41 Things To Do Before You Turn 30: The Ultimate List

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Welcome to a pivotal stage of life—the exhilarating years of your 20s! It’s a time filled with opportunities, discoveries, and a sense of freedom. 

Your 20s are a precious chapter of your life where you can explore, experiment, and redefine yourself. It’s a decade brimming with energy and boundless potential. 

Starting your own business is an empowering thing that many aim to accomplish before turning 30. If New York is where your dreams are steering you, learn how to file an llc in New York to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey in the heart of the business world. From navigating regulations to filing the necessary documents, this resource can guide you through every step.

While everyone’s journey is unique, there are certain experiences that can shape your personal growth and set you on a fulfilling path. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance between cherishing the present and looking ahead to establish a strong foundation for your future.

As you approach your 30th birthday, it’s essential to plan for the next phase of life. Time has a way of sneaking up on us, and while living in the moment is important, having a sense of direction and purpose can help navigate the challenges and seize opportunities that lie ahead. 

There are so many things to experience, learn, and accomplish before turning 30, encompassing areas like personal growth, travel, hobbies, relationships, career development, and financial planning.

To give you a helping hand at hitting some essential milestones, here are 41 things to do before 30. These before 30 bucket list items aren’t essentials for a great life but they can really help your character grow before the big three-oh and enable you to transition into your 30s with plenty of life experience, fun memories and a stable foundation under your belt. 

Travel to a foreign country

Most of us will have jumped on a plane somewhere before turning 30 but if you’ve never been to a different country, make sure you tick that off your bucket list. Experiencing a different culture is a great way to broaden your perspective, foster empathy, and deepen your understanding of the world. If teaching interests you, you might want to become an ESL teacher to combine work with travel.

Learn a new language

Learning a new language in your 20s opens doors to new opportunities, enhances cognitive abilities, and fosters cultural understanding and communication.

If you didn’t pay attention in high school to foreign language classes, see if you can pick one up again at a night school as it’s a skill that will last a lifetime and potentially open new doors for you in your career too. Employers love candidates who can speak different languages. 

Volunteer for a cause you care about

Volunteering in your 20s allows you to make a positive impact on your community, gain valuable skills and experiences, expand your network, and cultivate a sense of empathy and social responsibility.

Pick a cause that’s important to you. You may want to volunteer at an animal sanctuary, a homeless shelter or in a thrift shop. 

Start a savings account

If you have a bad habit of spending everything you earn at once, you’re not alone. It’s so tempting to blow all your wages every month exploring new experiences, socializing, establishing independence, and succumbing to societal pressure. The worst case scenario of this is ending up in a lot of debt which can take a long time to get out of.

Focus instead of starting the practise of saving money as this will give you some financial stability. 

Read a classic novel

There are some books that you really must read. They are stories that will stick with you for the rest of your life, and reading classic novels offers a multitude of benefits.

These include cultural insights, intellectual stimulation, historical context, and personal enrichment. They have the power to broaden your perspective, ignite your imagination, and connect you with the rich tapestry of human storytelling across the ages.

Here’s some ideas for your next read:

• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• 1984 by George Orwell
• Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Bleak House by Charles Dickens
• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
• War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
• Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
• The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Learn to cook a signature dish

One of the things to do before you turn 30 is to nail that signature dish in the kitchen. Even if cooking is not your strongpoint, having a good meal that you can whip up with your eyes closed when you need it is a great skill to have.

You never know when close friends are going to pop round or family members unexpectedly show up, and you can impress them with a delicious meal. 

Here’s a list of five signature dishes from different cuisines:

• Spaghetti Bolognese (Italian)
• Chicken Tikka Masala (Indian)
• Sushi (Japanese)
• Beef Bourguignon (French)
• Tacos al Pastor (Mexican)

Take a road trip with friends

Road trips are a lot of fun especially when you’re traveling with your very best friends. Before you get to 30 you usually have the freedom to just hit the road and explore so make the most of it!

