The 30 Before 30 Bucket List

In no particular order, I’ve put together a list of thirty things everyone should try before turning thirty (or any age, really!) Some of the items listed are things I’m guilty of doing and some are in my list of things to pursue – all of them are important to experience at least once in your before-married life.

1.  Enjoy a One Night Stand

Spend an evening on the prowl knowing that the world is your oyster, and oysters are an aphrodisiac you won’t be needing tonight. Feel the power of knowing that, as a woman on a mission, you’re 100% in control and it’s pretty much a guarantee that you’re going to get lucky. So put a rubber on it and enjoy your time with a hot dude you just met.

Bring a girlfriend and make sure she knows the name and address of where you’re going and who you’re going with. Silence the voice inside you that’s pondering if he’s relationship material, or wonders if he noticed your cellulite. You’ll never see him again (on purpose!), so it doesn’t matter. Just be safe and don’t let it turn into a frequent habit!

2.  Move To Another Country  

If you’re interested in making a fresh start, find a way to make the move possible – even if just for a few months. You’ll gain a whole new perspective on life and how the world works. It’ll force you to get out of your shell and give you the confidence to know that no matter what, there are always options and adventures out there waiting for you.

3.   Travel the World

With lots of ways to travel cheap nowadays, there’s no excuse not to travel the world as much as you can. Start with going on road trips with college friends. Or travel by yourself to different cities where you can reconnect with old friends and relatives. Traveling generally gets harder as you get older, so now is the time to take advantage of this freedom.

4.  Face Your Fear

I’m still stuck with a phobia of heights, but it doesn’t mean I haven’t experienced being strung up on a very long and high zip-line. Suck it up and face your fear; no one cares if you’ll be screaming your guts out in the process. Do it. Check it off your bucket list. Share the video.

5.  Take Your Parents To Dinner 

Taking your parents out to dinner is not at all cheesy. Rather, it’s something you should have done a long time ago.

Make amends by acknowledging the fact that they too are flawed individuals and that they are only looking out for you. They may have done crazy, unreasonable things, but they did it for your well-being even though you didn’t exactly approve of their means. They deserve this dinner more than you’ll ever know.

6.  Go Crazy In Vegas

If you want to know how it feels like to be in ‘The Hangover’ movie, then go ahead and drive out or buy your tickets to Vegas. Go for a weekend with a few of your friends (because any longer than that and Vegas stops being fun). Party. Go crazy. Laugh your ass off. Vegas is where you can do all sorts of things without being judged.

7.  Take a Class

Invest in yourself, but have fun with it! Take dance lessons, learn about photography, or enroll in an art class if you want. You just may discover a new side of yourself in the process.

8. Get a Job — then Quit

Your college degree is there to support you for the rest of your life. But before you land your dream job, you may as well have some fun. Don’t doubt that you’ll end up going through a slew of jobs that suck. If you’re stuck in the job from hell, don’t get complaisant. Start sending out your resume ASAP, and focus on how good it’s going to feel when you can tell your boss ‘I quit!’

9.  Be Random

Randomness shouldn’t be taken for granted — especially for someone who’s at a very young age. Enjoy the walk of shame ‘stride of pride’ or walking into a diner at 5am with a group of sexy strangers. These are just one of the things you’re licensed to do before you turn 30.

10.  Have Some Alone Time

Enjoy being alone by doing your mani-pedi, read a book, have a cup of coffee, painting, reading, blogging, going to dinner alone, etc. There are many things you can do by yourself and spending some time alone is a way to reconnect with yourself. It could lead to some great brainstorming or self discoveries and that’s never a bad thing!

11.  Ditch Things & People Who Do Not Contribute To Your Happiness   

I’m a believer of happiness being a choice. So take a step back and look at your life. Try to identify the people who do nothing to contribute to your happiness. These may be people you call friends but they’re only there when they need a favor. Or perhaps an ex-boyfriend who calls you up when he’s having trouble with something and he sucks the energy out of you again. These are people who have reached the end of the line with you and it’s time to shut the door on them. Your connections with them just don’t enrich your life anymore so it’s best to cut ties.

12.  Date Someone Completely Wrong For You

If you’re single, then enjoy an occasional fling. Kiss a model and talk about it with your friends. Look into his eyes and get lost in whatever’s in there. No one’s asking you to fall in love with the person — just be daring enough to get to know a person who you never thought you’d be with in the first place.

13.  Sing in Front of a Crowd

This reminds me of a scene in My Best Friend’s Wedding where Cameron Diaz sang a tune in a karaoke bar. This one, I particularly enjoy. I can hardly sing but I sing out loud anyway! It’s fun and if you’re doing it with shots, you can get away with it.

14.   Secure a Second Income

Working hard is part of anyone’s life. There are drawbacks in this economy and it seems no one is indispensable when it comes to their jobs. Secure a second income (try etsy.com) while you are young and you have the energy to work longer hours. This will help you set some money aside in case emergencies will come up. Here’s an inspirational example of a woman who is creating a stir with her chunky blankets.

