40th birthday trip with my husband
 

Hi, I'm looking for some amazing suggestions for a trip for my 40th birthday with my husband. Looking to go in September or early October. Wanting ideas of somewhere beautiful, relaxing, exotic, and adventurous. We love cruises so was thinking that route, but also open to other things. We live in the US, so could go domestic or international. Thank you in advance!!

Goodness me, so many possibilities! Beautiful, relaxing, exotic, adventurous...and going anywhere? I'm sure you'll get some responses, but why not peruse Fodor trip reports as you dream?

I went to Europe for the first time for my 40th. Other significant birthdays I've been to both Hawaii and Mexico. I love to help make suggestions, but truly from your post... pretty much anywhere in the world fits!

Oh... and welcome to Fodor's!

Definitely read & post on the various destination branches you'll find here (see Change Forum in blue type at teh top of the page) for ideas (not that many people read this "Travel Tips & Trip Ideas" branch). Look under Europe, Mexico, etc.

Obviously there are many options, but one comes to mind.

September is the ideal time for your first safari in South Africa. It's the end of the winter, so the animal viewing isn't obscured by summer foliage; it's the dry season so they come to the watering holes, but then on the Atlantic coast just north of Cape Town the land erupts with the most stunning display of spring wildflowers you can imagine. Or the many vineyards near Cape Town will be in spring glory. The dollar is very strong against the Rand, so everything is good value.

Three days on safari in a nice lodge near Kruger National Park in the north, then down to beautiful Cape Town for a few days, then a couple of days around Paternoster on the Atlantic coast, then home.

Safari examples -

View from our room, Sabi Sand game reserve - http://gardyloo.us/aug1718m%20005a.JPG

On a game drive (2 x day) - http://gardyloo.us/aug1718j%20070s.JPG

Wildflowers, west coast - http://gardyloo.us/aug24b%20044s.JPG and http://gardyloo.us/aug24b%20066s.JPG

Paternoster - http://gardyloo.us/aug24b%20016s.JPG

Winelands near Cape Town - http://gardyloo.us/902JS%20071a.jpg