Road trips combine the thrill of the open road, the freedom to explore new destinations, and the unforgettable experiences and memories created along the way with your BFFs. 

Your 20s is the perfect time go out of town to a different city or state to just explore, hang about, sightsee and just have the best time as a young person. 

Try a new adventurous sport

Even if you’re not a sporty person, this is one of the things to do before you’re 30 that really has so many benefits. Trying a new adventure sport offers the important chance to step out of your comfort zone, connect with nature, build new skills, enhance your health and fitness, and escape everyday stress.

Not to mention they can be a lot of fun too. 

Here are four easy-to-learn adventure sports that you can try:

• Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
• Rock Climbing
• Mountain Biking
• Kayaking

Attend a music festival

Going to one of the big music festivals can be an eye-opening experience. You get to discover a wide variety of music and explore genres you may have never heard before.

It’s a chance to step outside your musical comfort zone and be pleasantly surprised. Plus, the festival atmosphere is something else! You’re surrounded by like-minded music lovers, all enjoying the same experience. 

Some of the biggest music festivals in the world include:

• Coachella (United States)
• Glastonbury Festival (United Kingdom)
• Tomorrowland (Belgium)
• Rock in Rio (Brazil)
• Summerfest (United States)
• Roskilde Festival (Denmark)
• Sziget Festival (Hungary)
• Lollapalooza (United States)

These festivals are known for their massive attendance, impressive lineups, and unforgettable experiences that celebrate the power of music and bring people together from all walks of life.

Learn to play a musical instrument

Learning to play a musical instrument is rewarding because it provides a creative outlet, cultivates self-discipline, enhances cognitive abilities, and allows for personal expression and connection with others through the language of music.

Take a dance class

Dance classes are a lot of fun, allow you to meet new people and are a workout too. Look for local classes in a dance style that interests you. For example, ballroom, line dancing or even street dancing. It’s a good way to keep fit! 

Start a blog

There are so many reasons to start a personal blog. It’s an outlet for you to express yourself, share your stories and ideas with others, connect with people who share your interests, and even have the potential to earn money through monetization strategies like ads or sponsored content.

Honestly, there are many advantages of blogging, and the earlier you get started the better.  

Learn to code

Bear me with on this one. You might wonder why on earth you would want to do this before you turn 30, but it’s a great skill to have and here’s why.

Learning to code equips you with a valuable skill set that can benefit you both personally and professionally in our increasingly digital world.

With coding skills, you can create your own games, build interactive websites, develop mobile apps, experiment with robotics, design digital art, automate daily tasks, contribute to open-source projects, explore data visualization, build a personal website or portfolio, and participate in coding challenges and competitions. 

To start learning how to code, begin by selecting a beginner-friendly programming language, like Python, and explore online tutorials or introductory courses to grasp fundamental concepts and syntax.

Take a public speaking course

This might not seem a fun option on a before 30 bucket list but spending some time on this skill really will go a long way in your future. Public speaking is a skill you can learn, and it’s amazing for building confidence which can often be lacking when you’re in your 20s.

By breaking out of this self-confidence rut you will sail in to your 30s without fear of ever being called up to speak in public, which does sometimes happen in life whether you like it or not! 

Go camping in the wilderness

In some parts of the world camping is a rite of passage that many people do with their families every year.

If camping out in the wild has never been part of your upbringing it’s time to get out there and give it a go! Camping in the wilderness is an incredible escapade that lets you break free from the daily grind, immerse yourself in nature’s playground, and create unforgettable memories with your friends in your 20s. 

Complete a physical challenge

Setting a physical challenge as a goal and then completing it is an amazing achievement that you will forever be proud of.

While you’re in your physical peak in your 20s, get yourself signed up to do something tougher than just a simple run around the block. It won’t be easy but you’ll never regret doing it. 

