Turning 30 is a milestone that often feels like the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Your 20s are typically a period of exploration, growth, and fun. As you approach 30, there are still a few experiences you might want to check off your list. Whether it’s learning new skills, traveling, or embracing a thrilling activity, this bucket list is designed to inspire you to make the most of your final years in your 20s.
Here’s your ultimate pre-30 bucket list—filled with experiences to enrich your life, challenge yourself, and make unforgettable memories.
1. Travel Solo
Traveling alone is one of the most liberating experiences you can have. Whether you backpack across Europe or take a solo weekend road trip, traveling solo will teach you self-reliance, help you discover new cultures, and give you time to reflect on your own desires and passions. It’s a time to embrace independence, push your boundaries, and find out how resilient you truly are.
Pro-tip: Pick a destination where you can mix relaxation and adventure. Southeast Asia, for example, offers a blend of beach vibes, cultural experiences, and thrilling excursions.
2. Learn to Bartend
Whether you’re the life of the party or simply want to impress your friends, bartending is an incredibly fun and useful skill. Learn to mix drinks not only saves you money when hosting gatherings but also boosts your creativity as you experiment with flavors and ingredients.
Mastering the art of bartending could start as simply as learning how to make classic drinks like margaritas, martinis, or mojitos. From there, take it a step further by attending a bartending class. This not only gives you hands-on experience but also introduces you to techniques like flaring (those flashy bottle tricks!) and the science behind mixing the perfect drink.
Imagine the confidence you’ll have at parties, being the go-to person who can whip up a perfect Old Fashioned or a trendy Espresso Martini. Plus, bartending can open up side job opportunities if you’re ever interested in exploring event work or freelance gigs at private parties or local bars.
3. Take a Cross-Country Road Trip
There’s something iconic about a road trip, especially in your 20s when responsibilities haven’t fully set in. Embarking on a cross-country road trip allows you to see the diversity of landscapes, cultures, and communities that exist within your own country. From mountain ranges to deserts, to bustling cities and quiet small towns, the open road offers adventure and unpredictability.
A few must-do routes include the Pacific Coast Highway, Route 66, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Don’t forget to bring along your favorite playlist and some good company to make it a trip worth remembering.
4. Try Skateboarding
Skateboarding is not just for teenagers—it’s a fun and challenging way to keep fit, improve your balance, and tap into your adventurous side. Picking up a board can be intimidating, but it’s an exhilarating way to connect with your inner child and feel a sense of freedom. Plus, skateboarding communities are welcoming, and learning a few tricks, even basic ones, can give you a sense of achievement.
Skateboarding teaches perseverance, as you’ll need to fall and get back up again many times before mastering even a simple trick. It’s also a great way to meet new people and connect with a global culture of skateboarders, who share a passion for pushing boundaries.
If you’re new to the sport, start small by practicing balance and riding comfortably on a board. You can then work up to ollies, kickflips, and possibly even hitting a skate park. Learn to skateboard is also a fantastic way to explore the outdoors, combining fitness with a sense of freedom and creativity.
5. Go to a Major Festival
Whether it’s a music festival like Coachella, an arts event like Burning Man, or a food and wine extravaganza, attending a major festival is a rite of passage in your 20s. Festivals are more than just music or food; they’re about immersing yourself in a collective experience where you can express yourself, meet new people, and enjoy days of carefree fun.
Research the festivals that speak to you. Want to immerse yourself in nature? Go for Bonnaroo. Crave an urban experience? Lollapalooza might be your fit. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, head to international festivals like Glastonbury in the UK or Tomorrowland in Belgium.
6. Learn a New Language
Learning a new language is a fantastic way to expand your worldview and challenge yourself mentally. Not only does it open doors to communicating with people from other cultures, but it also enhances cognitive abilities and sharpens problem-solving skills.
The best time to learn a new language is in your 20s when your brain is still flexible and eager for new experiences. Whether you learn a language for travel, career opportunities, or personal interest, having a second (or third!) language under your belt will give you a serious edge.
Apps like Duolingo and Babbel make it easier to learn languages on your own schedule, or you could immerse yourself with an extended stay in a country where the language is spoken.
7. Take a Career Leap
If you’re feeling stuck or uninspired by your current career, your 20s are the time to take a leap. Whether that means switching industries, going freelance, or starting your own business, now is the time to take those risks before you’re tied down by major financial commitments.
This could mean going back to school for a career pivot, attending industry workshops, or starting a side hustle that you’ve always dreamed about. The point is to invest in yourself and your future in a way that feels fulfilling. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone.
8. Train for a Physical Challenge
There’s no better time to push your physical limits than in your 20s. Whether you run a marathon, sign up for a Tough Mudder race, or learn a martial art like jiu-jitsu or boxing, training for a major physical event can transform both your body and mind. It’s about setting a goal, following a plan, and achieving something you may have never thought possible.
Training for a physical challenge also teaches discipline, determination, and mental toughness—qualities that will serve you well in all areas of your life as you approach 30 and beyond.
9. Live in a Different City
If you’ve always lived in your hometown or in one place, now is the perfect time to experience life somewhere new. Living in a different city can provide a fresh perspective, new opportunities, and unique experiences that will shape your view of the world.
Moving somewhere new, even temporarily, teaches adaptability, independence, and resilience. Whether you go for a bustling metropolis like New York City or a laid-back beach town, living in a new environment is a way to discover who you are and what you truly want from life.
10. Start a Passion Project
Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but never had the time for? Whether it’s writing a book, starting a blog, or building furniture, your 20s are the time to pursue passion projects. These are the hobbies or creative outlets that make you come alive—something that doesn’t feel like work but fuels your personal growth.
Starting a passion project can provide you with a sense of purpose, bring joy, and maybe even turn into a business or lifelong pursuit. Now is the time to give it a shot before life gets busier in your 30s.
Conclusion
Turning 30 is an exciting transition, but before you enter your next decade, there are countless adventures, skills, and experiences to embrace. From traveling solo and learning bartending, to picking up skateboarding and attending festivals, your 20s should be filled with moments that enrich your life and prepare you for the next chapter. So go ahead and dive in—there’s still time to make those final years before 30 unforgettable!
