30 things you really need to do before you turn 30
Yep. The big 3-0. Your new era of growing up. Now, this doesn’t mean you’ll suddenly be old and gray sitting behind the geraniums, but yes. Once you’ve crossed this ‘magical’ threshold, it can feel like your time is running out. You’re probably now immersed in a job, but have you done enough in your short existence? Seen enough countries? Done crazy things? Had fun adventures? Mmm… Yes, I’m not going to lie: there are a few things you just have to do before you hit that number. Not because I’m telling you now, but because there’s a good chance you’ll settle down and start having kids in the coming years. Now is still the time, so yes: make the most of it, girl. Put on your prettiest heels, grab your favorite bag, and let’s get started. Because time? It ticks and ticks.
1. Assemble an IKEA cabinet (and survive)
This may not be the most glamorous bucket list item, but trust me, it’s essential. It’s the ultimate test of your patience and perseverance. You don’t want to always have to ask a man to put everything together for you, right? Plus, bonus points if you can do it without cursing. The moment you finally screw that screw into the right hole, you feel like a true heroine. Say hello to your confidence, because you can handle anything.
2. Sing karaoke and not care
Everyone has that one song they think: “I really can’t sing this.” But you know what? It doesn’t matter. Everyone is busy with their own lives, so why are you still holding back for the approval of strangers? But until you hit thirty, you have carte blanche and it doesn’t matter, so live it up a little longer. Grab that microphone and unleash your inner diva. Is there anything more fun than, slightly tipsy, belting out ‘Listen’ by Beyoncé? Exactly. Whether you’re a top singer or not, it really doesn’t matter.
3. Eat at the oldest pizzeria in the world
It sometimes seems like we women are busy year in and year out with what we eat. It always has to be healthy and have as few calories as possible. All to fit into that one dress. Now, I’m not saying you should throw all your principles overboard and eat ready-made lasagnas every day, but indulging every now and then is definitely allowed. And where better to do that than in Naples? Nowhere. This is the city of pizza. What did you think? At the local snack bar around the corner? Of course not. You do that at Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba. And if I may speak for myself: if you think you’ve tasted good pizza, then you need to reevaluate your opinion. This is the absolute best. Just ask Julia Roberts in ‘Eat Pray Love‘: “I’m done with all the guilt about what I eat. You know what we’re going to do? We’re going to eat this pizza. Then we’re going to watch the football match and tomorrow we’re going to buy bigger jeans.” That’s the spirit.
4. Buy a nice bag for yourself
Look, you can save for years for a new kitchen or a shiny dishwasher. That’s what your piggy bank is for. But sometimes, just sometimes, you really deserve to treat yourself. Then save a little less for one month. Life is about more than working, so say it after me: buy – that – bag. Why wait for a special occasion? Give yourself that bag you’ve secretly had on your wish list for years. Whether it’s a Chanel or a cheaper Coach designer bag; it’s about the moment you treat yourself to something you truly deserve.
5. Find a perfume that is totally you
As a confident woman, you need a scent that screams ‘you’. Something everyone recognizes you by. As soon as you walk into the room, everyone lights up. Your scent stands for something. It’s the scent people smell when they think of you. No more testers from your mom. But your scent.
6. Take a long trip that you planned all by yourself
Did you travel too little in your ‘younger years’? Then this is your chance. Before you fall into the rut of your thirties , you need to take one good trip. Whether you fly to Asia or take a road trip through Europe, it doesn’t matter. Now that you still have the energy to walk for hours, go out at night, and soak up some culture, you need to seize the opportunity. And well, what’s more fun than mapping out an adventure from start to finish and experiencing it yourself? Take a friend along, or go alone. It’s also good for personal development.
7. Sign up for a dance class
Who says you don’t have good dance moves? You can learn that, you know. And it’s important to stay active as you get older. Okay, okay, this sounds like you suddenly become a senior after your 30s. That’s not true, take it easy. Put down those pitchforks. But it is true: you have to move to stay healthy, and how fun is it to do this by dancing? Whether it’s salsa, hip hop, or tango, throwing yourself into the deep end and taking a dance class is ideal for meeting new people and improving your dance moves.