Here’s some examples of physical challenges to attempt in your 20s:

• Complete a challenging hiking or backpacking trip in a scenic mountain range.
• Participate in a marathon or half marathon race.
• Try rock climbing or bouldering to test your strength and agility.
• Learn a new water sport, such as surfing, kayaking, or paddleboarding.
• Take part in a multi-day cycling tour or challenge.
• Engage in a challenging obstacle course race like a Tough Mudder or Spartan Race.
• Learn and practice a martial art or self-defense discipline.
• Attempt a long-distance swimming challenge, such as swimming across a lake or participating in an open-water race.
• Explore the thrill of skydiving or bungee jumping for an adrenaline rush.

Visit a famous art gallery

When was the last time you spent the afternoon looking at an incredible work of art? If it’s not something you generally do in your free time, schedule a visit to a famous gallery near you and take in the classic artwork.

Looking at works of art nourishes the soul by stirring emotions, igniting imagination, and offering a profound connection to the beauty and depth of human expression.

Learn to meditate

This bucket list of things to do before you’re 30 wouldn’t be complete without some mention of self-care. Life can be stressful at any age, and before 30 you can experience anxiety and depression. Through meditation, you can learn to cultivate mindfulness, inner calm, and gain a deeper understanding of your thoughts and emotions.

Once you learn how to do it, you can tap in to this source of inner peace any time you need it and it’s such a useful tool to have for your mental health.

Take a photography course

Photography is an awesome skill to have in your 20s because it lets you capture unforgettable moments, unleash your creativity, share stories through visuals, evoke emotions, and see the world from a unique and artistic perspective.

You can use your photographic skills to enhance your blog posts and social media accounts too. 

Start a small business

If you have dreams of running your own business, you can have a small business at any stage in your life. However before 30 is a particularly great time to do it because you have the energy to build your own business up from the ground while most likely working a full time job at the same time. If you have a good idea for a new business get going with it! The sooner the better. 

Write a letter to your future self

This is a really awesome thing to do before you turn 30. By writing a letter to your future self, you give yourself the gift of self-reflection and self-discovery. It offers an opportunity to document your hopes, fears, and lessons learned, providing a valuable benchmark to compare with your future self.

When you eventually read the letter, it can bring a flood of memories and serve as a reminder of who you were and how far you’ve come. It’s a beautiful way to reconnect with your past, gain perspective, and inspire personal growth.

Take a yoga retreat

Before you hit 30 your life can be a bit of a whirlwind. A yoga retreat provides a break from the fast-paced life, allowing you to disconnect from daily responsibilities and immerse yourself in a serene environment. They often incorporate meditation, healthy meals, and workshops on wellness, providing a holistic approach to self-care.

It’s a valuable chance to prioritize self-care, cultivate inner peace, and embark on a transformative journey during this formative period of your life. 

Learn to perform CPR and basic first aid

A sad fact of life is that you never know when you’ll need to perform first aid or even CPR on someone. Be prepared for this by learning how to perform CPR and basic first aid so you can potentially save a life. If you’re ever faced with this type of situation you’ll be so glad you took the time to learn how to do such a good thing for someone else. 

Build a solid workout routine

Taking good care of your body is an important step to start taking when you’re coming up to your thirties. People in their 20s are often binge drinkers and social smokers, who love house parties and going out to clubs. Often when you’re younger, your long term health is the last thing on your mind (I’m speaking from personal experience here!).

Maintaining good health throughout your life is so important and you really can start caring for your physical health at a young age. Building a workout routine that you learn to stick to as a habit is a really good way to help you get to a ripe old age. 

Go on a solo trip

Sole travel might seem intimidating but it’s a really effective way to gain self-confidence. Taking a solo trip allows you to embrace independence, self-discovery, and new experiences.

Examples of solo trips include backpacking through Europe, exploring vibrant cities like Tokyo or New York alone, or embarking on a solo adventure in nature, like hiking the Appalachian Trail or camping in the Grand Canyon.

But it doesn’t have to be something epic like that. Small-scale solo trips, such as weekend getaways to nearby towns, solo camping adventures, short beach retreats and wellness retreats also offer opportunities for independence, self-discovery, and memorable experiences on your own terms.

