For the past 16 years, I have been celebrating my birthday abroad. It is a tradition! My family and friends now just ask “What country this year?” Then they start asking questions like “how do you pick a country?” I don’t have a method. Usually I start thinking about it right after my birthday and then a decision is made in January of where I will be celebrating.
This year, I will be in Morocco. I am so excited that I even packed a week in advance which never happens lol. Anywho, as August 16 is slowly approaching I decided to reflect on my six (6) most memorable birthday travel.
Hue, Vietnam, 2016
Vietnam was an easy choice for me last year. The country just popped in my headand I said that is where I want to celebrate 45. I found a tour that allowed me to visit several cities – Hoi An, Ho Chin Minh (Saigon), Halong Bay, Hue, Da Nang, and Hanoi. So on August 16, I was in the city of Hue which is pronounced “way”. The day started with a cyclo ride throughout the city, then wearing the traditional Vietnamese royalty attire, and then dinner with the group. It was such fun and exciting day.
Kruger National Park, South Africa, 2014
I will always remember South Africa because I literally freezing the entire time. Who knew that it is winter in the Southern Hemisphere in August? Anyway, I braved the cold weather on my birthday and did a safarai at Kruger National Park. I started off cute, but I was literally huddled in the jeep. Those pictures will never be shown lol. However, I ended up seeing 4 of the Big 5s. The cheetah was just to fast.
Seville, Spain, 2011
As long as I can remember I always wanted to go to Spain and so for my 40th, I made that happen. Once again, this was another tour and I had the opportunity to visit several cities in Spain – Granada, Seville, Madrid, Toleda, Valencia, Barcelona, and Cordoba.
On my special day, we were in Seville. I had an opportunity to watch a Flamenico show, share the day with my travel group mates, and tour the city. So much fun and laughter.
Xi’an, China, 2010
China was my first Asian country. While there I had the opportunity to visit Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an. I never felt so much love from the Chinese people. They all wanted a picture of me or be in a picture with me. I was a celebrity for 10 days and I loved it lol.
On My day, we were in the city of Xi’an. It was a day spent visiting The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta. I ended up learning the history of China. The day ended with a Dumpling Dinner and Tang Dynasty dance performance.
Cario, Egypt, 2009
The Pyraminds — one of the 7 wonders of the world. I remember learing about the pyramids when I was grade school. Who would have thought that I would be able to see them?
Capri, Italy, 2004
Of all the trips that I have had, Italy will always be special. It was my first solo trip abroad. I just started a new job and I accumulated all this vacation time and frequent flyer miles and I needed to go somewhere. There were moments I was scared and happy at the same time. I was told “a woman should never travel alone”. Ha! I proved them wrong 14 years later.
On August 16, I decided to do a day trip to Capri. You can see the excitement on my face. I remember climbing down some rickety stairs and saying to myself “I don’t want to die on my birthday” lol.
I had such a wonderful time and the view was (and still is) phenomenal.
I think this is so awesome!! Celebrating your birthday in so many wonderful places! Great idea and lucky you!!!
That’s awesome! It’s always wonderful to celebrate your birthday in a new and exciting place. My favorite birthday abroad was last year in Sevilla, Spain!
This is such a great tradition! I tried to make my own but life got into it’s way. I celebrated my two birthdays abroad, one in Ukraine and one in Nepal