FINALLY A GOOD LPT

Yes, and frankly, you are responsible for planning your birthday, or at the very least outsourcing and directing it.

"I turn 30 soon! I want to be surprised!" Is ambiguous and puts ALL the pressure on your SO or friends.

"I turn 30 soon! Hey, let's get 10 of us together and go to Oktoberfest to celebrate, it's about the same time as my birthday, and I think we can get everything together in 8 months. Passports for everyone first!" <-- This is a good fucking birthday preamble.