40 Trips People Should Take Before They're 40

Dream vacations don't have an age; most people want to explore the world all the time, if given the chance. Thegeneral perception is that you'll actually be able to afford them when have some disposable income, which usually occurs after a person's 30s. Many explorers need to save money and plan accordingly. One of the most difficult tasks is deciding where to go. Here are 40 suggestions – a fascinating collection of old and new world wonders, marvelous architecture, natural phenomena, and mysterious places located all over the world.

The wine, the fishing, the mountaineering, the nightlife, the architecture – the reasons to visit this beautiful country are endless. But learning to tango where the dance was invented is certainly among the top 3. Buenos Aires is one of the world's most exhilarating capital cities, with astonishing art, captivating neighborhoods, and excellent food – certainly among the 50 best places to vacation in 2018.

Behind the colossal granite walls, which are perfect for rock climbing, you can see the famous Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the most important continental ice mass on Earth after Antarctica. Go on self-guided tours to viewpoints with spectacular panoramic sights. Many require little time and effort. You'll see you'll see magnificent vistas of Mount Fitz Roy.

The Silfra fissure is famous for being one of the world's best dive sites because it's actually a crack between the North American and Eurasian continents. It is the only place where you can dive or snorkel right where the continental plates meet and drift apart about les s than an inch per year. It's also known for its incredible underwater visibility – over 330 feet. This creates an experience that can hardly be beat.

You'll have plenty of options but the Blue Lagoon is easily one of the most famous attractions in all of Iceland. The baby blue waters hover between 98 and 104 degrees and are said to have a magical effect on skin, which you really want to take care of as you get older. The combination of silica, algae and minerals help exfoliate and reduce inflammation so well that there's actually a line of skin care products made from the water.

Between the beauty, culture and gorgeous beaches, it's no wonder the Amalfi Coast is on the list. October to April is the off season in this beautiful coast perched over the Tyrrhenian Sea. You won't be relaxing by the pool catching rays all day, but the weather is perfect for hiking around the UNESCO World Heritage Site without bumping into other tourists. History buffs will love the chance to visit nearby Pompeii. Go on a road trip along the coast's single and stunningly scenic road. Many of the beaches are located at the base of steep cliffs; you can access them by sea on a tranquil boat ride.

Japan's cherry blossoms, are the first place that comes to mind when people think of spring flowers. Japan is the place to be if you want to see breathtaking spring flowers. Visit the Ashikaga Flower Park to see stunning wisteria, or fuji flowers. It features lots of blue, white and pink fuji, as well as yellow laburnum that look like yellow colored fuji, according to Japan Guide. You won't make a mistake if you go to Furano to see lavender. The lavender fields attract thousands of visitors to the region every year.

Imagine sailing across the Equator – from South Africa to Norway. This mile-maker is perfect for people who really want to learn more about life on board a square rigger, according to Another World Adventures, who offer the trip. This is a 74-day epic sailing voyage that is split into two legs covering over 5,000 nautical miles. You can choose to do the whole journey or in two parts lasting 54 and 20 days each.

Encounter some of the last remaining mountain gorillas in the world by trekking into the lush forests of Rwanda or Uganda. Mountain gorillas are the rarest primate in the world, with only a few hundred living in the wild. Their population is spread in troops across the Congo, Uganda and Rwanda, with the majority of the population living in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park.

Follow the steps of Marco Polo. Silk, spices, teas, precious metals and jewels, carefully lashed to pack camels, once made their way from one world to another along this route. In this northeastern part of the Spin Ghar mountains in Pakistan, you can trace the steps of the traders who traveled the Silk Road or the warriors who helped invaders such as Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan expand their kingdoms. Visit Kashgar and skirt the infamous Taklamakan Desert on camelback.

This is a destination for one of the best island vacations in the world. Waiheke is a true paradise of stunning wineries, olive orchards, and stunning coasts. The island is also a place a lot of artists go for inspiration. Go on EcoZip adventures, walk and cycle tours, and jet ski excursions. Waiheke is voted as "Auckland's best day out." There is accommodation to suit all budgets and preferences.

This trail should be on every hiker's bucket list. The Scottish-born world famous naturalist was the catalyst in the creation of Yosemite National Park, and his namesake trail runs 211 miles between Yosemite Valley and Mount Whitney (the highest point in the Lower 48). One of the most worthwhile sections is the 58-mile journey from Mammoth Lakes to the valley. You can walk for 2 or 3 weeks without crossing a road. It crosses Yosemite, Ansel Adams and John Muir wilderness, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks.

Douro Valley was the world's first designated wine region. If you love wine, you picked the perfect destination. They have been producing wine in this region for over 2,000 years. Douro Valley has a variety of vineyards and incredible dining options. The region is also where you go for some of the most breathtaking landscapes in all of Portugal. More active adventures include canoeing, biking, birdwatching, and going on an environmental cruise.

While the U.S. State Department has placed a travel warning on Jordan, citing a high terror risk, Petra remains a safe and stable enclave within the region, rich with ancient monuments. It is home to dramatic natural gorges, temples and tombs carved into the rocks, and winding trails that lead to mountain summits. If you're feeling adventurous, sign up for the Jordan Trail, a 400-mile hiking route.  The famous archaeological site in Jordan's southwestern desert is one of the official New 7 Wonders of the World. The prehistoric city was "lost" for centuries.

