The new millennial flex: spending thousands on a birthday weekend at a chateau

‘30 is kind of special’

For London-based media lawyer Beks Lockie, who is originally from New Zealand, her three-night 30th birthday celebration at a French chateau near Bordeaux in 2024 was about creating core memories with her closest friends.

“Whether it’s going to a concert or going on a holiday or whatever it is, I think people are more inclined to spend their money on experiences and creating memories,” Lockie said. “With AI, things that are real have higher value to people.”

The birthday trip, including accommodation, flights, a private chef, groceries, and a wine tour, cost about $8,700 in total, which was split among 13 guests at about $670 each.

Lockie said it was worth it, because there are few other opportunities in life “to get dressed up and literally run around a castle” with her friends.

By the time she turns 40, she expects those kinds of trips may be harder to pull off as more of her friends settle down or have children.

“I don’t think it’ll be as easy to pull 13 people away to a castle for a long weekend,” she said. “I think 30 is kind of special.”