30 things to do before 30: The best ideas to inspire you

Turning 30 is a significant milestone in our lives. For some people, this age is still far away, while for others it is getting closer. Before entering this new phase, it is natural to want to experience life to the fullest. To inspire you on this journey, I've prepared a list of 30 things to do before 30. Enjoy!

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30 things to do before 30

Before we start, it's important to remember that there is no obligatory list of things to do before the age of 30. Each person has their own journey and must make choices that make sense for their reality.

Therefore, do not feel pressured for not having done something from this or any other list, or not being able to do it soon. Instead, consider the following suggestions as inspiration to enrich your life before this next phase.

1. Travel alone

You’re probably used to planning trips with your friends, relatives, and your boyfriend or girlfriend. But have you ever traveled alone? This idea may be scary for some people, but that it is a great opportunity to get to know yourself better, face your fears and make your own plans.

Solo travel provides a feeling of freedom and independence that everyone should experience. It also makes it easier to connect with local people and interact with other travelers, as you will not be in a closed group and will be more open to these interactions.

It’s good to remember that you don’t need to go to another continent to travel alone. You can have amazing experiences only a few kilometers away from your hometown. Whatever destination you choose, traveling solo is definitely one of the best things to do before turning 30.

2. Get financially organized

Organizing yourself financially does not mean having a huge amount of money invested before the age of 30, but rather being able to reconcile your income with your lifestyle.

It's important to know what your monthly expenses are, not spend more than you earn, learn to consume consciously and, if possible, save a little.

Learning to manage your finances is essential to have a more peaceful life and achieve your long-term goals.

3. Volunteer abroad

Among the things to do before 30, volunteering abroad is something that I personally find very enriching. It’s a way to broaden horizons and discover a world different from your own. Besides the impact you can have in the world, these experiences become great life lessons.

If you like this idea, check out the Worldpackers platform, which connects travelers with hosts looking for volunteers. In exchange for your skills, you get free accommodation and other perks. It’s a safe way to find volunteering positions around the world, which can make your solo travel plans even more transformative and fun.

You can choose between many different types of volunteer work, such as contributing to an animal shelter, supporting a non-profit school, helping in a sustainable community, and much more.

In addition to volunteering for social and environmental causes, you can also exchange your skills for a free stay while helping small entrepreneurs, such as holistic centers, hostels, surfcamps, colivings and even boats and wineries.

You choose the type of volunteering that best suits your profile. No matter the type of host, my personal advice is: leave your comfort zone and be open to new lifestyles. You won’t regret it!

Keep reading:

• TOP 5 reasons why you should volunteer abroad and how to do it
• How to find volunteering opportunities around the world using Worldpackers
• Exploring the power of volunteerism: impact, benefits, and opportunities

4. Learn to cook

You don't need to become a culinary master, but learning to cook the basics is important. In addition to saving money, you can also focus on healthy eating, which is essential to have more energy and quality of life at any age. 

If you’re eager to learn more, you can take lessons or host thematic dinners and cook dishes from different parts of the world.

5. Go backpacking or study abroad

Exploring the world with a backpack or studying abroad can be a transformative experience, helping you grow personally and professionally. And it's not as complicated as it seems; Nowadays, you don't need to invest a fortune to go on an exchange program.

Through the Worldpackers platform, for instance, you can spend some time abroad, have a cultural immersion and learn a new language on a super tight budget. Choose the country where you want to go and search for an experience that interests you. In some cases, you will only spend the cost of the plane tickets.

6. Explore new talents

Our perception of ourselves is very complex, and we often cannot see what’s right in front of us. This can make it difficult for us to find our own talents. Therefore, if you want to reach your full potentials it is important to reflect on yourself and open your mind to all possible paths.

That’s why one of the best things to do before 30 is actively trying to discover and develop skills you never thought you had. 

Think about things that make you happy and that you do well, such as singing, dancing, speaking another language, painting, writing, photography, embroidery, or cooking. Each person has their own talents and developing them can be the key to a fulfilling life.

7. Live in another city

Moving cities has its advantages and disadvantages, but the fact is that living in a different place can broaden your perspective and teach you many important lessons.

You will need to deal with several changes, such as making new friends, finding another job, adapting to the culture, climate, and environment of the new city. This becomes a great personal challenge and can make you more mature.

8. Enjoy time with your grandparents

To me, grandparents are synonyms to wise advice, good food and pleasant moments full of affection. Spending time with family, especially the elderly ones that we love, can deeply impact our lives, besides making them happier. Why not take the opportunity to spend more time with them while you can?

9. Get used to exercising

Many people include exercises in their routine because they are not satisfied with the appearance of their bodies, and therefore end up losing motivation at some point. However, the truth is that establishing an exercise routine is crucial to maintaining physical and mental health; aesthetics is just the consequence of this habit.

Finding activities that you like and including regular exercises in your lifestyle before you turn 30 is very important if you want to live a long, healthy life. Start now and reap the benefits forever.

10. Go scuba diving

Have you ever thought about seeing marine life with your own eyes at the bottom of the ocean? Venturing into the underwater world is an exciting experience. Put it on your list of things to do before you turn 30; You will not regret it!

11. Learn new languages

In today's world, mastering a new language makes all the difference in anyone's professional life. It opens doors to career opportunities and international connections, as well as offering the possibility of living in another country and interacting with new cultures. 

You might also like these articles:

• 10 language immersion strategies for your next trip abroad
• How long does it take to learn a language?
• 40 lessons for those afraid of speaking new languages abroad

12. Climb a mountain

Facing a mountain is a challenge that goes beyond the physical; it also tests our mental limits. After all the effort invested, the reward of enjoying a spectacular view is amazing.

