Taking solo birthday trips abroad taught me that I don't need company to do something meaningful
At first, celebrating my birthday alone in a foreign country felt strange. Now I can't stop taking annual trips by myself.
Sally Seaton, the author of this piece, discovered that solo birthday trips abroad have allowed her to appreciate meaningful moments without relying on companionship. Initially, she was hesitant to celebrate her birthday alone, fearing feelings of loneliness. However, she found that being alone didn't necessarily mean being lonely.
For her 29th birthday, she took a trip to Hong Kong and Japan instead of celebrating with friends at a rooftop bar. This decision stemmed from a previous solo birthday spent in Singapore when friends couldn't join her. The author found that these solo adventures have changed her perspective on celebrations. Each trip has made her more comfortable with her own company, teaching her that being alone doesn't equate to feeling lonely.
She now views solo travel as a way to celebrate herself and has gained confidence from these experiences. The author plans to continue taking solo trips for her birthdays, most recently a trip to Hong Kong and Japan. Despite the occasional nerves, she finds these trips liberating and memorable, filled with new cuisines, unfamiliar streets, and bucket-list activities.
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