7 things to experience before 30—because people who skipped them wish they hadn’t

There’s a fine line between living life to the fullest and missing out on experiences.

The line? It’s your 30th birthday.

Why 30, you ask? Well, it’s often the age when people start settling into routines and responsibilities. It’s easy to look back and wish you had seized more opportunities.

So, to save you from future regrets, I’ve compiled a list of seven things you should experience before hitting the big 3-0.

These are the experiences that people often skip, only to wish later that they hadn’t.

This isn’t about ticking off a bucket list—it’s about embracing life with open arms and a sense of adventure. And trust me, as a seasoned editor who’s read countless tales of regret and missed opportunities, I’ve got a pretty good idea of what’s worth experiencing.

Now grab a cuppa, sit back and let me guide you through my must-do list for your twenties.

1) Embrace the world of literature

Imagine this. You are curled up in a cosy corner, engrossed in a world woven with words. There’s a kind of magic that books hold, a magic that can transport you to different places, times, and lives.

However, as we get older and busier with work, it becomes harder to find time to read.

That’s why you should make the most of your twenties by diving into the world of literature.

And I’m not just talking about fiction or best-sellers. Explore different genres—biographies, travelogues, science fiction, poetry.

The beauty of books is that they broaden your perspective, encourage empathy and simply make you more knowledgeable. They’re also a great conversation starter at parties or networking events.

So, if you’re someone who skipped reading in your early years, it’s time to catch up. Trust me when I say that there’s nothing quite like the joy of losing yourself in a good book.

2) Travel solo at least once

I remember my first solo trip. Twenty-something, backpack strapped tight, heart filled with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. I was off to explore the cobblestone streets of Rome—on my own.

Trust me, there’s nothing quite like it.

Traveling solo forces you out of your comfort zone. It makes you navigate foreign systems, communicate across language barriers, and most importantly, spend time with yourself. It’s a crash course in self-reliance and adaptability.

And while it can be challenging—like when I got lost trying to find the Colosseum at night—the feeling of accomplishment that comes with overcoming these challenges is indescribable.

Sure, group trips have their perks. But solo travel? It’s an experience that truly moulds you.

So if you’re under 30 and haven’t travelled alone yet, take my word for it—start planning your solo adventure. You’ll thank yourself later.

3) Pick up a new language

Did you know that there are over 7,000 languages spoken in the world today? Each one is a unique window into a different culture, history, and way of thinking.

Now, I’m not saying you need to become fluent in another language—although if you do, hats off to you! Even just learning the basics can be a rewarding experience.

Learning a new language stretches your cognitive abilities, improves your memory and even enhances multitasking skills. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with people from different parts of the world.

Why not give it a try? Whether it’s Spanish, Mandarin, or even sign language, dive into the world of linguistics. Your brain and your social circle will thank you.

4) Experience a challenging job

They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and this couldn’t be more true when it comes to jobs.

At some point in your twenties, try to take on a job that pushes you out of your comfort zone. It might be demanding in terms of responsibility, hours, or the skills required, but the pay-off can be huge.

It’s through these challenging roles that we grow the most—professionally and personally. You’ll learn how to handle stress, manage tasks efficiently, and navigate workplace dynamics.

Plus, overcoming obstacles builds resilience—an invaluable life skill. You’ll come out stronger, more capable and confident.

It’s time to embrace the challenge. You might even surprise yourself by what you can achieve.

5) Learn to cook a signature dish

I’ll be honest, I used to be a disaster in the kitchen.

My first attempt at cooking was a bowl of spaghetti that turned into a gluey, inedible mess. But I was determined to not let my culinary journey end there.

Over time, with plenty of trial and error, I learned to cook. And not just cook, but create a dish that I could confidently serve to friends and family.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about mastering a recipe, about knowing you can provide for yourself and others. It’s a life skill that stays with you, no matter where you go.

So pick a dish you love and make it your own. It could be as simple as a perfect omelette or as complex as a traditional family recipe.

Believe me, the sense of accomplishment when people compliment your cooking is worth every burnt pancake or over-salted soup along the way.

6) Volunteer for a cause you care about

We live in a world with endless opportunities to make a difference. And there’s no time like your twenties to roll up your sleeves and get involved.

Find a cause that resonates with you—it could be anything from environmental conservation, supporting local communities, or advocating for mental health.

Volunteering not only contributes to a greater good but also enriches your own life. It provides perspective, fosters empathy, and gives a sense of purpose.

Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and expand your network.

Take some time out of your schedule to give back. The world needs more kindness, and you could be the one to spread it.

7) Invest in your relationships

At the end of the day, it’s the relationships we build that truly enrich our lives.

Friendships, family ties, romantic partnerships—these are the connections that support us, challenge us, and help us grow.

So while you’re busy navigating your twenties, remember to invest time and energy into nurturing your relationships.

Have meaningful conversations, support each other in times of need, celebrate victories together. And remember—it’s not just about quantity, but quality.

Because as you move through life, you’ll realise that it’s not the milestones but the people by your side that truly matter.

Final thoughts: It’s all about embracing the journey

Life, in its essence, is a grand adventure. A series of moments strung together, each one unique and fleeting.

And while we often spend our twenties in pursuit of milestones—graduation, careers, relationships—it’s equally important to savour the journey. To soak in the experiences that shape us, challenge us, and ultimately make our lives richer.

Whether it’s embarking on solo travel, mastering a new language, or investing time in relationships, each experience carries its own lessons and rewards.

And as H. Jackson Brown Jr. once said, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.”

So as you navigate this paramount decade of your life, remember to not just exist, but truly live. Because these are the days you’ll look back on and realise they weren’t just good times—they were golden.