, and t6he next!!!!!
If you don't believe me.....check out the following web page and your search for Utopia will be over....
http://home.sunrise.ch/aregez

Poor Richard:

So your hittin' the big 4 ooh.

Just remember. Life isn't over at Forty.

Just the best part!!!

Just kidding, I'm sure wherever you go it will be memorable. Enjoy!....Paul J

My husband's 40th was in May - we celebrated in China. He'll always remember that he was in Shanghai on his 40th. We started in Hong Kong, on to the countryside in Guilin, then to Shanghai, Suzhou, Yichang, cruised the Yangtze, Chongqing, Xian and Beijing. We'll always remember it.

If you really want to go big for your birthday, go for some of the world's truly amazing sites - eg., Tibet/Nepal (hopefully you can see Mt. Everest), the Galapagos, Machu Pichu ruins in Peru (hike there of course), the Grand Canyon, the Great Wall, diving on the Great Barrier Reef, the pyramids in Egypt, the rainforests of Costa Rica, the Swiss alps, etc. My wife and I had the luck of spending part of one anniversary at the Great Wall. It was one of the "greatest" yet of course.

The San Pietro Hotel in Positano, Amalfi Coast. I spent mine with friends in London--it was November and the beginning of the holiday season. Made me forget what year it was! You'll be OK, Richard, as others have told you there's life after 40!

September is the perfect month for Capri--still hot, but crowds are gone. It's an unforgettable place.

Hi, Richard,

By yourself? Got money? Pick up a new BMW motorcycle at the factory and make like Steve McQueen (watch out for the barbed wire at the Swiss frontier.)

More money? Make it a Porsche instead.

No money? Volunteer your time and brains and make someone's life better, try http://www.globalvolunteers.org/. Or join an archeology dig and realize that living 40 years is something that wasn’t all that ordinary in the past.

With someone? Any of the above or go to the Mount of Olives and watch the sun set behind the Old City of Jerusalem on your birthday.

Positano, Amalfi Coast
or
Bora Bora.

Richard: 2 suggestions - Santorini in the Greek Islands (check out the Volcano Views Hotel outside Fira) or anyplace in the heart of the swiss alps(trip to the top of the Jungfrau is unbelievable). You will nver forget either.

Have a great trip

Larry

Try the Norwegian fjords, they are the most spectacular landscape I have ever witnessed. If your looking for a city, try Prague.

Standing in Jerusalem & knowing the history of many religions is there.
Seeing "The David" in Florence and the way the sun makes its shadows.
Being at Brandenburg Gate & realizing that Berlin embodies the history of the 20th Century.
Standing on the Charles Bridge in Prague & trying to imagine a more romantic setting.
Visiting the House of Lords in London & seeing part of US history.
Riding the train past Lauterbrennan to the Jungfrau near Interlaken, Switzerland.
Watching the changes in Budapest as the old regime goes out & a hopefully new & progressive one is in place (from a spa, of course).
Talking to people wherever you are & learning about them & how much alike the world really is.

So far many of these sound tempting. I have to say I really don't have a problem with turning 40, but I want to be somewhere to remember. I hate my memories of my 30th birthday. As far as what I would like to do, I am not really into finding my soul, religion or inner self. I have no desire to climb the high mountain, swim the widest sea, visit cold climates or remote villages on the edge of the world. I just want to sit, think and look at something beautiful, eat something delicious and reflect on my good fortune. Is that so much to ask?

Hi Richard!
I absolutely loved Prague. Don't miss the Charles Bridge and the many fantastic castles & cathedrals!
Another place that is unforgetable is Russia. St Petersburg & Moscow has so much to offer! If you're an art lover for instance, St Petersburg has the biggest museum in the world
(The Hermitage). Find out about doing a tour on the waterways connecting St Petersburg & Moscow. The Kremlin, Red Square & St Basil's Cathedral in Moscow is a must. If you're really brave take a train tour on the Trans Siberia connecting Berlin & St Petersburg. They even change the train's wheels on the way!(The tracks in Russia are narrower which prevented unauthorised entry in the communistic era).Both Russia & Czech Republic (Prague) still bare the traces of communism but are on top of my list to visit again A.S.A.P!