8. Go to a fancy cocktail bar
You know, one of those places where you hardly dare to hold your glass because you think it’s too fancy. But you deserve it. Pull out your prettiest dress and hit the road. Order a fancy cocktail that could have paid for your groceries and feel like the queen you are. Maybe you’ll even catch the attention of a handsome person? Yes, even if you’re in a healthy marriage, this is fun. Not to cheat, natuurlijk, but it’s a boost for your confidence when someone approaches you. You thank them, and then you giggle with your friends. What a luxury place does to you. Am I right?
9. Sleep in a super luxurious hotel
After your thirties, you have so many things to worry about: your job, the kids (if you have them), that one big promotion, and of course the bills. You won’t have the energy or money to go on super luxurious vacations. So this, yes dear girls, is the moment to still enjoy your carefree twenties. Just book that trip to Dubai. In a few years, you’ll look back on this and be glad you did it. Because the next time? That will probably be after your retirement.
10. Smoke a cigarette in bed
Is this the most charming thing ever? No, but is it convenient? Yes. After a night out or with a partner between your legs, you really don’t feel like walking outside to smoke a cigarette. Carrie Bradshaw did it too, so why not? Worry about those dirty sheets and smell in a few years. The time for self-improvement will come, ladies.
11. Go to a drive-in with a friend
Isn’t an old-fashioned American drive-in just great? And no, you’re not in Grease, it’s real. Drive-in movie nights are regularly organized all over the country. Order food, bring tasty snacks, and lie back comfortably in your seat. You don’t have to worry about parking, because you can just drive away. This is really something you just have to do once.
12. Go out to eat alone
Yes, alone. Without a phone, without company, without excuses. Order that glass of wine, eat that three-course meal, and enjoy your own company. You’re the one you’ll be spending the rest of your life with, so you might as well build on ‘your’ relationship. Sitting there alone is intimate, powerful, and actually a bit sexy. Nothing says ‘I have my life together’ more than someone dining alone with confidence. As long as you learn that lesson, unlike Carrie.
@cosmopolitansandclouds The best feeling #carriebradshaw
13. Do something silly in love and be able to laugh about it
Growing in life can only happen through one thing: making mistakes. So also in love. How are you going to get to know yourself? And yes, everyone has sent too many texts or liked an ex from 2014. The art is not to judge it, but to laugh and think: ‘Oh, I was young and full of feelings.’ Just remember that when you drunkenly call your ex à la Sabrina Carpenter or only talk about how crazy that one guy you dated was on a first date.
14. Have a financial plan (yes, really)
You don’t have to be a CFO, but you need to know what comes in, what goes out, and how you save for your dream bag. Or house. You can’t live paycheck to paycheck anymore, stability is hot. Money worries are so 25. 15. Learn something new leven, stabiliteit is hot. Geldzorgen zijn zo 25.
15. Iets nieuws leren
And no, not something related to your work. Loosen up a bit. Take guitar lessons, learn French, do a pottery course. Just learn something because it's fun, it improves your life. Having hobbies is the way to get through life without drowning every evening in chocolate and wine.
16. Visit your dream city or even live there for a while
If for some reason you feel so connected to a city, then it's a sign. You have to go there. Go eat macarons in Paris, take lots of siestas in Spain, or whatever city you dream of. Something is waiting for you there. Self-development. Friendships. A romance? Who knows what will happen, but one thing is certain: you have to go there. For a week, a month, or a year. Do something crazy.
17. Go to the spa alone
And preferably on the nude days. Trust me, there's nothing that boosts your confidence more than lying proudly on such a bed while everything and everyone sees you. You can keep that bathrobe on, but once you're in the sauna, it has to come off. And then you learn that there's actually nothing wrong with you. You are allowed to be there. And proud too.
18. Hang up a painting
Or a bag hook, or a shelf. Either way: go do some DIY and bring out the handyman in yourself. Just like point 1, you don't want to be dependent on others, right? You just want to be able to hang up a painting that you bought in that cute little shop. You can do this. How good does it feel to look at your own building skills? Super, I can tell you.
19. Get your hair done in a totally new style
That bleached hairstyle with long layers is over. It's time for something fresh. A new era. Go for something totally unexpected: try that full French fringe. Go for millions of layers, or opt for that wolf cut. Or even better: get a bob. You have to have had a bob at least once in your life. This is part of being a woman and growing up. Listen to Belly from The Summer I Turned Pretty and take it off. Like a band-aid. Not into cutting styles? Then it's time for a new color. Pink, or cherry brown. Or maybe a beautiful black with a blue sheen? Anything goes.
