I took a solo trip for my birthday instead of celebrating with friends. It helped me rethink my mid-30s.
Freelance writer Sinead Mulhern shares her experience of taking a solo trip to Ecuador for her 35th birthday instead of hosting a traditional party. She reflects on how the solitude helped her process the transition into her mid-30s and gain clarity on her future.
Why it matters
The piece highlights a growing cultural trend of prioritizing personal well-being and intentional solitude over traditional social milestones.
Sinead Mulhern decided to spend her birthday traveling solo in Ecuador. Provided by Sinead Mulhern Sinead Mulhern traded birthday parties with friends for a quiet retreat in Ecuador. She spent her 35th birthday alone, hiking to a mountaintop overlooking Peru. Her solo retreat left her feeling more grounded, rested, and hopeful for the future. Earlier this year, I took a solo birthday trip for the first time, and I turned 35 on top of a mountain looking at views of Peru in the distance. Though it felt a little counterintuitive, I now recommend a birthday trip alone — not every year, but at least once. My year had felt very start-and-stop. By April, my birthday was around the corner, and there was no arguing that somehow, to my surprise, I was now undeniably in my mid-30s.
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