15.   Spend Time With Your Siblings

You grew up with them and whatever it is that you’re going through right now, they’re bound to care. Best to share and receive some advice with someone you have a strong bond with. And if you’re having the time of your life, they’ll want to be a part of it. So hang out with them even if it’s just dinner or a day at the beach.

16.   Accept Your Family For Who They Are

Family has a way of making you think about the person you want to be with for the rest of your life. But if you don’t get along with your family, it makes life so much more stressful. That’s why it’s so important to stop trying to change your siblings and parents and just learn to love them the way they currently are. Realize that you can’t change them, and work around their flaws. If they don’t take advice well, stop giving it. If they go on and on about sports, learn how to gracefully change the subject.

17.  Get a New Online Skill

Techie skills are super valuable, not only for future career prospects, but for daily life. Do you know how to build a website? Or how to encrypt email? No? Then why not learn? Here’s a list of free or cheap online courses.

18.  Learn To Love Exercise

Being young is when we tend to over do things. We have intentions to work longer hours because we’re capable of doing so or we party like crazy thinking that the effects of excessive drinking is something will come at a later age. But being young also reminds us to stay fit and healthy. Now is the time to find an activity that you really enjoy. Try yoga, surfing, basketball, pilates, etc. Try it all! Join teams. If you find a healthy activity that you love, you’ll be rewarded throughout your life.

19.  Find Wine That Matches Your Personality

The beer and tequila shots will meet an end. Figure out what wine suits your taste and personality and order it when someone asks you. It will make you feel more mature and sophisticated.

20.  Learn How To Drive a Manual Car

You’ll never know when the need to drive one will arise (especially while traveling), but it’s best to know how to drive one when the situation calls for it, right? Just make sure your rental car insurance covers any possible damages!

21.  Go To a Music Festival

Yes, you’ve probably been to a music festival before but this time, take things to the next level and go all out. Rent a motor-home and go with your friends. Paint your face and dress up. Disconnect. Get into the groove. Forget your worries.

22.  Go the Extra Mile

In anything that you choose to do, go the extra mile. If you’re focusing on your career, establish a strong foundation that can catapult you to higher places. If you’re in a relationship, maybe it’s about time you make a big gesture. As you get closer to 30, moving in together or proposing marriage can be on the table. Think about it.

23.  Be in Countless Photos 

Capture the moments of being young. Be with the people you love doing crazy things with like bungee jumping or delivering a speech in a debate. After all, selfies can be a path to change!

24.  Learn How To Do Your Makeup

This should be something you have been able to master a long time ago. For some, they were able to do it while they were in high school but others still have some struggles when it comes to doing their eye shadow. Some haven’t yet mastered the art of blending. For others, it’s applying the wrong color on their skin. Whatever your issue is — it has to stop. Now. YouTube “natural look makeup” and watch some tutorials. Then grab a couple of friends, bring a mirror, and ask what they honestly think. Or better yet, learn to feel sexy without makeup!

25.  Decorate Your Room

You’ve grown up. You’ve moved out of your parents and you’re currently sharing a place with roommates or you’re paying for your own place. Whatever is the case, paint your walls something sophisticated and decorate your room. No more stuffed toys in the bedroom, ok? You’ve passed that stage. Go for an older, more sophisticated vibe.

26.  Try a Vibrator

Vibrators weren’t always as common or as socially accepted as they are now. Over the decades, women have fought to have their own right to pleasure – and you can reap the benefits. Pour a glass of wine, turn on some sexy music, dim the lights, and pull out your shiny new vibrator. Learn to enjoy your body without a man.

27.  See a Broadway Show  

For the love of acting and music, see a Broadway show. Experience the art, feel the emotions and enjoy it with someone who loves Broadway or with someone who’s a first timer. Entertain yourselves with a live show of talented performers. Take a break from the cinemas and get to know the theaters. You may just find yourself singing along to songs you know or dancing to a familiar beat.

28.  Start a Garden

They say gardeners don’t have to look for beautiful places because they make beautiful places! This spring, start a garden. You don’t need that much space for it (you can even make one on your balcony!), nor do you need a green thumb. Try having your own small garden of just your favorite flowers. Now, that would be awesome.

29.  Get a Pet

A pet doesn’t have to be high maintenance. If you work, get two kittens or cats from the local animal shelter (never go to a breeder), so they can play with each other when you’re away. Contrary to some rumors, having two cats is no more effort than having one, and they’re just as friendly (if not more, as they may compete for your attention!)

30. Watch 30 Classic Films

No, I’m not talking about National Lampoon. Spend a few months and watch the (yes, black and white) classics, so that when people make references, you’ll get them.

There you have it. Some things which you can possibly do before you enter what many profess is the best part of your life (yes, the best is yet to come!) Age may just be a number but some use it as a basis to take things to the next level or turn things around. So enjoy it and have a happy life!