8 Life-Affirming Trips To Make Before You Turn 40

For a forever-memorable Moroccan experience leave the bustles of the souks and street markets behind and head straight into the desert. With the Sahara right at your feet, you can explore the desert either by vehicle, foot or, for the truly authentic, camel. Whether you opt for luxury camping or sleep in a traditional Berber camp, simply settle by the campfire and take in the endless sandy landscape and the serenity of the stars above. Bliss.

Known as ‘America’s Highway’ the historic route 66 will take you from Chicago Illinois, through Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas, finishing in California, where, if you have time, you can relax in Palm Springs or even enjoy a ritual sound bath. The route can take anywhere in between two weeks to one month depending on how many stops you make. We highly recommend making an epic playlist and renting a convertible for an authentic American ‘on the road’ experience

It’s a burst of bold colour, unique energy and sumptuous smells, like you have never experienced before. Visit the biggest carnival in the world and awaken your senses. From samba schools to drum queens, brass bands to show-stopping floats, head to Rio De Janeiro in February and experience this unique and timeless tradition for yourself.

With its rugged out-of-this world landscapes, Iceland is THE place to go for an extreme adventure. From taking in the most dramatic scenery and bathing in health-boosting pure natural pools, a trip to Iceland is an unmissable experience. Even the most extreme adventure lover will be well catered for: from tectonic plate-diving to dropping from a helicopter into a dormant volcano, this is a unique, off-road trip with more than an edge.

Allow all of your sensations to feel overwhelmed in Tokyo, a highly stimulating, sensory experience. From the neon lights of the city centre to the serene temples and ultra relaxing hot springs, Japan’s capital has it all, not to mention the culinary expertise. Experience authentic food by exploring the backstreet bars, offering the freshest noodles or head to Kanda for a three-star Michelin sushi menu - tastes that are just unparalleled in the western world. Also don’t forget to visit the famous Shibuya crossing and channel your inner Bill Murray with a stay in the Park Hyatt.

A magical, memorable experience, discover the backwaters of Kerala, South India. Lined with palms, modest houses and rice paddies, these discreet riverways run into larger lakes and village centres linked by simple ladders and bridges. The best way to explore is via a houseboat, where you eat, sleep and glide through this undiscovered, serene paradise. Watch the locals set about their daily tasks as the children head off to school on their boat, all to the faint melodic hums from a nearby mosque.

According to DIVE magazine, Indonesia is the ideal place for a unique underwater experience. Without the crowds of the Great Barrier Reef, diving in Indonesia allows you to swim with the most tropical, rare and simply stunning fish on this planet and slip into another watery world. With a vast array of coral and sea life, you are guaranteed to leave feeling out of this world, just like Sir David Attenborough.

Having celebrated its 25th Anniversary, Disneyland® Paris is perfect for a bucket list weekend break. It has a full-sized adult golf course alongside pools and relaxing spas, so you can balance your time between the thrill-seeking attractions and the ever-expanding roster of entertainment. From experiencing a drop that’s faster than the speed of gravity on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ to Indiana Jones and The Temple of Peril, there are attractions to shock and excite. Disneyland® Paris also features recent Star Wars additions from Hyperspace Mountain to Starport - A Star Wars encounter where you could come face-to-face with Darth Vader, simply a must-visit for fans. Plus, think of all the holiday selfie opportunities with your favourite Disney characters.