Attend a major sports event

In my 20s I went to a cricket test match in Barbados. Despite knowing nothing about cricket whatsoever, it still stands out as one of the best memories from my 20s just because of the incredible atmosphere at this large sporting event. 

Attending a major sporting event in your 20s is an absolute blast!

The atmosphere is off the charts, you’ll be surrounded by passionate fans your age, and the epic performances will leave you with jaw-dropping memories that you’ll talk about for years.

Learn to drive a manual transmission car

This is one of those ‘oh yeah, I can do that’ skills that just comes in handy at the least expected moment.

If you learn how to use a stick when you drive you’ll find it much easier to travel to new places, as a lot of countries (for example, the UK) usually have manual cars. It just makes life easier, and the earlier you learn how to drive like this, the better. 

Learn to do basic electrical repairs

With age and independence comes responsibility, and by the time you’re 30 you may well be living in your own place. Calling out professionals for small repairs can be very expensive so it’s wise to spend a little time learning how to do the basics yourself. 

Of course, electricity is no joke so make sure you learn from a qualified electrician. Here’s a list of basic electrical repairs that anyone can learn how to do:

• Changing a light bulb or fluorescent tube.
• Replacing a broken light switch or outlet.
• Installing a new ceiling fan or light fixture.
• Fixing a loose electrical connection.
• Repairing or replacing a damaged electrical cord or plug.
• Resetting a tripped circuit breaker or replacing a blown fuse.

Start a book club with friends

This is such a fun idea that brings people together through the joy of reading. It’s also a perfect way to keep friends committed to regular meet ups. As everyone’s lives move on as they approach 30, such as getting married, perhaps having a baby, and getting busy with careers, it becomes harder to find the time to meet up with old friends.

A book club is a really good excuse to get together for a chat and a cheeky wine or two. You choose the first book collectively or take turns selecting books for subsequent meetings. 

Get a professional mentor

I cannot overstate the value of having someone in your 20s who guides you professionally through your chosen career path.

They can also help you to choose a career in the first place. I have had mentors in the past who did a huge amount for me professionally, by helping me recognize my skills and achievements and build on those as I moved on to new things in my career. 

To find a professional mentor, reach out to your network, attend industry events, and leverage online platforms like LinkedIn to connect with experienced professionals who share your career interests.

Learn basic self-defense moves

As well as all the fun things to do before 30 on this list, there are a few that aren’t as much fun but are just as important.

Learning self-defense empowers you with the skills to protect yourself, boost confidence, and promote personal safety. You can find self-defense classes through local martial arts studios, community centers, or online platforms that offer virtual training.

Attend a TED Talk

Going to a TED Talk is an amazing experience that opens doors to a world of new knowledge and inspiration.

You’ll hear captivating speakers share innovative ideas, broaden your horizons, connect with awesome people who share your interests, and come away feeling motivated and ready to grow both personally and professionally.

Learn to invest in the stock market

Even if you don’t have enough money to actually invest in your 20s (not many people do) it’s worthwhile learning about how the stock market works so when you start earning better money as you get into your 30s and beyond you know how to use it. 

It requires understanding concepts like stock trading, investment strategies, financial analysis, and market trends. However, there are numerous educational materials, online courses, and communities available to help simplify and guide the learning process. 

Learning about the stock market provides valuable insights into the world of finance, enhances financial literacy, and opens up opportunities to potentially grow wealth through informed investment decisions.

As you embark on this journey, you might ask yourself, “What are the best beginner stocks?” Exploring this question can lead to discovering suitable options to kickstart your investment portfolio.

Take a wilderness survival course

Sadly many people have made the huge mistake of going out into the wilderness on hikes or camping trips, and are never to be seen again.

Taking a survival course is the best thing you can do to prepare for impromptu trips with friends, vacations in new states and doing other cool stuff outdoors. You just never know and you don’t want to get caught out if something goes wrong and you get lost. 