Then ,Richard, I will again recommend sitting on your veranda at the San Pietro in Positano watching the beauty of the town and peaceful water, knowing that in a few minutes you will eat a delicious dinner and enjoy your birthday. Happy times.

Richard,
I too am turning 40 in September and am going to Tuscany/Umbria for a month. Renting a house for two of the weeks so we can kick back, soak in and enjoy the local color. I wanted to go someplace where the fall is colorful. I love harvest time. Good luck. Leslie

Hi Richard,
No, it's not too much to ask. So okay, how about the Hotel Richard Löwenherz in Dürnstein, up the river a few miles from Vienna. Sit on the terrace looking over the Danube and the vinyards beyond with a glass of young wine in your hand;

Or the terrace at the Parador in Toledo, looking over the river to the cathedral, this time with a glass of sherry and some tapas;

Or take the coastal steamer up the Norwegian coast, arriving on the arctic circle on your birthday;

Or the esplanade at Edinburgh Castle followed by a pub crawl;

Or go back to Paris and get a table with a view of Notre Dame at the Tour d'Argent.

Happy Birthday!

John: Terrific ideas - may try some myself. Still think the motorcycle was the best though.

Well - I don't even remember 40 (one of the benefits of getting older, since you forget everything, each day is a new adventure....) - but I like your idea of a great place for vacation. As someone else mentioned, Vienna and surrounding area was nice - and Lucerne is especially awesome and beautiful. One of my good friends also went to Egypt - and I would probably also side with the above posters that recommended that. We saw the pictures - absolutely unbelievable! But remember, wherever you go - about the age of 47, you do start forgetting.........

Here are some more thoughts.......

-Egypt scares me.

-Positano sounds interesting.

-Where is Santorini and what there?

-What is Jungfrau?

-Prague could be fun.

-Jerusalem does not interest me (I am not religious).

-I can't picture myself on a motorcycle, but it sounds fun.

Keep going with the ideas!

The Jungfrau is a mountain just outside of Interlaken, Switzerland. There is a special train that takes you up to the Jungfraujoch (highest rail station in Europe), where you will be able to walk on the largest glacier in the Alps. It is not all that cold.

Sense you don't want to climb or go to the ends of the Earth, I will cast my vote for Prague as well. I can guarantee you that you will never forget it, especially its nightime beauty and charm.

Richard. Santorini (the ancient Venetian name when Venice was a powerful city-state in the 1400's) or Thira (the preferred Greek nmae) is one of the southern most of the Cylcadic Islands approx. 150km north of Crete. It suffered what is believed to be the most cataclysmic volcanic eruption ever known on earth around 1800BC, and which is believed to be the basis of the myth of the lost city of Atlantis. If you've studied volcanoes at all, Santorini would make Mt. Saint Helens absolutely insignifcant by comparison. Imagine a roughly conical island 20 miles in diameter with a peak approximately 3000 feet high. Imagine the entire island blowing up, leaving only the crescent edge of the eastern side of the island and a hole in the ocean several thousand feet deep. The explosian destroyed all of the extensive Minoan civilzation and tidal waves destroyed much of the Minoan civilization on Crete. The event must have been something to see

Fira, the main city of modern Santorini, and its smaller towns to the north, are built on the edge of the caldera, 1000 feet above the water. The views are specatacular...especially sunsets.

Since no one has mentioned Istanbul yet, I will. You can be in europe and asia at the same time, see beautiful sights, and get luxury at a price much more affordable than elsewhere in Europe. It is a fascinating city!