20. Go to an opera or ballet
You've probably spent enough time in the cinema, it's time for something different. Before you turn 30, you really need to go to an opera or ballet at least once. Whether you're a classical music lover or not, an evening at these performances is such a cultural experience that you must see. It's much more interesting than you think. And, you immediately feel very chic. Win-win.
21. Speak your dreams out loud
This may sound very simple, but imagine finally speaking your dream out loud and actually going for it. Manifesting really works for many, so what harm can it do to try? Put yourself out there, girl. Start journaling and write down your goals, make mood boards on Pinterest, apply for that dream job. The worst that can happen is that you don't get further. And that's okay too, at least you tried.
22. Get a tattoo or piercing
No, you don't have to get a big eagle tattooed on the middle of your back right away. You can also get a mini heart on your wrist or a quote you'll regret three years later. It's part of life. And those piercings? You can always take them out when you're tired of them. So listen to me: try it. Because those piercings and tattoos are really victories for me.
23. Go to a museum by yourself
Are you tired of no one wanting to go to the Van Gogh Museum with you? Then go alone. Put those anxious butterflies away and put on those devilish pumps. You're going to walk past everything in peace, so you might as well do it alone. By doing these kinds of things more often, you stand stronger on your own two feet. You'll need that after your birthday.
24. Finish a book that changes your life
A novel or fantasy book is very nice, but try picking up those non-fiction books. A self-help book on how to be confident, or a philosophy book that turns your whole life upside down. Life is just too fun (and too long) not to develop yourself, right? So go read. It's also very good for your brain and your attention span in this age of 30-second TikToks.
25. Really learn to cook
And not just boil a pack of pasta and throw a jar of tomato sauce on top. Why can't you cook? That's not normal. Sorry if I'm judging you really hard right now, but if you're almost 30, it can't be that you only live off of takeout. You don't have to become a chef, but you should at least learn how to cook meat, whip up a simple salad, and make your own dressing. And boil an egg. Because how the – can you not do this? You have to take good care of yourself. Buy some nice cookbooks or look up easy recipes online. You'll get there, kitchen princess.
26. Go to the gynecologist by yourself
Not because something is wrong, but because you take your body seriously. Go for that annual check-up. Keep an eye on yourself, because you never know. That's part of being a grown woman. Knowing what's going on and not being afraid to ask questions.
27. Have two lovers in one day
Your young years are for passion and a lot of good memories that will still give you butterflies decades later. And I'm not talking about sweet moments with your mother, no. Those wild nights that your friends are jealous of. Put yourself out there and go wild. As a twenty-something, you should experiment while you still can. How else are you going to find the one? So go for that handsome Australian you met at the bar yesterday. Take some risks and go for it.
28. Have a fling that totally doesn't fit your ‘type’
Not every love has to be a life partner. Sometimes it's just one chapter: short, intense, and unforgettable. Maybe he's too young, too artistic, too clumsy, too perfect, or blonde. Who cares? Let someone really court you, just because it's exciting. So, are you still single? Then feel free to let your heart race a little. You're definitely richer for the experience (and maybe an unexpected, wonderful partner?).
29. Dance in the rain
And then in heels with a glass of wine in your hand while ‘Singing in the Rain’ by Gene Kelly plays loudly in the background. Or a classic like ‘Unwritten’ by Natasha Bedingfield. Don't wait for the rain to stop this time. Feel the rain on your face and the mascara that runs a little. Laugh until your stomach hurts. You're alive, you're free, and happy to be here on this planet. That may sound a bit airy-fairy, but it's truly a life-changing experience. And if someone sees you? Then you laugh even harder. Because this is your movie: you are the main character.
30. Have a night where you forget what time it is
The best nights are not planned. They are evenings where you say: “Ah, just one more,” and suddenly it's four in the morning. You dance, laugh, talk to strangers, and eat fries on the street in your slingbacks and short skirt. That reckless happiness – you really have to experience that once. No worries about tomorrow, no lists or obligations. Just you, your friends, and life feeling just right for a moment. Because this is what turning thirty really means: knowing that being an adult doesn't suddenly mean all the fun stops. But that you now decide when it starts.
So remember, dear people: turning thirty is not the end of the world. It's just season two of your life. With better outfits, stronger coffee, and much less insecurity. Dance away, check off this list, and leave some room for everything life still has in store for you.
And – oh. What do you say? Are there things you really can't do after your 30th? Yes, certainly. We have already a whole laundry list written about that. Here you go.
