Table of Contents
Introduction
Traditions can be beautiful, but only when they actually make you happy. Growing up, my birthdays often looked like forced parties with being around people I didn’t even like, wearing dresses I didn’t want to wear, smiling for photos I didn’t care to take. So yeah… for a long time, I hated celebrating birthdays. I think I’m realising I am more introverted than I thought. Here is a guide on how to celebrate you from birthday to everyday.
For my 21st I decided to change this tradition and celebrate my birthday travelling. The one thing I love doing! And that is to travel and live for me. It’s the only time I can be myself without a sense of judgement from people so if you really hear me you are in the right place because I’m going to share some tips on how to go to your dream travel destination.
Instead of throwing a party, I booked a flight. I went to Nigeria and experienced the joy of celebrating my way. Since then, I’ve been celebrating my birthday through travel every single year, and now, I honestly live by Drake’s lyric (as much as it pains me to say it): “Turn your birthday into a lifestyle.”
My friend Char from @MemoirandMusing once reminded me of that lyric and I realised I’d already been doing it for eight years. So here’s the breakdown of where I’ve been for each birthday since:
Where I’ve Celebrated My Birthdays So Far:
- 21 – Nigeria 🇳🇬
- 22 – Spain 🇪🇸
- 23 – Nigeria (again!)
- 24 – Dubai 🇦🇪
- 25 – Germany 🇩🇪 (my first solo trip – read it here)
- 26 – USA (New York, Houston & New Orleans) 🇺🇸
- 27 – Portugal 🇵🇹
- 28 – France 🇫🇷 (Disneyland Paris, of course)
I’ve always believed that you should always do things you enjoy for your birthday and I have recognised that travelling is something I love to do, so why not do it for my birthday? Since it’s my B-Day Week still ( BIG UP TO MY FELLOW VIRGO QUEENS AND KINGS!! ) I figured I’d share my top tips on how to turn your birthday into a lifestyle!
If you are looking for other birthday destinations or your dream travel destination then you should read: 36+ Perfect Destinations to Visit Each Month of the Year
10 Ways to Celebrate Your Birthday Year-Round
1. Plan Ahead
Your birthday should never catch you by surprise. I’m not the biggest fan of surprises or having a huge amount of attention on just me. So my birthday I make sure I take time off, book a flight, and make it part of my annual ritual. I always say: don’t go to work on your birthday. If you’re a travel lover like me, a new adventure makes far more sense. The only way to do this is by planning well ahead. I mention this in a previous blog post, particularly on my post – Make It A Habit To Visit A New Country Yearly.
You are supposed to enjoy yourself on your birthday! If you love your job then, by all means, go to work, but as someone that likes to be intentional on their birthdays. Travel is where it’s at for me.
2. Book That Flight
Even if it’s your only trip this year, let your birthday be your reason to get out there and explore the world. It doesn’t have to be far or fancy just somewhere that excites you. Travel has become my annual gift to myself. And if you have no one to go with go solo. Read how to travel Solo With Confidence here.
And to book your flight you can use platforms like Skyscanner and GoogleFlights. You can even set alerts to get the best
3. Splurge (A little)
Let your birthday be the one day a year when you’re allowed to partake in ONE thing that you’ve been saying no too. Allow someone to treat you to something beautiful or better yet treat yourself! Why? Because you deserve it.
4.Try Something New
Go zip-lining. Try an unfamiliar dish (I once tried duck feet… would recommend). My point is: challenge yourself to experience something different on your birthday. It creates memories that last.
5. Get Good Sleep Before You Travel
I’m not one to share when I’m flying out, but this time I think I can as I’ve already flown out! I flew out two day’s before my birthday and knew that I was going to need all the rest I can get. My birthday is always abroad, and it usually involves lots of excitement, which can be extremely exhausting! So be sure to get some rest before your travels.
6. Celebrate How You Want
If travelling and flying is not for then that’s absolutely! My point here is that you celebrate the life God has given you. If you want to spend the day in your robe watching Real Housewives with a glass of bubbly? Perfect. Your birthday is yours. Honour it your way.
7. Create a Ritual
Whether it’s writing a journal entry. I love to journal, my trips things I see. What I want to achieve in the year and my prayer requests. It can be taking a solo photo at your destination, or booking the same spa each year, build yourself a small ritual you can carry into each birthday. It adds intention.
8. Travel With People Who Get You
If you’re not doing it solo, choose your travel companions wisely. Birthdays are sacred. And you don’t want it to be ruined because of someone behaviour or actions. Spend your birthday only with people that uplift you and should be part of your special day.
9. Document the Moment For Memories
And please, please. Take the photos, videos (I’m trying to be better with this honestly), write the blog post (like this one). Future you will thank you for the memories.
10. Reflect and Be Grateful
Birthdays are about more than balloons and brunch. Whether you’re turning 21 or 61, take time to reflect on how far you’ve come. Life is a blessing. We never know when it will be our last breath on this earth. Enjoy it and seize the moment to just live.
Birthday Travel Destination Ideas
Not sure where to go for your next birthday travel destination? Here are some birthday trip ideas and suggestions based on your vibe:
- Luxury & Bougie: Dubai, Paris, Maldives
- Adventurous: Cape Verde, Iceland, Morocco
- Solo-Friendly: Lisbon, Tokyo, Cape Town
- Budget Getaways: Budapest, Kraków, Valencia
- Short European Trips: Milan, Tiranë, Seville
Final Views
Your birthday is the one day a year that’s truly about you. So live it on your terms, whether that means flying abroad, going to a concert, booking a massage, or simply doing nothing. Do what you know to be true to you.
So tell me, how are you planning to celebrate your next birthday? Do you have any other birthday trip ideas? Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @MyBreakingViews.
I love seeing your birthday adventures!
As always speak soon,
Adebola x