Richard,

I'll be 40 in 2 years and I was thinking the same thing...I was leaning towards something totally different like an African Safari...

Why limit yourself to Europe? There are places all over the world. Go to Australia--after the Olympics. There are places there you'll never forget.

Richard, all the travel recommendations are for wonderful places. However, I can tell you from experience that you can and probably will visit many wonderful places at various times in your life (witness your already wonderful list of places visited!). When I turned 40, I asked to do one thing I've always wanted to do, and that was to travel Ireland's back roads by horse-drawn gypsy caravan (you know, those little round wagons... they actually have beds, stove, etc. inside!). It was one of the most fun things we've ever done and I will never forget that trip or the people we met. When I turned 50, I asked to do one more thing I've always wanted to do, which was to take our own barge down the Burgundy canal, and we did. Again, one of the most fun things ever, and the memories will last me until 60 and beyond... so I guess what I'm saying is that it's the things you do and with whom they're done that is important more than the actual location. Have a great experience and a happy birthday somewhere special while you're doing something unique that you've always wanted to do... Best wishes.

Richard, Agree with many of the suggestions. Santorini is a volcanic island (part of Greece, one of the more distant islands; if you go, you'll probably want to fly from Athens--though, there's an amazing view of the cliffs that you also must see arriving/leaving by boat). I was there a few years ago--our hotel looked right onto a volcano, a seeming stone's throw away across a bit of ocean. Black (and red? am I remembering correctly?) sand beaches, though the sand is not that fine. Wonderful Greek salads (no lettuce, as we get in the states, just amazingly fresh tomatoes and cucumbers and feta and olives) and unbelievable yogurt and honey. Beautiful. But I also second the Hawaii suggestion, if you haven't been there: hiking on the north coast of Kauaii, in thick red mud, but with perhaps the most gorgeous coastline I have ever seen, was unforgettable. Food (well, you said you wanted to be somewhere beautiful and eat well, right?) IMO not as exciting but still potentially excellent: great seafood, lots of dishes incorporating fruit (eg, if you are a fan of Burmese food you should love it). You don't have to be a beach person for either of these-lots of people do go to Santorini to sun themselves, but there's also easy hiking and ruins to see if you're interested; in Kauaii, there are some beautiful drives, hiking as I mentioned, great snorkelling (and presumably diving). Also, what about Tuscany, as someone mentioned? Not quite as dramatic a setting, but so-o-o-o beautiful and relaxing, and great food, of course. Have fun choosing and happy birthday!

Oops. Just scrolled through and saw that someone already posted a much more informative description of Santorini than mine. Thanks, John!

Dear richardab, regarding milestone birthdays and travel...I like your idea of drowning out your bad turning-30 memories with great ones for 40. Here's why. When I was about to turn 50, I wanted to go somewhere for fun and a little bit of money to celebrate my 50th. Since we live in Texas, Cancun and Las Vegas came up as quicky vacations. Well. Did I choose the wrong thing! I detest Las Vegas, so I have a bad memory of that birthday. OK, so there were tiny bits of those three days/four nights that were not bad, but it was my own bad choice over all.
So, go do something great for your 40th. From the list you've been given, I would recommend either Prague or Positano. You couldn't go wrong with either. More crowds with the former...depends on what you want, as we always say here on fodors. At any rate, enjoy enjoy!

It's not where you are but who you're with that makes it special.

I was in Paris when I turned 35. We waited till midnight by the Arc de Triomphe and later we toured Versailles. Memories of this day (and this forum) have sustained me during these times when my husband's health is failing. You are on the right track in wanting a special setting for a significant day.

I mentioned Spain on a prior post, but the Greek Isles is my personal pick for my 40th. What about Munich? Oktoberfest 2000 is the last two weeks of September, and as long as there is already a party....!!!!!