Kruger is the largest game reserve in South Africa and you can see the "Big Five" there – lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards and rhinos. The park spans two million hectares (or 7,523 square miles) and is home to an astounding array of wildlife—49 species of fish, 507 species of birds and 147 species of mammals, and that's just a snapshot. Isolated and away from pollution and urban artificial lights, the park is perfect for stargazing. 

This would be an extreme vacation that is totally worth every effort. This coastal desert is filled with stunning red sand dunes. It covers an area of approximately 31,274 square miles, extends along the coast of Namibia, and merges along with the Kaokoveld Desert. The massive sand dunes are hundreds of feet tall and have slopes long and steep enough to rival your favorite black diamond ski run. Wildlife viewing is very common among visitors; you may see elephants, lions, rhinos, and Hartmann's zebras.

The wildebeest migration, famously known as one of the "Seven New Wonders of the World" and also known as the "World Cup of Wildlife" is a must. Serengeti is Tanzania's oldest national park and also one of the few places in Africa where the amount of lions is not declining. You are witnessing wild animals in their natural habitat from the comfort of a car. The best time to see them is between December and March. 

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most colorful places on Earth. It is Australia's natural wonder, larger than the Great Wall of China and the only living thing on earth visible from space. Just get in the water and you'll be among ridges overrun with 900 different species of sea life, including parrotfish, giant turtles, surgeonfish, sea cucumber, and starfish. Heron Island offers easy access. You may want to hurry up and visit before it's lost to climate change.

A road trip is the perfect way to travel, especially if you feel like going on a getaway vacation. You just grab some food and water, fill up the tank and hop in the car. Considering how cheap gas is these days, there is nothing stopping you from cranking up the music and hitting the open road. Consider driving along the iconic Route 66 or going on the "perfect" road trip according to science. You will see some of the most scenic roads in the entire country.

The Blue Hole in Belize is one of the most stunning, and dangerous, scuba diving locations, especially when seen from above. It's beautiful underwater as well – clear waters, rich sea life, lots of sunshine. The Blue Hole is more than 400 feet down into the earth. Some divers even try to go deeper. But it gets very tough after 120 feet. Today divers come to go underwater spelunking, plumbing the limestone formations' depths alongside giant groupers, nurse sharks, reef sharks and more.

This is a natural wonder that everyone should see. Antelope Canyon is one of the most photographed canyons in the American Southwest. It is made up of two canyons. The upper is approximately 4,000 feet in elevation. When the sunlight shines in the colors of the canyon, they appear to vibrate off of the walls. The canyon looks red, gold and orange. Schedule a tour to see the area where water runs through the rocks at the upper Antelope Canyon; then visit the lower Antelope Canyon and admire the incredible arches.

Stay in glass igloos and log cabins at Hotel Kakslauttanen. It offers absolutely extraordinary views. They were designed so visitors can enjoy the Northern Lights in their full glory, but sleeping there is an amazing experience even if you don't catch them. On average the Aurora Borealis appears in the sky around 200 times per year there. You can go on a husky and reindeer safari in the winter. Boarding an icebreaker cruise is also popular. 

The setting sun is more than just a daily ritual—it's an example of just how beautiful the natural world can be. Both tourists and locals travel to certain places specifically to see the spectacular event. The famous Santorini Island and the sunset above the village of Oia is one of the most popular kinds of picture to take there. The island is perfect for other activities as well. Check out the black sand beaches of Perissa, the historic hilltop village of Oia and the incredible wineries in the area.

The caves are among the coolest underground wonders. The 5,000 million tons of marble sit out in the turquoise waters of General Carrera Lake. Viewing them in person is a far more beautiful experience than looking at any photo, but getting there is more difficult than you can imagine. After a series of flights into the city of Coyhaique, you'll need to drive another 200 miles and then board a boat, which will get you to the caves.

Tianzi Mountain makes up a "golden triangle" along with Zhangjiajie Forest Park and Suoxiyu Valley. The main peak dwarfs others and rises 4,152 feet. Its sea of clouds, snow-covered peaks and wavelike rocky peaks are stunning sights. The best time for a visit is in the spring and fall. Catch incredible views of cliffs, valleys and rock formations. Tip: Stay at a hotel in front of the Tianzi Mountain for a once in a lifetime experience.

The city's unofficial motto is "Keep Austin Weird." Austin is absolutely beautiful any time of year and a perfect destination for people who love adventure. The city has warm weather nearly year-round, making recreational activities a favorite pastime. The divine food alone is a reason to go there for a week. But you can engage in certain recreational activities as well, such as hiking and camping in the McKinney Falls, a 635-acre park with many trails. The nightlife doesn't take a break until 6 a.m. Authentic and contemporary honky-tonks offer live entertainment and innovative music. 

