It’s that time of year again, and the struggle of indecision about how to spend your birthday is real. But don’t stress, you’ve come to the right place to plan your special day! Below, we’ll dive into three solo birthday ideas to help you celebrate yourself. While solo birthdays might not be everyone’s go-to, they serve an important purpose: they let you focus on yourself, manage expectations, and enjoy experiences without limits. We’ve all had birthdays that didn’t go as planned, whether they were disappointing or simply not what we truly wanted due to circumstances beyond our control. Celebrating solo puts you in charge, allowing you to enjoy your special day with peace, joy, and even a touch of adventure.
1. Treat Yourself to a Staycation in a Premium Hotel
Picture this: city views, a spa, 24-hour room service, an onsite bar and restaurant, and a delicious buffet breakfast. It’s the perfect setting for a short stay and the makings of a truly unforgettable day. Kick back, relax, and let the food, entertainment, and tranquility come to you. Whether you choose a staycation in your hometown or branch out to somewhere new, the experience is entirely yours to create.
I spent my 27th birthday at a 5-star apart-hotel in London, and I couldn’t recommend it more. From watching your favourite TV shows and indulging in your favourite foods (for me, tacos and gourmet burgers) to dressing up, snapping photos, and making lasting memories, it’s all about carving out quality time for yourself. You can also dive into a great book, FaceTime loved ones, or explore the local area with a leisurely walk. It’s your day, so enjoy it, your way. For hotel inspiration, check out Booking.com.
2. Celebrate with a Solo Birthday Getaway
A solo trip can be a transformative experience (think Eat, Pray, Love). It offers all the joys of a staycation, but in a completely different country, complete with extra exploration and, hopefully, great weather. While the thought of travelling solo can feel nerve-wracking and deciding on the perfect destination might be tricky, doing thorough research and following the latest travel advice from government services will help you feel more confident in your plans.
For some inspiration, I spent my 29th birthday solo in Santorini at a 5-star hotel located right on Kamari’s famous black sandy beach. The half-board package (breakfast and dinner) made things wonderfully easy, and I didn’t have to venture far to enjoy lunches at nearby restaurant bars within walking distance of the hotel. My special day kicked off with a catamaran cruise, complete with a buffet, and when I returned, I was greeted with a surprise complimentary bottle of bubbly from the hotel in celebration of the occasion. I also went wine tasting, joined a tour to see the Oia sunset, enjoyed room service, and treated myself to brunch. If you’re looking for ideas to start your research, I’ve also visited Paris and Dubai solo (though not for a birthday), and both were incredible experiences.
3. Tick Off a Bucket List Experience
What’s something you’ve always wanted to do? Your birthday is the perfect opportunity to revisit your bucket list and make it happen. Grab your phone and scroll through the screenshots of places and experiences you’ve saved, your saved folders on Instagram or TikTok, your notes app, or even the open tabs and bookmarks on your laptop, your ideas are all there, waiting to be brought to life. If not now, when? Let your birthday be the perfect reason to turn those dreams into reality, whether it’s an outdoor adventure or that beauty treatment you’ve been considering.
I hope this post has sparked some inspiration for celebrating your birthday solo when the time comes, you deserve to live it up!