Birthdays are an important milestone that’s usually celebrated with gifts, parties and most importantly friends and family. Many people look forward to this specific time of year to get together with loved ones they haven’t seen in many years, but how do you cope when you find yourself alone on your special day? It’s not as uncommon as it seems for many people who move to different countries, such as students and other immigrants, to celebrate their birthday alone. Even people who are surrounded by friends and family may still choose to spend the day by themselves.
If you find yourself alone on your birthday, whether by choice or not, there are many different things to do to celebrate your special day without feeling lonely. This guide also has a few ideas on how you can have a great time with your friends or family on your birthday. Without further ado, here are 10 easy ways to celebrate your birthday alone, with friends or family.
Celebrate your birthday alone
So you’re going to spend your birthday alone. Fear not, these tips will guarantee that you’ll have an awesome day with great new memories and experiences to remember.
1. Take a solo trip
If you find yourself in a new place on your birthday, take a trip somewhere and explore your new city. Chances are there are a lot of hidden gems to discover all around the city you’re currently in, and you might make some new friends along the way. If you’re surrounded by friends and family but just want to be alone on your birthday, you can also take an international trip to somewhere you’ve always wanted to go. Santorini and Bali are some of the most popular destinations for solo travelers. Make sure to take lots of pictures whether you decide to visit the local beach in your new city, or ride around the Greek Islands.
2. Get a makeover
Whether you’re male or female, there’s just something about a little extra grooming that will make you feel better on your birthday. It’s been scientifically proven that your appearance significantly impacts your self confidence, so treat yourself to a makeover this birthday. You can change your entire appearance, go shopping and get a completely new hairstyle without feeling guilty for splurging on yourself. Not to mention everyone around you will notice the major difference in you, so get that credit card and head straight to the mall for a whole new look.
3. Have a spa day
The truth is that many of us don’t relax enough. We normally leave vacations and spa trips for once or twice a year, but feel free to add one more date to that spa list – your birthday. Give yourself the royal treatment on your birthday because, well, you deserve it! The plus side about having a spa day is that you’ll still feel rejuvenated and relaxed for days after your birthday, win-win right?
4. Plan an adventure
What’s on your bucket list? Is it climbing Mt. Everest, or bungee jumping from thee highest point in the US? Whatever you consider to be the ultimate adventure, do that by yourself for your birthday. You don’t need friends or family to be a thrill seeker, so pack a few days of clothes and head off to complete something on your bucket list.
Celebrate your birthday with friends
Of course if you’re one of those people who are lucky enough to be able to spend their birthday with close friends, you don’t want to do the same the cliche birthday as everyone else. There are many unique things to do to make sure your birthday celebrations are different from the norm.
5. Have a girls/guys trip
One way to spice up normal birthday celebrations is to have a girls or guys trip to some destination. It could be as simple as a road trip or traveling out of the country to some exotic destination. Either way, you can be sure that your all girls or all guys trip will be the perfect way to ring in the next year. What’s better than food, fun and your closest friends?
6. Throw a party
As cliche and normal as a birthday party sounds, it’s one of the best ways to celebrate your birthday with friends. But don’t settle for the cliche get together that everyone has, instead find innovative and creative ways to make your party stand out from any party you’ve ever been to before. Maybe you could have a themed night, a karaoke party or even a summer rave, depending on your birth date. Whatever you decide to go with, this is one of the best ways to enjoy your birthday along with your friends.
7. Have a night out with some live music
Favorite band playing somewhere? Then get your tickets and get ready to go. Music is one of the easiest ways to feel good, so feel free to grab a few of your friends and ensure you get front row seats to see your favorite band play. The best part is that your friends can’t say no whether they like the band or not, because, after all, it is your birthday.
Celebrate your birthday with family
So this years birthday will be spent with your family. This is a good opportunity to show how much you care about each other. Let’s make it a day filled with laughter and joy.
8. Visit family in a different country/state
If you’ve spent most of your past birthdays with your family and friends in your hometown, switch it up and visit your distant cousin in Italy or your Grandma in Texas. Wherever you go, be sure to make plans to do something in that city, but doing something with distant family members will surely make you not only enjoy your day, but learn something new.
9. Plan a volunteer initiative
If you have a big family, perhaps the best way of doing something meaningful on your birthday is by planning some type of volunteer initiative. You could all spend a day volunteering at an orphanage or dedicate your time and resources to feeding some homeless people. Whatever charity you choose, you can rest easy knowing your birthday wasn’t just all about you, but also about doing good for the human population.
10. Do something touristy in your city
Any museums or beaches you haven’t visited? Maybe a small island off the coast of your country that you’re yet to visit? Whatever touristy thing is left in your city that you’re yet to do, try and do that for your birthday. Be sure, however, to choose something that matches your interests and take your family with you on the journey.
There you have it, 10 easy ways to celebrate your birthday alone, with friends or with family. Make sure you enjoy your special day, and if you’ve already passed this year’s birthday, remember this list for next year!