30 Before 30: 30 Travel Experiences you need to have before turning 30
I’ve always believed that your 20s are for exploring, not just the world, but yourself. Before hitting the big 3-0, I wanted to put together a list of travel experiences that have either changed my life or are high on my radar. Some are adrenaline-pumping, others are peaceful and grounding, but all are the kind of moments you’ll remember forever. While I have done most of these, I haven’t done them all but definitely will get around to it. Here is my list of the 30 travel experiences you have to have before turning 30.
1. Ride a jetski
I’ve only been jet skiing twice but man is it exhilarating. Especially if you’re not in a tropical area like Florida, you have to experience Jetskiing. So freeing and fun
2. Visit Universal Studios or Disney World in Florida
Tap into your inner child. These parks aren’t just for kids; they’re an immersive, nostalgic escape. Universal is one of my favorite places to visit every other year. Truly a very unique experiences. Nothing else in the world like it.
3. Go on a cruise
Unpack once and wake up in a new country every morning. Cruises are a surprisingly low-stress way to travel and very cheap as well. Book it with friends and family and have the time of your life.
4. Visit Yellowstone
It’s like stepping into another planet truly. Geysers, hot springs, wildlife, and vast, untouched beauty.
5. Visit Zion National Park
Zion is absolutely incredible. Feels like you’re on Mars, definitely one of the coolest places I’ve ever been.
6. Travel to a different country
There’s no better way to grow than to see how other people live. The world is so much bigger than your bubble.
7. Go zip lining in a new place
Whether it’s over a rainforest or a canyon, the thrill of zip lining is worth the nerves. Feel like you’re soaring through the air.
8. Try a new food
Push your palate. One new dish could become your favorite comfort food.
9. Try street food
The best food I’ve ever had wasn’t from a fancy restaurant, it was from a cart on the side of the road. the best way to experience a new culture, local street food.
10. Take a plane or helicopter tour of a new area
Seeing a place from above changes your whole perspective, literally and figuratively.
11. Take a sunrise swim in the ocean
There’s something magical about diving into the sea while the world is just beginning to wake up. Did this in Vero Beach at 5:30am, so peaceful and you feel amazing
12. Go bungee jumping
Something I have not done yet but hopefully will.
13. Watch the sunrise on top of a mountain or beach
It’s a quiet kind of magic that makes you feel infinite.
14. Swim in a natural body of water
Lakes, rivers, waterfalls, water in its rawest form just hits different, especially on a hot day.
15. Go to a sports game in a new city
Even if you’re not a sports fan, the energy of a local crowd is contagious.
16. Go to a concert
Live music is a reminder of how powerful it is to share joy with strangers and sing at the top of your lungs like no one is watching.
17. Plan a trip with your college friends
You’ll laugh, maybe fight, and definitely make memories that you’ll talk about for decades.
18. Hike to a waterfall
There’s nothing like hearing the roar of a waterfall you worked hard to find.
19. Ask people where they’re from and strike up a conversation in a new place
Love doing this when you’re on vacation. People from all over the world all in a new area for the same reason, to explore and travel and create memories. Striking up conversations is easy, just start by asking “Where are you guys from?”
20. Take a day tour with a small group
Sometimes the best way to explore a place is to let someone else show you their version of it. Learn tons of facts and information from guides and small groups is a great way to meet new people.
21. Splurge on a luxury hotel for a day
Because you deserve a little glam now and then.
22. Do something that scares you
Growth lives on the other side of fear. Whether it’s skydiving, traveling solo, moving to a new city, hiking a big mountain. Just do it. Have a new travel experience. Comfort is the enemy of growth.
23. Have a day away from all technology to just be in nature
We all need to do this more. Step away from your phone and the internet, and just go outside.
24. Visit a tropical island
Warm water, swaying palms, and sand between your toes, this one’s non-negotiable.
25. See the Grand Canyon
One of the most famous spots to visit in the entire world. The Grand Canyon should be on everyone’s bucket list.
26. Visit Europe if you’re not from Europe (and visit the U.S. if you’re not from the U.S.)
Visiting other countries and learning about different cultures is one of the best things we an do as humans.
27. Create a story you want to tell a thousand times over
Those spontaneous nights or wild misadventures? That’s what makes the best stories.
28. Have a ‘wow’ travel experience to realize how beautiful the Earth is
Maybe it’s the Northern Lights, mountains or a glowing blue beach, but find that moment you don’t want to take pictures and you just want to stare at the view
29. Read the book “Die with Zero” to understand the purpose of money and experiences
This book shifted how I think about spending, saving, and truly living. I highly recommend it. Not sponsored at all by it but want to tell as many people as I can about it.
30. Attend a major festival (Oktoberfest, Burning Man, Coachella, Cinco de Mayo, etc.)
Lose yourself in the energy of a celebration that brings people together from all walks of life.
(Optional Bonus: Drink and party in a new city like Las Vegas)
Sometimes you just need a wild night to remind yourself you’re alive and make memories. Let loose, meet new people and do something that you wouldn’t normally do.
Conclusion – Travel Experiences
This is just my list that I put together. I have 3 more years to try to accomplish as many of these as I can. You can choose to follow along with this or make your only bucket list. But I believe our 20’s are for traveling, exploring the world, finding ourselves and having new experiences. Once we get past 30 life starts to get in the way and you don’t want to look back on life with regrets. (See my article on why now is the best time to book that trip)
Have new travel experiences, make memories, live life to the fullest and have fun. Don’t take life too seriously because one day you’ll look back and cherish every moment you truly felt alive.