I love the idea of setting goals, even though I’m usually terrible at keeping up with them. So in light of recently turning 28, I wanted to make a 30 Before 30 list of things I want to have accomplished before 30. I’ve made variations of this list before and have already completed some of them.
I wanted to make them manageable and realistic for myself, taking into account my current financial status and knowing what I could feasibly accomplish in the next two years.
I have a more extravagant Bucket List like most other people with things I want to accomplish… eventually. Like buying a house and going on a safari! I might draw that up and post it here at some stage too!
1. Move abroad to Ireland
As the Irish say ‘done and dusted!’ I’ve been living in Ireland since 2017 and couldn’t be happier with my decision to make the move!
2. Travel solo
I’ve been going it on my own for 5 years now and I’m never looking back. I actually forget sometimes to be proud of my solo adventures. It seems like second nature to me because I’m quite comfortable being on my own and I’m very independent. But people are often shocked to hear where I’ve been on my own and that reminds me that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. I think everyone should try it at least once!
3. Go backpacking
Done! I spent 2 months traveling around Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Hong Kong in 2016. I can’t believe so much time has already passed since then. It’s my greatest dream to have another opportunity in my life to go on another long-term adventure.
4. Visit 20 European countries
Finished as of 2019. Full disclosure: I counted England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland separately because as far as I can tell they are technically different countries. I’ve been to them all and they’re all so unique - It would be a shame to only count them as one!
5. Visit Africa
I’m thinking Morocco for my first African adventure… Always a dream destination of mine and just a stone’s throw from Europe.
6. Visit South America
I’m not sure if this one is feasible in the next two years but I’m trying to dream big! I’ve put Australia & New Zealand on hold until after I’m 30 but maybe with a bit of luck (and a lottery win!) I can squeeze in South America.
7. Visit Asia
I spent 2 perfect months adventuring, eating delicious food, and lying on beaches around South East Asia and I’m dying to get back! Japan, China, and South Korea are certainly on the horizon for someday in the future.
8. Start a blog
I’m proud of this one. I had no idea whatsoever about how to buy a domain and setup a website before diving into The Annie Diaries. I did loads of research and after some trial and error I figured it out! And there’s still so much to learn.
9. Take an art class
This one has been a long time coming. I always felt artistic and creative back when I was in school and required to take art class, etc. But ever since going away to college and joining the working world, I haven’t stretched that muscle. No one was making me and I didn’t realize it was something I missed. It’s only been a recent realization that it’s something I’d like to make more of an effort with going forward. Why not?
10. Fall in love
Never thought it would happen but here we are! Feeling very lucky indeed.
11. Volunteer
I’ve volunteered sporadically in the past but I’m not going to count it. I’d like to start something new.
12. Run a 5K
This may not sound like much to many people, but it took me until I was about 25 before I got myself to do this with a friend. And you know what? It was great! Running is tough but doing it in a big race with loads of other people of varying abilities is actually kind of fun and there’s a great sense of accomplishment after! It didn’t hurt that my first race was Oktoberfest themed and included beer at the finish line…
13. Run 5 miles
Now this is something I’ve never managed to accomplish. At the height of my running fitness I think I’ve always maxed out at 3.5 or 4 miles. If I can manage this one, maybe I’d like to shoot for a 10K someday.
14. Go on an Irish road trip
This is probably my favourite hobby of all! I’ve been on a couple great road trips to different regions of this lovely island. I feel so lucky to live so close to so much beauty!
15. Go on a road trip in a country other than Ireland
I’d really love to do a classic American road trip through the South and Route 66. I’d love a road trip around any country really, especially Iceland, Morocco, New Zealand, the UK, Switzerland… the options are endless!
16. Get a tattoo
I got my tattoo in October of 2016 with an old friend in Brooklyn, New York. Because I live in Ireland now, I wear long sleeve tops almost every day, so I actually forget that I have it most of the time!
17. Go to a music festival
I feel like it’s weird that I haven’t done this. I’d really like to check out Ireland’s Electric Picnic or Sea Sessions. Maybe next summer.
18. Take a cooking class
My cooking leaves a lot to be desired. I freestyle my recipes most of the time which leads to inconsistent results. But the good news is I just recently bought teaspoons and measuring cups (10 adulting points for me!) so maybe one of these days I’ll start following recipes…
19. Upskill by completing an online course
There are SO many things to learn out there, and so many courses to choose from. I’d really like to learn more about web design, SEO, blogging, social media marketing, Photoshop, and so many other topics. Notice I use the word ‘completing’ because I’m the worst for starting things with great intentions and then never finishing.
20. Read 3 ‘Classics’
I’m proud to say the literary education I received in high school and college were top-notch. I’ve read a good few classic books, but only because I had to. I’d like to read some classics for my own appreciation as an adult.
21. Stargaze at Kerry Dark Sky Reserve
I only ever found out about Dark Sky Reserves when I unknowingly encountered one right here in Ireland! While on a road trip around the Ring of Kerry, my friend and I stopped to take some photos at a viewpoint and saw a sign describing the spot as an official Dark Sky Reserve. I now know that there are currently only 13 designated Dark Sky Reserves in the WORLD and we have one right here in Ireland! My friend and I were in the middle of nowhere and had to finish our Ring of Kerry Drive so we couldn’t stay until dark. But I’d really like to revisit that spot for the sole purpose of stargazing.
22. Take a surfing lesson
A friend and I tried our hand at surfing in Bundoran, Co. Donegal. If you’re looking to surf in Ireland, Bundoran is the place to do it. It was an incredible experience and we got some funny stories out of it.
23. Learn to drive a manual transmission and get my Irish driver’s license
Ugh. This one I’ll admit I’m not looking forward to and I wish I didn’t have to do it but that’s life. I’ve been a licensed American driver for 10 years now and have a perfect driving record. Unbelievably, Ireland does not recognize American drivers licenses, although the rental car companies will happily accept them and allow you to drive if you want to come and rent a car (which I’ve done). I have a lot of problems with this but the fact of the matter is I need to be able to get a car and drive myself around so I have to play by their rules.
24. Take a spontaneous trip (booked within one week!)
One of these days I want to find a random last-minute Ryanair deal and just say screw it, I’m booking it. That’s the life right there.
25. Experience bio-luminescence
This is hands-down one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. If you have the chance to visit West Cork, get yourself down to Lough Hyne. You can book a night kayaking experience on this unusual lake and see the bio-luminescent glow in the dark particles up close. Of course this phenomenon is not unique to this one lake, there are other places in the world where you’ll find it too!
26. Save money
This one is so important and has been so hard for me lately. I always used to be so good at saving and always had a small nest-egg in my savings. That’s how I managed to travel for 2 months and then moved to Ireland. Due to a period of unemployment last autumn, that’s gone now and needs to be replenished. I’ve set a goal to reach by the time I’m 30, hopefully I can be somewhat responsible while still trying to tackle all these other goals!
