30 Things To Do Before 30! Ultimate Checklist
THIS IS YOUR ULTIMATE LIST OF 30 THINGS TO DO BEFORE 30!
Navigating your 20s can feel like a whirlwind of endless possibilities, pivotal decisions, love, travel, and adventure. To help you build your roadmap toward your next life chapter feeling accomplished, here’s my ultimate guide to 30 things to do before 30.
Sure, decision-making in your 20s can seem daunting with that looming end date. While these activities aren’t exclusive to your 20s, they’re particularly beneficial for personal growth during this stage.
It’s a crucial period for building confidence, learning, discovering who you are, and, of course, having a blast.
In today’s social media-saturated world, it’s easy for women to feel inadequate or like they’re lagging behind peers. Together we uplift, inspire, and challenge each other to lead fulfilling lives authentically, sharing both successes and struggles.
I could ramble on but I’m sure you’re eager to dive into my 30 things to do before 30 – so let’s get going!
30 Things To Do Before 30
Here are my 30 things to do before 30! Some I’ve already ticked off and some I may not get to achieve until beyond my 30s which is ok!
Setting goals for what you want to achieve in your life gives you purpose and direction. I encourage you to take some time to jot down what you want to achieve in your life and think about how you are gonna make it happen – hope this helps!
1. Solo Travel
Solo travel in your twenties is a must and at the top of my list for a reason. The sheer freedom of travelling alone is something I don’t want anyone to miss out on.
It’s liberating to plan your dream trip without having to compromise on what you want. Travelling solo gives you the time and space to reflect, soak it all in and it also challenges you to step out of your comfort zone.
Increase your self-confidence, gain new perspectives and become more resilient – just to name a few benefits of solo travel.
Check out my top 20 reasons you need to be traveling in your 20s.
2. Start Investing!
Start taking care of your financial freedom early! To start with, invest your time in learning investment strategies and gaining financial literacy.
Knowledge is power and there are loads of great free (or affordable) resources available that speak to beginners with no financial knowledge. Some of my favourite resources are She’s on the Money, a one-stop shop for millennial women, The Rich Dad YouTube channel and The Motley Fool.
3. Travel First (Or Business) Class
If you think that flying first class to a dream destination is a very unachievable goal, think again.
I recently just flew first class from Dubai to London with Emirates which is basically the epitome of luxury travel. And no I didn’t shell out tens of thousands of dollars. I paid $600, that’s it. And the rest with frequent flyer points.
Grab my full guide below on the steps I took to book a first-class flight for the price of economy!
4. Find Your Perfect Workout Routine
Before you turn 30, get a good workout routine down pat. Don’t wait, it will only get harder as you get older to get into a healthy fitness routine.
Find what exercise you enjoy, whether it be boxing, running, social sport, dancing, pilates, or swimming, there’s something out there for you. Exercise is a must for a healthy body and mind.
And don’t be afraid of switching it up! I find variety is best for me! I love a mix of social sports, workout classes, pilates and yoga.
5. Move To a New City
Moving to a new city will literally push you outside of your comfort zone allowing you to experience a new way of living in a new environment. It will push you to meet new people, discover new local spots, and find your feet away from the safety net of where you grew up.
Whether it be moving interstate or pushing yourself even further to a new country to fully immerse yourself in a new culture – the choice is yours.
6. Buy a Timeless Designer Piece
When you have the financial confidence and have ticked off other major milestones treat yourself to a timeless piece you will love and cherish for a long time.
Whether it be a handbag, a piece of jewellery, a leather jacket or a little black dress, choose a piece that is a good investment.
A girl can dream, right?!
7. Live Alone
The independence, comfort and freedom of living alone is something I am so happy I got to experience. Whilst it was very expensive and I could only really afford to do it for a year whilst working a full-time job, it was well worth having a slightly tighter budget.
And designing a space just for you is a lot of fun!
8. Fall in Love
I am very lucky to have ticked this one off with my beautiful boyfriend. Falling in love, as cliche as it sounds, is one of the best feelings there is. It is as magical as the movies and sharing your true honest self with someone is vulnerable yet beautiful.
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! You miss every shot you don’t take remember! Get on those dating apps, talk to the guy at the bar, or slip into those DMs – you have to go after what you want.
9. Start a Side Hustle
Number 9 of 30 things to do before 30 is to start a side hustle or project to build something you are proud of from the ground up.
For me, it’s this blog and building a community of young women in their twenties to support each other in living an adventurous fulfilling life through travel.
For you, it might be photography, writing a book, starting a podcast, freelancing, investing or taking an internship. Push yourself to work towards your goals whether it be financial freedom, career growth, the flexibility to work anywhere in the world or as simple as creating a creative outlet.
10. Travel to 30 Countries
I’m getting close to travelling to 30 countries before 30!
Now for some, this might be too much of a stretch so create your own travel bucket list that is achievable for you!
Need some inspo on where to travel to next? Check out my 21 Best Places To Travel In Your 20s On A Budget.
11. Take An International Cooking Class
Just imagine taking a cooking class in Bologna, one of Italy’s most delicious cities, handmaking pasta, pizza, cannoli or tiramisu.
Have I convinced you to add it to your 30 before 30 list now?
12. Learn How To Read A Wine List
Impress your friends at your next dinner party with some wine knowledge under your belt.
Try different varieties, do some research and go to a tasting at a vineyard – sounds like such a chore doesn’t it?!
