I let my 30th birthday slip by pretty quietly. It’s been one hell of a journey thus far, and turning 30 seemed like the last thing I needed to be celebrating. After all, milestones aren’t measured in years—they’re measured by the journey.
Coincidentally, my 30th year (which just passed on the 30th of last month!) took place in my 30th country. Now, I’m not one to count countries, but when the numbers line up like that, it’s just too good to ignore. So in the spirit of 30, here are the 30 best things I’ve done in my 30 years on this planet.
This is an awesome article, Jeremy!! One of my favorites of yours.
Don’t think I’ll be able to fit all this into the next 5 months before I myself turn 30, but it’s got me thinking about the next few years, for sure.
xx Amy
Thanks, Amy! I know you have a couple big adventures planned, and I’m sure they’re going to be incredible, beyond your wildest expectations!
I joined the Fourth Decade Club a few months ago, and after getting married just before, I didn’t have the chance to think about what an awesome journey my 20s were while living abroad! Here’s to exploring more!
A good reminder for me to make the most of my thirties! 😉
Really enjoyed this! What a ride. Happy b-lated and here’s to more crazy adventures!
Thanks, Gloria! Cheers!
Dude, you’re in Europe?? Come to Paris (or Venice for Carnevale!) and let’s hang out! Also, belated happy birthday 🙂
I am! Let’s talk 🙂
Love this post! I’m currently bartending in Melbourne and it is definitely the best way to fund travel. How did you break into cocktail bartending? Did you find it difficult? I was thinking about heading home and basing myself back in NYC towards the end of the year but this list has showed me there’s still so much I want to do!
I ended up working with some really great people who trained me well. It was a hell of a journey getting into it!
awesome and inspiring for all the 20s out there. You’ve done soooo much bro!!!!!
Thanks, buddy! Happy travels!
A late happy birthday to you, Jeremy. I think it’s fair to say that you’ve experienced quite a bit. Lovely photos – as always.
Cheers, Zascha! Thanks for following along on my journey and for being an engaged part of this community!
So if you’re 30 or older, you can do these things anymore? Hehehe!
Amazing list here! I’ve done quite a few of these already, but got tons of new ideas as well. I got 3 more years. I’m thinking the Balkans are at the top of this list. Can’t believe it’s taken me this long to explore that region of the world. I’ve never heard a bad thing.
The Balkans are crazy. You’ll love it!
I’m already 30. I hope I’m still allowed to do these.
Great information and best post 🙂
I’m really impressed with all that you have fitted in! Seeing the temples at Angkor would be very high on my list. Looking forward to reading what crazy adventures you get up to next ;-). Of mine this year, my faves were dog sledding in Scotland and a hot air balloon ride – not naked I hasten to add 😉
Maybe that’s a new one to add to the list? 😉
Interesting that I’ve done some of that as well – good for you, though nothing in SEA. First trip to Italy (Florence as starting point) in two days time. Though I’m past 30 – just a little bit. If you get bored in Belgium, come on down, will be there for a few months, then -???
I hope you’re having a great time in Italy, Ted! I’ll be sure to let you know if I make it down that way 🙂 Happy travels!
Hi Jeremy, found Florence is too expensive for me and heading south to Salerno (warmer there). Hope to get room for 3 moths down there
Found a few interesting things here in Florence, though.
Great post, have to ask: that top picture must be from Ios, correct?
You nailed it!
I turned thirty in my thirtieth country in January too! Your adventures are all so interesting. I’m leaving on a one-way ticket to Ukraine tonight so I’m looking forward to having some similar ones soon. 🙂
Happy birthday, Amy! And have fun 🙂
Wow.. m jealous of u and m not ashamed of admitting it..:D !! Great list, truly inspiring
Jeremy,
I just found your site probably at the best possible time. I left to Asia on a one way ticket from the states a few months ago and all my free hours are consumed dreaming up ways to never stop traveling. Super stoked to go through the rest of your articles 🙂
You need to add to this list “go to some sort of major sporting event,” like the Olympics or World Cup. Now granted, it isn’t the most “affordable” trip you can go on. But, when you are young with some cash and few responsibilities, then it is certainly a life changing experience to have before you are 30 (or 35 in my case)! They are once-in-a-lifetime experiences for a reason.
Oh yes! That’s a good one. But then I’d have 31 things 🙁
Which means I still have two years ahead of me. Not bad, only 9 months into our travels, so let’s see how well I do!!
Can’t believe you did bungee jumping NAKED! I mean, is that even legal? hahahah
Probably not in America! 😀
Phew, luckily managed to tick a few boxes on this list, otherwise feel like haven’t been LIVING in comparison lol
I feel like there’s still so so much to see, explore and do though and that’s what looking forward to 40s is about =D
Enjoy your travels~!
I am planning a backpacking the world trip now and am leaving in February and I literally wanna do everything on this list. I’m really excited about bartending across the globe and just seeing where it takes me. I am buying a one way ticket and although I thought about starting in Europe I am considering starting in Australia after reading this. I think it would be cool to just make my way across the continents and end up in Europe. Any thoughts on which is better? Regardless you are my new travel icon! Maybe our paths will cross sometime and I’ll buy you a beer! Cheers!
Cheers, Tyler! If you’re American, work visas are a lot easier in Australia, which will make your life infinitely more manageable 🙂
Hey Jeremy, was your BD Nov 30? Sorry I missed it, what a great article! Fabulous photos and wishing you many many more wonderful years traveling and sharing your experiencing with us!
Xox
Your CDN Mom
Definitely need to do some of those things 🙂 Awesome pictures!
I’m a little bit scared of scuba diving but maybe one day I’ll try 😀
Great list, but I don’t know if I want to do all of this 😉
awesome trip, whats next?
Great list. The world would be a better place if everyone had to do this stuff. I’d up the ante on your ‘weekend offline’ and make it a 10 Day Silent Meditation Retreat (ideally in Mazunte, Oaxaca). That thing wakes people up.
I’ve been wanting to do one of those for a long time actually. Soon enough…
What was yours like?
Love this post! Inspiring! As my 30s are coming closer I feel like I need to do more crazy unplanned travels and music festivals.
Keep up the good work!
Great article, all the trips are so awesome and i want to do all of these but the favorite one is the last point. Really enjoyed it.
Thank you, for sharing your 30 things to do journey diary. You really a True traveller, who wants to be happy and make happy.
Really appreciated this! What a ride. Happy b-lated and here’s to more crazy experiences!
You have definitely been busy! I have ticked a few of these off and have 7 years of adventure until I turn 30 so better get cracking!
Jenny | Local Leo
Haha you’ve got time! Happy travels 🙂
too late already for me… But already did a few of those things and will continue to catch up 😉
Now that is one action packed bucket list! Time to get to work and start crossing some off!
Great Article!
Thanks, John! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