I just returned from 2 weeks in Warsaw, Krakow, and Prague and absolutely fell in love with Krakow! It's as beautiful as Prague but without the crowds! Prague was wonderful but very touristed. Krakow has stunning architecture, the largest and most beautiful square in Europe, a terrific castle and lots to do!

Richard:

Are we all invited to wherever your 40th birthday soiree may be ???

Once you've made the decision, please post the when & where.

I loved reading all these responses - I'm ready to pack my bags and go somewhere! I think I'd also vote for somewhere different culturally - Peru with Machu Picchu and beautiful Taquile Island in Lake Titicaca stands out in my memory. The latter has no electricity or cars and you stay in the islander's homes. Got to be one of the the most tranquil places I've ever been. I was considering Egypt at 50, but decided 48's just as good so we're going there next year!

OK, right now I am considering Prague and Vienna. My alternates for Vienna are Florence and Positano. It all depends on hotel prices and what I can get for free with frequent flyer miles.

Hi Richard,
I vote for the Jungfrau region of Switzerland. I just went there last month and I know I'll never forget those Alps. I stayed in the town of Wengen. I would highly recommend it.

Take it from me, you'll remember whereever you are when you turn 40.
For my 40th, I was in Italy. Sound romantic or wonderful? It wasn't.
I was arguing with the hotel manager about a water leak in my room, the hole in the mattress and the air conditioner that was blowing heat while it was 90 degrees outside. To top it off, at dinner I ordered a domestic pizza, got ripped off when paying, and hit by a speeding moped when I walked out onto the street. Waiting for the taxi to pick us up to take us back to the hotel, a chunk of marble the size of my shoe fell off the building facade hitting my foot, breaking 8 bones.
After 14 hours at the hospital, and a bill of over $3000 (to be paid in cash), I was wisked to the airport only to find the flight was cancelled due to equipment malfunction.
Happy freakin birthday!

sounds like fun

If anyone cares...

My 40th birthday camer and went and even though I am now an old maid, I don't feel any different, although I do seem to forget things!

My destination of choice was Strasbourg and Alsace in France. I had a great time. Alsace was more picturesque than I expected. Every village was more quaint than the one before. I like Strasbourg and Riquewihr the best. Ribeauville was also very nice. I did not like Colmar.

The people were sooooo friendly and the food was amazing. I never was hungry or had a bad meal!

Thanks everyone for your suggestions!

Richard, congratulations on reaching 40 and doing it in Alsace. I've been seeing lovely photos of it myself and thought I'd like to wander through it soon. What was wrong with Colmar? Too industrial or something like that? Where did you stay? Any particular favs? Thanks for filling us in!

That is incredible! Not one person mentioned Strasbourg or Alsace. Was that the secret??
Glad you had a great time and that it was memorable!

Any particular hotels/inns/restaurants you would recommend in Alsace for those who may follow in your footsteps someday?

Yes nobody mentioned Alsace on the suggestions... Due to a last minute change of plans I switched from Vienna to Alsace.

I stayed in the Hotel Rohan in Strasbourg. It was a very nice small hotel with a great breakfast and friendly staff. The bathrooms were sparkling clean and bed comfy. The location was steps away from the Stasbourg Cathedral in the pedestrian zone. I must admit the onmly drawback is that there is no parking at the hotel. You must park in the nearby public garage and carry your luggage over. The hotel was will to send a porter if needed. The rates were VERY reasonable around $55 for a single. There are tons of restaurants around the hotel and lots to see and do. If you stay in this hotel you are very close and within walking distance to everything, including Petite France. I highly recommend Strasbourg on any journey to Eastern France.

(see continuation in next post)

My next stop was the Hotel Le Marechal in Colmar. I hate to say it but I did not like Colmar or The Marechal. My room was very disappointing and the hotel was a bit expensive and offered no parking, except for metered street parking. The hotel required me to have at least 2 meal in their restaurant for a 4 night stay. The food was horrible and borderline unedible. I am not a fussy eater but I thought it was gross and very expensive. After two nights I moved to a small new hotel in Mittelwihr which is right near Riquewihr. It was called the Le Mandelberg. It was perfect. The bathrooms were huge and modern and bed comfy. Each room had a small balcony which looked out onto the surrounding vineyards. The staff was very nice and spoke great English. The location was VERY central and close to Riquewihr and Ribeauville.

