sunset
Photograph ©2015 by Brian Cohen.

Have You Ever Celebrated Your Birthday During the Opposite Season?

“N ormally I’d be on a plane right now headed somewhere for my birthday weekend.  Paris, Istanbul, London, Tokyo, Dublin, Las Vegas – those are just a few of the places where I’ve spent this mid-February weekend in the past”, Jennifer Moody of The Jetsetter’s Homestead wrote in this article pertaining to breaking travel patterns.

That list of cities located in the northern hemisphere prompted me to think: surely she must have celebrated her birthday in the summer at some point — right?

Travel is magical, in my opinion. It allows you to do things which you otherwise cannot do. You can celebrate your birthday during the opposite season. I know one person who did that and watched colorful leaves fall from the trees instead of seeing flowers bloom and trees budding.

You can also go back in time or propel into the future — such as when crossing time zones or the International Date Line. You can extend a day beyond 24 hours, as I have had some travel days last greater than 36 hours…

…and — of course — you can visit locations around the world about which many people only read or see via television or a film. You can meet different types of people; sample authentic versions of food; and partake in experiences in which you otherwise cannot participate where you are based.

When I was in Kenya recently — yes, I will post more articles about my experience — I realized that it was actually summer, as I was located at Latitude 1° 22′ 33″ just south of the Equator…

…but then, I also realized that I never celebrated my birthday during the opposite season. I have to do that one day.

Have you ever celebrated your birthday during the opposite season? If so, please impart your experience in the Comments section below.

In the meantime: happy birthday to you, Jennifer — as well as to both of you, Tiff and Jeanne of Heels First Travel!

Photograph ©2015 by Brian Cohen.

  1. Yup, I actually had my 18th birthday in South Africa instead of the UK, and got taken up in a 4 seater Cessna flight over the Garden Route. Very memorable birthday!

    My brother had his 4th birthday while we flew CHC-PER-SIN-LHR and crossed the equator. Flying west, the day lasted longer than 24hrs, so his birthday was ‘extended’ – co-incidentally, it was also the bday of the guy across the aisle from us – they both got cards signed by the crew.

    Even if I don’t change hemispheres, I do like to try and fly on my birthday.

    1. That definitely sounds like a memorable birthday, JAXBA.

      Thank you for sharing the experiences of both you and your brother.

  2. For a moment the headline had me scratching my head. Opposite season? Like I am a December baby so… June? That would be summer… and by summer he means the other hemisphere. Check. Very slow on the uptake today but an enjoyable read. I have not but now it’s on my list. Thanks!

    1. Yes, Graydon

      …imagine spending your birthday while actually in the summer — or late autumn — for once.

      Maybe I am crazy — well, I know I am — but I think that is just plain cool!

      Please let me know when you have scratched that item off of your list…

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