February 2025 marked a milestone birthday for me – the big 4-0. Cue the dramatic gasp. Like many people facing a “big” birthday, I wanted to do something memorable, something that would feel like a celebration of not just the number but the journey that got me here.
Early in 2024, casual conversations started floating around: “Hey, we should do a trip for your birthday!” I was all in. My mind immediately started spinning with ideas – Italy, Greece, Iceland, Jamaica, Mexico, anywhere that felt like a dream destination. But as the weeks rolled on, reality set in. People love to talk about doing something, but when it comes time to commit, schedules, budgets, and life get in the way. By July, I realized this wasn’t going to happen.
So I made a decision: I was going to celebrate my 40th birthday with a trip, even if I had to go alone.
Booking Italy… and Then Scotland
I dove into group travel websites, searching for something that felt right. Italy seemed perfect – romantic, historic, delicious. I booked a solo trip with a travel group, feeling proud that I wasn’t waiting on anyone else to make my birthday special.
But here’s the funny twist: once I booked Italy, I realized I didn’t want to wait seven months to travel. So I booked another trip to Scotland in September 2024 with a different group. That Scottish adventure became my first “solo-ish” journey, where I got my travel legs under me. I even wrote about it in detail starting here.
That trip gave me confidence. I learned that solo travel wasn’t scary – it was empowering.
Italy Cancelled, Switzerland Bound
Fast forward to 60 days before my birthday trip. I got the dreaded email: not enough people signed up for Italy, so the trip was cancelled. At first, I was crushed. But then I realized 2025 was shaping up to be a record-breaking tourist year in Italy. Maybe saving it for later wasn’t such a bad thing.
The travel group quickly helped me pivot. Instead of Italy, I was booked on a new itinerary: Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. Talk about whiplash! But honestly, I was excited. Europe is full of treasures, and this new plan felt like a fresh adventure.
A Birthday Blessing in Disguise
Originally, I was supposed to leave on February 19th and arrive in Italy on the 20th – my actual birthday. With the new itinerary, my departure shifted to the 22nd. At first, I was disappointed. I had envisioned waking up in a foreign country on my birthday.
But life had other plans. In the early hours of my birthday, my sweet dog Jolene unexpectedly passed away. She woke me up, struggling to get to my room, and collapsed. I lay beside her on the hallway floor, comforting her until she was gone.
It was heartbreaking. But I can’t imagine how much worse it would have been if I had been out of the country, leaving her to pass alone or for my neighbor to discover her. The trip change ended up being a blessing in disguise.
Flagship First Class: YOLO
Despite the sadness, I powered through. I had booked my flights using miles and scored business class both ways. Then, a few days before departure, American Airlines offered me an upgrade to Flagship First Class. The price was about the same as a regular ticket, so I rationalized it as a birthday splurge. YOLO, right?
The highlight wasn’t the seat – it was the Flagship Lounge. Because I was flying Flagship First, I got access to a private dining room with a five-course meal. I arrived right when it opened, so I had the entire room to myself. Dining solo with five courses felt indulgent and surreal.
The seat itself? Slightly bigger than business, with three windows (which I loved). But the area was worn down, with gummy residue holding a compartment together. The pajamas were a fun perk, but overall, I wouldn’t pay for Flagship First again. Still, I’m glad I tried it once.
London Layover Lessons
My route connected through London, and here’s where I made a rookie mistake. I had a long layover and knew there was an AA lounge in my arrival terminal. I settled in, thinking I was set.
I knew my next flight was in a different terminal and when I asked an employee when I should head over, he looked at my ticket and said, “What are you doing in here?” Apparently, I should have gone straight to the other terminal, where I could have used a partner airline’s lounge. He even said, “They’re much nicer anyway.”
Lesson learned: always go straight to the terminal your connecting flight departs from before settling into a lounge.
I eventually made it to the other lounge, which was indeed nicer. And bonus – I spotted a celebrity.
Arrival in Switzerland
From London, I flew to Zurich. Regional European first class is quirky – it’s just three regular seats across, with the middle blocked off. Nothing fancy, but it worked.
Once in Zurich, I had to figure out the train system to get to Lucerne. The ticket machine was upstairs, the train downstairs, and the employee I asked wasn’t very helpful. After some trial and error, I figured it out.
Pro tip: if you’re taking trains in Europe, pack light. Maneuvering a big suitcase on a train is a nightmare, and luggage storage is limited. Less is more.
From Lucerne’s station, I needed a short bus ride to my hotel. I bought a ticket but got overwhelmed by the maze of bus stops. After wandering around, I gave up and took an Uber. Sometimes convenience wins.
Meeting the Group
By the time I arrived at the hotel, I had about 15 minutes before meeting my travel group. Just enough time to check in, drop my bags, and freshen up.
We gathered in the hotel lounge for drinks and introductions. The group was diverse: solo travelers, friends, coworkers, sisters, cousins. A dynamic mix of personalities. Dinner followed, but everyone was exhausted from travel. I skipped dessert and headed straight to bed, ready for the adventure ahead.
Reflections on Turning 40
This trip wasn’t the one I originally planned, but it turned out to be exactly what I needed. Losing Jolene was devastating, but being home for her final moments gave me peace. The change in itinerary reminded me that flexibility is key in travel – and in life.
Turning 40 felt less like a dreaded milestone and more like a launchpad. Solo travel gave me confidence, resilience, and stories I’ll carry forever.
FAQ: Solo Travel & Milestone Birthdays
Q: Is solo travel safe for women over 40? A: Yes! With proper planning, group tours, and awareness, solo travel can be safe and empowering.
Q: What’s the best way to book a solo trip? A: Group travel companies are a great option. They handle logistics while giving you freedom to explore.
Q: Should I splurge on First Class for milestone birthdays? A: If you can afford it, yes – it’s worth the experience once. But business class often offers similar comfort.
Q: How do you handle luggage on European trains? A: Pack light. Trains have limited storage, and maneuvering large suitcases is stressful.
Q: What if my trip gets cancelled? A: Stay flexible. Travel companies often help rebook, and sometimes the new destination is even better.
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Solo-ish Journeys 
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