Some people say life starts at 40, others are dreading the big four-o and would rather the day passed as quickly as possible and without too much fuss. Regardless of your outlook on turning the forties corner, the best way to cope with the stresses of the day is to have as much fun as possible. Here are a few ideas to make your 40th the most memorable birthday ever.
Take to the air
If you want to take your life to new heights, there are plenty of ways to get airborne on your 40th birthday. The internet is littered with skydiving and parachuting companies, offering thrill seekers an experience of a lifetime. If you don’t want to fall from the sky, you can soar instead, learning how to fly a plane or taking a helicopter or hot air balloon ride.
Hire a party boat
Choose a venue with a difference for the birthday party of the century. There are a variety of river barges and party boats for hire along the banks of the Thames and other main rivers in the UK. For an extra twist, you can decide to go with a themed party centred a round the birthday boy or girl’s favourite music or film or their year of birth.
Dinner for two
Having a romantic dinner for two can turn into a whole new experience in unfamiliar surroundings. Hotels and boutiques around the country are offering grt value deals on overnight stays with 5-star dinner included. For ‘riparian entertainment’, as Hyacinth Bucket would put it, you can opt for a dinner cruise on the Thames, including a tour of London from a slightly different perspective.
An evening in Paris
If you choose to venture abroad for a 40th birthday weekend away, there is no better destination than Paris. The city of light, love and romance offers plenty of possibilities to see in your 40th year in style. How about an evening at the Moulin Rouge or dinner on the Eiffel Tower? You can then finish off a perfect evening with a midnight river boat cruise on the Seine.
A gift for the future
What better way to celebrate your 40th birthday than to keep a reminder of your special day. You can learn a new skill, such as chocolate making, horse riding or polo. But the best way to leave an indelible mark on your life after 40 is to imprint your name on the future – literally. There is a long list of often unexpected things you can name after yourself, including stars, a rose bush or a personalized single malt whiskey.
Pamper Yourself
Take a luxurious mini-break with friends or treat your partner to a pamper day at a health club, hotel or luxury spa resort. Options range from a spa break with a succession of beauty treatments to a professional photo shoot or afternoon tea at one of Britain’s top notch hotels. With more and more men-only deals now available, this option is definitely not just one for the ladies.
Many websites now offer a wide range of these experience or so-called ‘red letter’ days. You can buy them for yourself or a loved one at generally reasonable prices.