Vacation Bucket List Over 40
For those beginning early on their bucket list, it would make sense to divide your travel bucket list based on your age group. Though in today’s time, age would just be a number and not a limiting factor. But care needs to be taken to ensure that you get the most out of your holiday, and that means careful planning, creating a wish list based on physical, financial and emotional limitations at different stages of life.
Therefore in our current series of articles we have categorized dream destinations based on age group. High adrenaline destinations which include water sports, hiking, biking, difficult terrains are more suitable at a younger age, as are camping and other low budget accommodation ideas. Whereas more relaxed sightseeing and cultural, historical trips are suitable for the middle aged. Similarly relaxed cruise trips and longer itineraries are ideal for retirees. But as I said, age is just a number.
Although the 40s are recognized as the new 20s and with many 40 something’s re-discovering the dance floors and in some cases getting the party started, for many it is a time of family, greater security and a chance to re-discover the world through your children’s eyes. So with this is mind we have chosen a variety of destinations that are fun for all the family whether it’s Disney Fantasy, wildlife adventure or exploring the great outdoors together, our top destinations should fuel imaginations and have you start planning your next family holiday together.
Here goes Travel Bucket list for those in their 40s.
1. Disney World
With seven worldwide resorts to choose from; Disney lovers are spoilt for choice and with such worldwide destinations such as Hong Kong, Japan, China, France, California, Florida and Hawaii, why not combine Disney fun with more traditional sightseeing.
Disney is however, a children and adults paradise, and with experiences ranging from old time favorites such as Snow White and Cinderella to Frozen sing- a-longs, Star Wars, Iron Man experiences, Pandora – The World of Avatar as well as magical kingdoms and thrilling rides the experience cannot be sampled in just one day. With that in mind make sure you give yourself a little time to unwind and return to reality and see some of the sights that these countries have to offer.
Out of all the destinations Hong Kong, Japan and China offer the most unique of experiences in terms of culture and heritage. Hong Kong and Japan never sleep, providing a wealth of activities from sightseeing, museums to the sheer brilliance of their architecture, shopping and green spaces.
If the United States is your preferred destination then Florida is a hit with other attractions such as the Kennedy Space Centre, Universal Studies, Everglades National Park and South Beach to keep you and your family occupied.
Don’t forget France, not only is Disneyland great with its La Tanière du Dragon, Indiana Jones, Buzz Lightyear and Armageddon attractions, it’s easy to forget that there are so many things to do and see outside the park including Chateau do Chantilly, Parc Asterix (Amusement Park), Parc des Felins (Zoo and Wildlife Park), Medieval city of Provins, Vaux le Vimcomte and for those interested in the Impressionist Movement, a trip to Barbizon, the home of the Impressionists is a must.
2. Dubai
Has become a fantastic family holiday destination with its great beaches and amusements and attractions, including hot favorites, such as the Dubai aquarium, Wildwade and Aquadventure, both offering a unique experience, while Aquadventure tips the bill with its 100ft Ziggurat and Tower of Poseidon zip line and Lost Chamber Aquarium, where visitors can help feed the fish.
Other attractions Dubai has to offer include the Sega Game Computer Game theme park with its 170 rides, Kidzania, where kids can have a go at being grown up, Ski Dubai where you can ski, toboggan, meet penguins or simply play in the snow! If you fancy something a little warmer why not go on a dessert safari, sand boarding, dunebashing and if you just fancy a few minutes of peace, then why not take a hot air balloon ride.
3. Safari in South Africa
With more and more national parks emerging and being protected, taking a safari can never had been easier, especially as there are so many options, such as horseback safari, private helicopter, boat and nighttime safari’s; the options have never been greater or the experience so intense.
The best safari destinations are Bwindi Impenerable Forest Reserve (Uganda), home to mountain gorillas, birds, volcanoes and mist shrouded waterfalls.
Etosha National Park (Namibia) where you will find Africa’s tallest elephants, endangered black rhinos, cheetahs and big cats.
Chobe National Park (Botswana), famed for its peacock blue river, ideal for watching the local wildlife drink in their natural environments, also home to endangered species such as cheetahs, wild dogs and brown hyenas.
Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya) and Kruger National Park (South Africa), ideal for spotting the Big 5 (lion, elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros).
Zambezi Valley National Park (Zambia) a haven of elephants, hippos, birds and a truly outstanding landscape.
Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) home to Nile crocodiles, lions and migrating zebra’s and wildebeest. Fancy something very different then visit Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique which just happens to be an out of this world and relatively unexplored underwater safari destination.
4. Orlando, Florida
Home to a dozen theme parks and more activities than you can cram into a holiday. With adventures such as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Sea World, Dragon Challenge and the Hogwarts Express children are going to be in their element. Parents won’t lose out either with the Harry P.Leu Gardens, Arboretum of Central Florida University, the B-52 Memorial Park and Hollywood drive in golf, with its vintage sci fi and horror themes it guarantees to be an interesting experience.
If you really are looking to burn off any remains of excess energy then take in the Men in Black; Alien Attack theme ride; you even get the chance to shoot at aliens! All in all, it’s a great place to go.
5. New York, New York
Forget its frenetic energy and take in a few different attractions like the Staten Island Ferry which takes in the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Lower Manhattan Skyline. If you’ve got young children you have to call in to Alphabets in the East Village, think the twins joke shop in Harry Potter, eating ice cream takes on a totally new meaning at Big Gay Ice Creams and if you need to get away from the city streets then take a walk through the High Line Park. Built on an abandoned stretch of railway this one mile stretch allows you to admire the gardens, views and be entertained by many of the street performers and the Ting Doll House in Upper East Street. No one can fail to be amazed at the detail of the Lilliputian scale models.
If you do nothing else make sure you take in the Discovery Room at the American Museum of Natural History, kids will love it, especially older ones as they may get the opportunity to handle a Madagascan Hissing Cockroach or an Albino Leopard Gecko. On Wednesday afternoons the bearded dragon has his weekly bath! Adults will love the wealth of shops and shows and big Apple experience.
6. Niagara Falls State Park
You’ll be amazed at the amount of options available to you and if you think it’s just a waterfall, then think again. The Falls themselves are simply awe inspiring as is the Cave of Winds, where you get to go up close and personal to the falls and experience their tremendous power.
Fancy taking a family hike then follow the route to the gorge or/and investigate and explore the ruins of the Schoellkopf Power Plant. Children will adore the aquarium with its 200 species of marine life including Californian Sea Lions, seahorses, Peruvian Penguins and much more including visitor feeding programs.
7. Switzerland
Great for families who love the great outdoors, and you don’t get much more outdoors or great than this. Why not take the kids on the Chocolate train that ends in a chocolate tasting at Nestlé chocolate factory. Cyclists and mountain bike enthusiasts will love the freedom choice, as there are several thousand miles of well marked routes; the only limitation is how much your legs can stand!
Take a trip to Jungfraujoch which houses the highest railway station in Europe, an ice palace and an observation terrace. You can also indulge in a little snowboarding and skiing, there’s snow all year round. Fancy something truly chilling then take a trip to Titlis Glacier Cave and a glacier chair ride. Had enough wild excitement, then why not visit the Ballenberg Open Air Museum and immerse yourself in Switzerland’s rural past.
8. Austria
A great active family getaway, whether it’s hiking, skiing or just enjoying all that Austria has to offer. It’s known that the Tirol becomes an adventure playground during the summer and autumn months; including many children’s activities including forest adventures, biking, mountain walking, and water sports; if that’s not enough, Austria contains some of the world’s most amazing countryside just waiting to be explored.
9. Australia
Australia is a perfect destination for those athletically inclined and families. For those more actively minded please check out last week’s article. If it’s family fun you are after then search no further. With such diverse topography; you can explore the New Territory’s, often described as Australia’s oldest natural theme park, explore on horseback, cuddle ‘cuddly critters’ laugh and play on sun kissed beaches or be rendered speechless with its mountain ranges and deceptive lakes.
With so much nature on offer Australia is a chance in a lifetime for both you and your family and a destination not to be missed.
10. Finland
One of the most memorable experiences of childhood is Santa Claus, and for kids there is nothing better than visiting Santa Claus at his house in Rovaniemi, Finland. Visit the Santa Claus village, indulge in a unique Reindeer Safari or a Husky Tour, enjoy some time ice fishing and just enjoying the Christmas season in Finland.
For more details visit our article on Top Things to do in Finland. There is something special in the air of Finland especially during Christmas. Your kids are bound to remember these fun family times for years to come. So take the time out and indulge in some family fun in your 40’s.
With the world becoming an ever changing place why wait until later to explore. Take advantage of the world around you and show your children some of the natural wonders of the world, before they are lost.