On a wilderness survival course, you learn essential skills such as shelter building, fire-making, navigation using a map and compass, foraging, and first aid, equipping you with the knowledge to thrive and survive in the great outdoors.

See the Northern Lights

Getting to see the Northern Lights for the first time is an unforgettable and awe-inspiring experience that you just have to tick off your bucket list as soon as possible. 

The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, can be witnessed in several breathtaking locations around the world.

One popular destination is Tromsø, Norway, located within the Arctic Circle, offering optimal viewing opportunities. Fairbanks, Alaska, is another fantastic location, known for its clear skies and frequent auroral activity. In Iceland, the small town of Reykjahlíð, near Lake Mývatn, provides an excellent vantage point.

Yellowknife in Canada’s Northwest Territories is renowned for its dark skies and vibrant displays. Additionally, Abisko National Park in Sweden and Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland are known for their Northern Lights visibility. 

Throw a dinner party

Dinner parties are adulting to the max but the good news is that they don’t have to be as daunting as they sound. 

If you haven’t yet mastered your signature dish, throwing a dinner party can be a breeze by hosting a potluck-style gathering where everyone brings a dish to share.

This way you don’t have to worry about cooking several courses at once and you can have more fun with your friends rather than spending all your time in the kitchen. 

Learn to do basic car maintenance

Cars are awesome until something goes wrong with them. 

One of the most useful things to do before you’re 30 is to learn how to do basic car repairs like changing a flat tire, replacing a dead battery, checking and changing the engine oil, and replacing worn-out windshield wiper blades.

Trust me, you’ll be glad you did because a flat tire, for example, can strike at any time and you don’t want to get stuck on the side of the road helpless. 

Learn how to grow your own food

Even if your ultimate goal in life is not to have a smallholding or homestead, learning how to grow your own food is a really valuable skill that can help you out in so many ways. 

For example, it’s often cheaper than buying fresh fruit and vegetables. It’s also a way of supporting yourself when food shortages happen, as they have done several times in the past few years after the Covid-19 pandemic and supply chain issues left some supermarket shelves bare. 

Learning more about becoming self-sufficient and gaining the new skill of growing vegetables and other foods gives you a small safety net, and is a really relaxing hobby to have too. 

Go scuba diving or snorkeling

If you’ve not tried either of these yet try to do them before you turn 30. Scuba diving or snorkeling is like stepping into a mesmerizing underwater wonderland, where you’re surrounded by captivating marine life, vibrant coral reefs, and a sense of tranquility that feels truly magical.

There’s no other feeling like it, and you can truly forget any worries you have for a while as you just lose yourself in the underwater world. 

Take a personal finance course

Financial freedom is an incredible goal to have before you turn 30. Financial freedom is the ability to live life on your own terms, without being constrained by financial constraints or worries, and having the freedom to pursue your passions, goals, and dreams.

If you struggle with credit card debt, student loans, overspending and general mismanagement of your finances, take the time to enrol in a course that teaches you how to deal with your money properly. A lot of people have the same problems and the sooner you can get to grips with money management, the easier and less stressful life becomes. 

Learn to sew

This is one of those things to do before 30 that seems pretty pointless and a waste of time at first glance, but I can’t tell you how many times I wish I’ve had sewing skills to my name. It is such a useful thing to know how to do. 

Learning sewing skills is important as it empowers you to create, mend, and customize clothing and other fabric items, fostering creativity, self-sufficiency, and the ability to express your unique style. You can hem your own drapes, make your own cushions, alter your own clothing, and add buttons, zippers, and other fasteners. 

This list of things to do before you turn 30 isn’t exhaustive and is in no particular order, but should give you some great ideas for that before 30 bucket list you’re planning. 

So go ahead and live your best life in your 20s with one eye on enjoying yourself in the present and the other looking to the near future and planning the amazing skills and experiences you’ll have by the time your 30th birthday party comes around. 

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