Are You Spending Your Birthday on the Road?

I've spent my birthday on the road more times than I can remember - often on my own, sometimes with friends, and others with people I might have just met.

I've celebrated the passing of years in Madrid, Teheran, Oran (Algeria), Geneva, Bangkok, flying over the Sahara... and that's just a few.

Whatever the circumstances, spending a birthday alone or away has always been - actually - kind of fun.

How can you spend your birthday if you're on your own? How can you make this day still count for you?

Celebrate solo
That's right: get into the spirit of things on your own. Buy a mouth-watering pastry (a cake might be too big just for you), and uncork a celebratory drink, whatever your pleasure.

Buy yourself a present
This is a special day, so splurge for that special something you've been posponing - new headphones for your iPod, perhaps that latest model Swiss Army knife, or a perfumed candle or incense for this special occasion.

Get in touch with family and friends
This is a double-edged sword - getting in touch might make you feel better, but it might also undo your efforts at managing travel loneliness - so only do this if you're convinced you'll feel uplifted. And don't forget to post your birthday on your facebook page and everywhere else - it's nice to find all those well-wishing messages when you next go online.

Ask your family for some 'assistance'
That assistance should come (why not?) in the shape of a present, perhaps Fed Exed to you just for this occasion. Just make sure you start dropping hints early - give them time to shop and ship - you do want your gift to appear on time. One of my best presents ever was a courrier delivery of a slab of parmesan cheese after I'd been in rural Africa for months.

Go out for a special meal
I love solo dining - people watching, leafing through a delightful book, imagining everyone's business and luxuriating in my own little world. Since I usually travel on a strict budget I don't always get to eat gourmet meals, but a birthday on the road is definitely an exception. This would be one special meal!

Postpone your birthday
If you'd rather not celebrate your birthday on the road, why not simply postpone it? You can celebrate in a few months, when you meet up with friends, or when you take a side trip home. Just because your birthday is on a specific day doesn't mean you have to mark it then... 

Go out and meet some people
This may be one of those days you'd prefer not to be on your own. If that's your case, make this the day you go out and meet others. It's easy when you travel - go down to the hostel bar or lobby and just start talking. Telling people it's your birthday will break the ice and you'll probably end up with a group of instant friends for supper.

Pamper yourself
Depending on where you are, this could mean a visit to an ayurvedic treatment (India), a reflexology session (Thailand), a facial (pretty much anywhere!) or a beachfront massage. Whatever you choose, make it a bit decadent - a bit of pampering is always a welcome.

Take yourself out
You probably don't have much time or money for concerts or plays while you travel but there's no reason to deny yourself some special entertainment when you're celebrating a birthday on the road. Who knows - there might be a star playing or singing nearby, or some fantastic cumbia, flamenco or reggae to listen to. Failing that, is there a movie you've been wanting to see?

Go somewhere else
It might be time for a change of scenery. If you're in a village, hop a bus to the city for a day or two. Conversely, if you're haunted by highrises, get yourself to the coast or the mountains. Discover a new corner of the city or country. Even if you're traveling, a change of pace could help make this a special day. I once traveled the breadth of Tanzania just to spend my birthday on the island of Zanzibar...

Make a resolution
Like New Year's, I use my birthday to make a resolution (or several). I try to decide what I need to improve, and set that goal for the coming year. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't - but those resolutions always come in handy.

Do nothing
You could just relax in a hammock with a good book... have a lie in... ask for food to be brought in... exert minimal effort!

Wherever you are, celebrating your birthday on the road can be as fun, original or memorable as you choose to make it. Just make sure you start planning a few days ahead of time - and make your birthday a perfect day.

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