Turning 30 is a bit of a milestone in life. Your 20’s is an age when you are supposed to be growing up, getting your life on track, and being, well, an adult.
But until you get to 30, anything goes. It’s your time to be independent but whilst you’re still young enough to enjoy it.
The world is full of wonderful things to see and do, and some of them are, let’s face it, best done young. So here are some of the things that the world has to offer to do before you are 30…
See the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights – or Aurora Borealis are the breathtaking natural light show which appears in the skies in the northern latitude.
They occur due to the sun’s charged particles getting trapped in the magnetic field of the earth, resulting in a stunning array of moving lights.
Although you can see the lights anywhere with a latitude of over 55° and low light pollution, a dedicated trip to see the Northern Lights will give you a better chance of getting the best view.
Trek the Inca Trail
It might sound cliché but trekking the Inca trail can change your life. Not only is it the fact that you will end up in Machu Picchu – one of the world’s most wondrous of wonders, but it is also what you see and go through to get there.
You’ll experience the dry desert-like conditions of Cuzco (the old capital of the Inca empire), the lush, green jungle of Aguas Calientes (the town at the base of Machu Picchu), rugged mountains, the over-powering natural energy of the Pacha Mama, startling altitudes, meet new (or old) cultures and get a great sense of achievement.
The Peruvian authorities only allow 500 permits per day on the Inca trail, so it is worth booking as much in advance as possible.
Climb Kilimanjaro
Climbing Africa’s highest peak – Kilimanjaro is no mean feat. It is very challenging and will push you to the limits both physically and mentally, but anyone who is relatively fit and has the desire and dedication to doing it (and doesn’t suffer from altitude sickness!), can get there.
With around 50,000 people attempting to climb Kilimanjaro every year, you are not alone, and the mountain, situated in Tanzania has good infrastructure in place for climbers as well as offers a plethora of wild and interesting flora and fauna.
Experience Rio’s Carnival
Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is one of the world’s biggest street parties – that goes on for the best part of a week! We have pancake day, they have ‘Carnaval’ as the final letting down of hair before Lent, and you will see – and experience – samba music, dancing, and flamboyance, as carnival in Brazil is like no other.
Rio’s carnival is based around the Sambodromo – a specially built ‘arena’ where the samba schools of Rio do their thing (you need to book early if you want to get a seat).
Of course, not everyone does get a seat in the Sambodromo, but worry not, there is a festa (party) on every street corner. Make sure that you go whilst you are young, free, and single, but remember that EVERYTHING stops for carnival so don’t expect to do anything else but party.
Scuba Dive In Cairns
Cairns is one of the best places to stay in Queensland for Scuba Diving. Getting to the outer Great Barrier Reef in a day is easily accessible and the colors and marine life are aplenty.
Scuba diving in Cairns on the Great Barrier Reef should be on your bucket list because it offers the opportunity to explore one of the most diverse and beautiful marine environments in the world.
The Great Barrier Reef is home to an incredible array of marine life, including colorful coral, tropical fish, and even sharks and manta rays. The crystal-clear waters provide excellent visibility, making it a perfect place to witness the incredible beauty of the underwater world.
Additionally, Cairns offers easy access to the reef, with several dive operators offering day trips and liveaboard options. With its unique and diverse marine life, breathtaking coral, and convenient location, scuba diving in Cairns on the Great Barrier Reef is an experience that should not be missed.
Visit Amsterdam
There is something in Amsterdam for everyone. Regardless of whether you are into art, food, history – or something else that the city has to offer, everyone should visit Amsterdam before they are 30.
Amsterdam has historic architecture, art, and iconic attractions such as Anne Frank’s house. There is the cycling culture, the network of canals and a prize-winning food scene to be experienced, and for those who are interested, the city’s notorious cafes and nightlife.
Amsterdam is a short flight from the UK but is also easily accessible by driving or by train.
‘Do’ India
India is a massive country with a lifetime of experiences to offer and going when you are young means that you can cope better with fewer ‘home comforts like hot water or comfy beds.
You can visit the Taj Mahal, experience the Ganges river, embrace the chaos in New Delhi or catch some surf in Goa – and of course, sample an ‘authentic’ curry almost anywhere!
Although getting old isn’t really a problem anymore for travelers, there are some things that are just better experienced when you are young.
So why not check out some of these before you get to 30, cross them off your bucket list and then start making your list of things to do before you’re 40…