My next stop was the Hotel Le Marechal in Colmar. I hate to say it but I did not like Colmar or The Marechal. My room was very disappointing and the hotel was a bit expensive and offered no parking, except for metered street parking. The hotel required me to have at least 2 meal in their restaurant for a 4 night stay. The food was horrible and borderline unedible. I am not a fussy eater but I thought it was gross and very expensive. I wasn't really impressed with Colmar because the surrounding towns and countryside was so beautiful that I would have preferred to stay in near the vineyards. Colmar is not a big or interesting as Strasbourg.

After two nights I moved to a small newer hotel in Mittelwihr which is right near Riquewihr. It was called the Le Mandelberg. It was perfect. The bathrooms were huge and modern and bed comfy. Each room had a small balcony which looked out onto the surrounding vineyards. The staff was very nice and spoke great English. The location was VERY central and close to Riquewihr and Ribeauville. They had a parking lot too!

(continued in next post)

As far as restaurants go, I don't think you can make a bad choice here. Prices for dinner or lunch for 2 can range $35-38 per person. The food ranges between typical Alsacian (saurkraut and sausage) to Typical French. There are hundreds to choose from!

Alsace is a lovely place with green hills, rolling vineyards and germanesque half timbered villages. It was like being in a storybook!

Elephant Island, just off the Antarctic coast, would be an unusual place to spend your fortieth.

If what you want is to see beatifull cities and meet wonderful people go to North Spain, The Vasque Country. I just love it there, San Sebastian is my dream city come true.

If you want your live to change for ever and adquire a new meaning, go to visit a poor south american or african country. Instead of expend a week enjoying yourself, expent a week helping needed children. That is something you will never forget, and will make you prtobably hapier, a lot hapier.

As soon as my son is older, maybe when is my time to turn 40 I will do that, for once instead of caring for me or my family I will care for others just for the hapiness of helping.

Maybe I am wrong, but I think that is something you will always remember.

The best for you on your 40th birthday

I would recommend Venice, Italy; Seville, Spain, or The Cliffs of Moher, West Ireland

Hello...the dates, Beth...

I find it amazing that there are 56 relies to this question! It peaks the curiosity in us all to be somewhere, special to remember...when and where, doesn't it? I enjoyed reading everyone's comments and I must say, after 12 years of traveling everywhere, and calling France my second home...I was curious to all the possible replies and thought of three places that top the list.
Cairo, Santorini and the best? South Africa. I'm sitting here thinking about where I've celebrated each birthday, and all locations are different. But it was atmosphere and who I was with that made each one special!
To PLAN where to be for one's birthday is fun to think, "Where would I go?" Tough call! I think it could best be answered by how I would spend my last five minutes if I had to choose? A sandy beach? A hilltown in Italy? On a camel in Egypt? Follow you heart and soul- there's your answer.
I'm with everyone else, let us know when and where you're celebrating!

Anywhere along the Amalfi Coast. My favorites, Sorrento or Positano. For unforgettable views, delicious food, fantastic hotels, friendly people, you can't beat it.
Happy Birthday! Have a great time!

Richard, where did you end up going? It was September of 2000, right? I'm going to San Francisco for my 37th b-day in June. I'll have to start thinking about the big 4-0 soon. I'm leaning towards a cruise across the north Atlantic.

Prague. Hands down. Prague. (I was there when I was 40!)

How about a vote for a Guiness in hand over looking Dingle Bay.

Maybe I should use this info to plan my 41st Birthday. If you check out the posts above, I went to Alsace for my 40th.