13. Define Your Personal Style
Now I am no fashionista, but finding your unique style is almost a right of passage in your 20s.
Style does evolve in time with age and trends but defining your style goes beyond the clothes you wear. It’s how you wear them and how you accessorize them.
14. Find A Career You Love
The amount of hours we spend working in our life is a lot, so don’t waste precious time on a job you hate.
My ultimate goal is to work full-time for myself creating travel content, guiding twenty-somethings to travel more. For me, this combines my love of travel, writing, design, and technology.
Check out these 15 Seriously Cools Jobs Where Travel is Required
15. Go Camping Out In Nature
Or glamping if that’s enough for you! Spend some time out in nature – by the beach or the mountains.
As much as we love comfort, camping in nature is like a right of passage. Watch the stars, have a campfire and wake up to the birds chirping.
Check out my 31 Romantic and Fun Couples Camping Activities if you’re headed on a trip with your partner!
16. See a Therapist
We see Doctors, Dentists, Physiotherapists, and Optometrists without two thoughts, so why shouldn’t we work on improving our mental health?
Everyone struggles with something at some point in their life. Learn how to best deal with and manage feelings, emotions and behaviours by talking to a specialist.
Therapy is a safe place for you to share and discover more about yourself and how you react to certain situations.
It will give you the toolkit to cope with difficult situations by helping you to identify faulty thinking patterns. Don’t suffer in silence, get the help you need just as you would if you were sick or injured.
17. Road Trip In A Van
How does a week’s trip in a van, touring New Zealand sound? Or how about riding in a Kombi van across Europe?
Whether it be a solo road trip, with a partner, or with a group of friends, this is one of the 30 things to do before 30 that will leave you long-lasting memories.
18. Explore Your Own Backyard
You don’t have to travel far to see the world. I live in Australia and there is just so much to see! But when you live somewhere your whole life you can easily take it for granted.
Look for those hidden gems, go on more weekend getaways and don’t be afraid of doing some of the more touristy things in your home country!
19. Get Financial Advice And Make A Plan
Once you start making money and building your savings, invest in financial advice to ensure you can achieve your future financial goals.
Create a budget, define your investment strategy, and set savings goals with professional guidance.
20. Register As An Organ Donor
It takes less than 5 minutes to register as an organ donor and could potentially save someone’s life. Start discussing with your loved ones your preferences.
A hard topic to discuss but an important one.
21. Say ‘Yes’ To Something That Scares You
Before you turn 30 throw yourself into the deep end by saying yes to something that scares you – safely, of course!
A few examples could be skydiving, travelling solo, swimming with sharks, running a marathon, or reconnecting with friends or family.
22. Improve Your Photography Skills
These days we take so many photos documenting our day-to-day, our travels and our milestones.
Now you don’t need to invest in a camera but I suggest learning some basic photography skills that you can implement even when taking photos with your phone. Things like the rule of thirds, editing, getting the right lighting, angles etc.
23. Have A Digital Detox
It’s crazy to think how much time we spend glued to screens. Spend a week or even just a day completely signed off to appreciate the world around you.
24. Ask For A Payrise
Know your worth, stand up for yourself and go get that money girl!
Now I know it’s scary, but at the end of the day, business is business.
25. Build Or Join A Community
Being part of a group of people who have a shared purpose creates belonging and community.
For me, I strive to create a community of passionate travel hungry, driven women.
26. Volunteer For A Cause You Believe In
Get out in your community or volunteer overseas. Helping others in need not only makes a positive impact on the world but also broadens your perspective and cultivates empathy.
Whether it’s lending a hand at a local shelter, participating in a beach cleanup, or volunteering abroad on a humanitarian mission, these experiences can be profoundly enriching and humbling in your 20s. Plus, they provide invaluable opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
So, roll up your sleeves and give back—it’s a win-win for everyone involved.
27. Stay Out Until The Sun Comes Up
It’s like the movies, out all night with friends having the time of your life watching the sun come up as you reflect and gossip about the night before.
28. Learn How To Surf
Surfing is a skill I am still to master. I’ve tried it once and couldn’t crack it, one day I want to be able to feel what it’s like to ride the waves of the ocean.
29. Go Skiing or Snowboarding
This next goal I have already ticked off but wanted to share this as it is an incredible experience.
Just seeing snow for the first time if you live in a warm climate is eye-opening. Learning to ski or snowboard, is challenging, unique and a lot of fun.
30. Create A Bucket List Of “40 things to do before turning 40”
Lastly, we have number 30 of my 30 things to do before 30, which is to start thinking about your next chapter in life.
Jot down the things you want to achieve in your 30s.
Let me know in the comments what’s on the top of your 30 things to do before 30 list!
Read more about travelling in your 20s!
- Ultimate Bucket List Before 25
- 21 Best Places To Travel In Your 20s On A Budget in 2024!
- 32 Romantic Things To Do On The Beach With Your Date
- 20 Tips to Road Trip Alone as a Female!
- Should I Travel By Myself? 19 Reasons Why You Should + Myth Busting
- Is it Safe to Travel Alone: Dangers of Being Solo Traveller
- 15 Seriously Cools Jobs Where Travel is Required
- Guaranteed Ways to Make Money Travelling in 2024
- 21 Best Jobs for Travel Lovers – See the World & Get Paid!
- 20 Reasons To Go Traveling In Your 20s + Top Destinations!