Furthermore, the feeling of conquering such a beautiful and remote place with your own two feet is an experience that remains engraved in your memory for a lifetime.

13. Spend your entire vacation at the beach

How about renting a little house on the beach and spending your entire vacation by the sea? Instead of planning a distant trip, choose a beach you love, find a corner to call home and enjoy your time just relaxing and going for swims.

If you haven't done this yet, be sure to add it to your list of things to do before you turn 30!

14. Learn about politics

Seeking information and understanding the basics of politics is essential to becoming aware of the world around us. Politics exists so that society functions in an organized and fair way, so it is important that you are informed and participate. 

Remember that education, health, safety, and many other demands are reflections of your own choices.

15. Do an extreme sport

If you like adrenaline, one of the best things to do before 30 is trying extreme sports like skydiving, rafting, surfing, mountain biking or climbing. The challenge presented by these extreme sports makes you feel alive and often tests your strength, your limits and your fears.

16. Change your look

Changing your look isn't just about changing your haircut or hair color. A change can also come from the way you dress, for instance. Sell or donate clothes that you no longer like and look for inspiration for new pieces for your wardrobe. You can also transform your look by getting a new tattoo, piercings, or even new accessories.

We all change over time, and our appearance reflects a lot about our personality. Changing your appearance can revitalize your self-esteem and confidence.

17. Travel with childhood friends

When we’re kids, the idea of traveling with friends seems amazing, but it’s not always feasible. As time goes by, everyone follows their own path. Some might move to another city or even country, and that daily contact with friends often becomes an annual get-together.

Why not plan a trip with the whole gang to celebrate turning 30? This experience can revive memories and strengthen bonds even further.

18. Learn to take care of a house

You know you've become an adult when you find yourself thinking about which part of the house you're going to clean first. After all, keeping the home organized is a mature person's responsibility, isn't it?

And if you still don't think so, it's because you haven't enjoyed a full day at home after cleaning. Seeing everything organized and smelling clean brings an indescribable feeling of peace and comfort.

19. Be kinder to yourself

Sometimes we put self-love aside and put ourselves down without realizing it. Try practicing self-compassion, as being kind to yourself is fundamental to our emotional well-being.

Don't compare yourself to other people. Remember to celebrate small accomplishments and victories, recognize your strengths, and write positive affirmations. 

Above all, take care of your body by eating healthily, sleeping well, and exercising frequently. You deserve it!

20. Invest in a hobby or passion

An adult’s routine is not always easy, and many people end up limiting themselves to only fulfilling their obligations, leaving aside what they really enjoy. 

Don't stop investing your time and money in what makes you happy. Dedicate time to activities that you're passionate about, whether it's music, arts, sports, or anything else.

21. Take a boat trip

Feel like leaving your comfort zone? Traveling by car, bus and plane is quite common, but what if the trip was by boat?

Whether on a luxury boat, where you have a private room, or on a small vessel, where the hammock will be your bed for a few days, navigating rivers and seas is an incredible experience.

22. See your favorite band live

If you are a big fan of an artist and dream of seeing them live, don't miss the opportunity to go to one of their concerts. Even if it's a big investment or if you must travel to another city, it’s a worth it, because it will be an awesome experience that you’ll never forget.

23. Go camping in nature

If you've never camped in the middle of the woods or on the sand at the beach, put this activity on your list of things to do before you turn 30. As much as you like comfort, the experience of camping in nature is worth it.

Observing the starry sky, feeling the wind, and listening to the sound of birds, the sea or a nearby river gives you a feeling of being part of nature. Plus, disconnecting from technology and waking up in a peaceful place is refreshing.

24. Learn to make something handmade

Making crafts is one of the oldest practices in the world and still have a large market and social prestige today. The niches are varied and range from decorative objects to personal accessories and complex inventions.

Developing craft skills allows you to create unique and personalized objects. You can practice it as a hobby or even earn extra income with this new activity.

25. Go on a long trek

Eco tourism and adventure tourism have grown significantly in recent years, and many trekking routes that were previously unknown have begun to gain national and international prestige.

I am particularly passionate about this type of challenging and immersive tourism in nature, so I strongly suggest you have this experience.

26. Overcome one of your fears

What are you afraid of? Height, cycling, driving at night, cockroaches, public speaking, blood? Some fears do serve to protect us from threatening situations, but they are often dysfunctional. So why not try to overcome them?

27. Go to a popular festival or party

A festival is a large event with a specific theme that brings together different artists, shops, and exhibitions in the same place. There are several types of festivals, including music, art, film, religious, beer, wine, comedy, gastronomy, and even literary festivals. It's a great opportunity to get involved with topics you like and meet like-minded people. 

28. Do something nice with your parents

Invite your parents to dinner at a restaurant they've never been to or go spend a weekend away with them. With the rush of routine, these simple gestures are often forgotten, but they will certainly make your parents very happy.

29. Go on a bike trip

If you like adventure, put a bike trip on your list of things to do before the age of 30. It doesn't have to be a long route, like crossing several states or even countries. 

You can start by cycling to the nearest town on a weekend. In many places around the world, there are safe bike routes already mapped, and you’ll find many online forums where you can ask for advice.

30. Live without technology for a week

I think this might be the hardest task on this list of things to do before 30. Is it possible to spend a whole week without technology? If you succeed, share your experience in the comments.

Remember that life is a unique journey, and we don't need to be in a rush to do all these things before we turn 30. Make choices that inspire you, challenge you and bring you happiness.

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