A lot of people have celebrated birthdays during quarantine. Families had to cancel kids’ birthday parties, people who had birthday trips planned postponed, and people turning 21 weren’t able to go to a bar at midnight. People around the world are finding new ways to make birthdays as special as they can; one way is a drive-by birthday parade. Friends and family decorate their cars with birthday signs and drive by honking and screaming, “Happy birthday!”
Last Thursday my brother turned 21; we knew he wasn’t going to be able to celebrate the way he wanted to, so we decided to try to make it as special as possible. Since the new trend is the birthday parade, we, of course, had to have a surprise one for him, although we weren’t too sure what his reaction would be since he told us he didn’t want one.
We had the lawn decorated with happy 21st birthday signs and smiley faces. I decorated 21 cardboard numbers with cutouts from leftover beer boxes to add to the decorations. All day he wanted to go to the beer distributor and walk around to see what they had; he said it was overwhelming and he couldn’t decide what to get, so he grabbed something random.
We had a good turnout for the parade; all our friends and family came, and my brother’s friends from high school and college helped celebrate his big day. He was surprised and ended up liking the parade; we were happy with the turnout!
— Mary Melnick, social media and editorial coordinator
Read This Next
4 Ways to Spend a Weekend in Cleveland, Ohio
Daily
Sep 23, 2026
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Sep 23, 20264 Ways to Spend a Weekend in Cleveland, Ohio
Whether an adventure seeker, culturally curious or a lover of all things music, Cleveland, Ohio, is the perfect weekend getaway for all types of personalities and travel styles.
Sponsored Content
Why Japan Is Best Explored by Sea with Princess
Japan is a destination that rewards repeat visits because no two regions — or seasons — feel quite the same. One moment, you’re wandering through centuries-old geisha districts in Kanazawa. The next, you’re watching neon reflections dance across Tokyo streets long after midnight.
Daily
Sep 23, 2026Delve into a Curated Journey for Mexico City Art Week with Trip Whisperer
During Mexico City Art Week 2027 (Semana del Arte), Trip Whisperer founder Jessica Parker will lead Mexico City Art Week Salon, a small-group expedition to explore the city’s fascinating art, design, culinary and luxury lodging offerings. For five nights, Feb. 2–7, 2027, participants will lodge with creatives and like-minded travelers in Casa Amsterdam, a private Mexico City villa located in the La Condesa neighborhood. After daytime forays to explore the festival’s events, this group will return to the villa to enjoy mezcal tastings, chef-prepared dinners and evening activities.
eFlyer Reviews
Sep 23, 2026Review: Sage Lodge Resort & Spa
Set on more than 1,200 acres in Montana’s Paradise Valley, Sage Lodge sits just 30 minutes from Yellowstone National Park, with the Yellowstone River running for more than a mile along the property.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Airlines
Sep 23, 2026American Airlines, Condor Airlines Announce New Interline Agreement
American Airlines and Condor Airlines expand their international partner network with a new interline agreement, providing travelers with a wide range of new connections. Passengers can expect connections to more than 150 cities through Condor’s trans-Atlantic gateways in major hubs like JFK, BOS and LAX.
Daily
Sep 23, 2026What’s in Store for Finnair in 2026/2027?
Global Traveler recently sat down with Finnair’s president and CEO Turkka Kuusisto, and Päivyt Tallquvist, senior vice president of communications, to discuss the airline’s past year and its future developments.
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Moments, Made to Keep
The Excellence Collection offers a curated collection of luxurious resorts across Mexico and the Caribbean, promising exceptional experiences for every guest and taste. From upscale suite concepts to a plethora of gourmet dining options, from wellness experiences to curated activities, The Excellence Collection guarantees all this and more.
Daily
Sep 22, 2026Cunard’s “Queen Mary 2” to Undergo Stunning Refurbishment
Cunard recently announced a stunning refurbishment of Queen Mary 2; the ship prepares to enter dry dock on March 31, 2027, as the flagship of the Cunard fleet and the only ship in the world offering regularly scheduled trans-Atlantic crossings between Southampton and New York. The refurbishment will introduce new Grill Suites, an elevated wellness offering, enhanced retail spaces and refreshed guest areas, while preserving the ship’s Art Deco identity. The ship will return to service May 9, 2027.
ShareThis