Hiking is already an unforgettable adventure because of the uncertainty it offers. As is the case with most thrilling experiences, people want more. Hiking a dangerous and active volcano is an exhilarating way to explore otherworldly terrain, steep slopes, lava flows, and hot springs all in one trip. Some of the most awesome active volcanoes to hike are Cotopaxi in Ecuador, Kilauea in Hawaii, Mt. Etna in Sicily, Arenal in Costa Rica, and Pacaya in Guatemala.

Gorgeous hues adorn Beijing in the fall and the forests surrounding nearby sections of the Great Wall of China. Hike along the renowned Great Wall, and try your hand at cooking Chinese cuisine. The Great Wall hosts one of the most famous half marathons in the world. The landmark was continuously built from the 3rd century BC to the 17th century AD. The complete route is about 12,500 miles.

Choose the scenic route over the quick one, and make getting to your destination part of the vacation. Buy a Eurail Pass, save money and visit 28 countries in Europe. You'll go to all the places everyone else does but in a hassle-free and comfortable way.  Relax and feel like you're traveling through time – you'll be thrilled by mountain summits, lavish landscapes, narrow and scary tunnels, as well as terrifyingly steep grades.

His visit to the islands had an everlasting impact on the formation of his Theory of Natural Selection. Go on a long historic tour to explore some of the Earth's richest wildlife that has captivated adventure travelers for centuries. Thrilling adventures include swimming with the sharks. Plaza Sur is among the best snorkeling destinations in the world. On-land ventures are also a possibility – hike along lava trails and relax on pristine beaches.

Training for an event is often the best way to stay consistent while working on achieving health goals. This is one of the 30 best marathons in the whole world; besides, you'll get to travel and explore a new place. Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest mountain and the highest free standing mountain in the world at 19,340 feet. Running the Kilimanjaro Maraton, you will be gaining about 26,000 feet in altitude. The route includes dirt roads as you will pass by many farms and plantations.

Contrary to popular belief, sharks are generally not a threat to people. Encountering the giant fish is an exhilarating adventure many people want to participate in. Isla Guadalupe has become a favorite destination among Great White diving enthusiasts. It is known as one of the top spots in the world for cage diving. Fun Fact: Guadalupe white sharks have been seen on shows like Shark Week and National Geographic's Great Migrations.

This is Japan's most popular ski area. Heavy snowfalls are common in Hokkaido, with an average of is approximately 50 feet a year. Imagine the places you can access with a helicopter – dormant volcanoes, deep snow, steep runs, and tight turns. If you'd like to do some night skiing, head to the Niseko resort. For those who can afford it, the experience is totally worth it. They enjoy better snow, tough but thrilling landscapes, and spectacular views.

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is many people's lifetime dreams. The scenery is otherworldly and you'll have the bragging rights for life. Everest's intimidating summit soars so high that trekking to its base camp (17,590') is still a unique and thrilling quest.

Winter is the only time in Hawaii you can see migrating humpback whales, which is why now is the best time to visit the magnificent islands. Thousands of them come to the islands' protected waters to mate. January, February and March are the peak months for humpback whale watching. The best places are Maui, Lanai, and the Big Island, according to GoVisitHawaii.com.

Home to one of the largest and most complex ecosystems in the world, the Amazon Rainforest is a marvel. The forest, still full of mystery and stunning scenery, is no walk in the park to traverse. There are about a dozen safety concerns—everything from foreign animals to finding your way. A guide is strongly recommended. The rainforest represents over half of the world's remaining rainforests.

Bolivia's Old Yungas Road is a zigzagging, 40-mile-long stretch that links the high Andean capital city of La Paz to Coroico, below in the Amazon basin. It steep hills have become a tourist attraction for adventurous mountain bikers. The ride begins at about 11,000 feet. When cyclists hit the 2,300-feet mark, the road thins out to only about 9 feet. This is by far the most dangerous part of the adventure because you're also likely to have on-coming traffic gets in your way. Bike traffic on Death Road jumps by about 5 percent every year.

The river passes through Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, China, Myanmar and Vietnam. It's one of the most famous ones in Southeast Asia for boat trips. Avalon Waterways offers 8- or 13-day cruises so you'll have plenty of time to immerse yourself in the fascinating cultures and ancient traditions of the region. All routes eventually lead to Siem Reap, which is a must-see adventure destination. Mekong River Cruises offer many other alternative destinations.

People associate Scotland with incredible castles and golf, for a good reason. The game as you know it was born there — it has been part of the sporting landscape in Scotland since at least the fifteenth century — so you can expect some of the best courses in the world.  Scotland has 578 of them, with the highest concentrations being around Glasgow and Edinburgh.

This famous Siamese festival in Thailand attracts thousands of people who light millions of lanterns and send them up into the sky. It's on Nov. 23, 2018. The name translates to "to float a basket." The Thais see the ritual as a time to wave goodbye to misfortune, wash away sins of the past year, and make wishes for the coming year.

Vegas is not just for young party-goers around Spring Break. Gambling in Sin City is in the top three of bucket list things to do after retirement, according to research, but why wait (especially if you win big)? In case you don't strike it rich, embark on a few adventures just a short journey off the Strip. You name it — hiking, mountain biking, rappelling, sky-diving, zip-lining, and even snowboarding — Las Vegas and the surrounding area just about have it all.