15 Bucket List Experiences to Have in Your Twenties

The start of a new year is the PERFECT time to start daydreaming about all of the glorious destinations to visit in this next year! But regardless of what time of year it is, it’s never too early to start planning some epic bucket list experiences, ESPECIALLY while you are young! Don’t wait until retirement to live your best life, start crossing off those goals and experiences now!

Last year, I hit most of my bucket list goals, which was exciting on one hand, but on the other hand – maybe I should be dreaming even bigger this year?! So let’s check some big dreams off together and explore all the best bucket list experiences to have in your twenties (or while you’re still young!):

Take a road trip

Road trips are my absolute favorite way to travel, and I think the majority of my travel seems to fall into this category. But what’s not to love? You get to see multiple destinations in a single trip and half of the enjoyment isn’t just the destinations but also the journey itself. Bonus – you can cart all your stuff in a car and not on your back or in a suitcase! I had the most fun time experiencing vanlife for the first time in 2019, and I am dying to do an extended trip soon.

Go on a solo trip

Solo trips are less scary than you think, I promise! You get to be completely in charge of the experiences, activities, food, and breaks – pretty much whatever you want goes. Even if it’s just a day trip or taking yourself out to dinner, treat yourself to some self-love and some “selfish” traveling. Take it one experience at a time and work up to a full solo trip.

Visit your own state

Play tourist in your own city or state, and explore just how many things you didn’t even realize where there. Try a new restaurant, have a staycation somewhere else in town, learn a new skill, search out some obscure landmark – just find ways to put more adventure into your everyday. You don’t always have to go to some exotic destination; there is so much beauty in your own backyard just waiting to be discovered. For me, I’m pretty sure in my home state of Oregon I will never EVER see all of the waterfalls in the entire state, but I do think I could eat my way through Portland pretty well.

See Some Amazing Wildlife

I am such an animal lover and it has been so incredible to see wildlife on my past adventures, from birds to deer to foxes, all the way up to lions and elephants. Just make sure you maintain a safe distance from wildlife, never feed them, and if you are unsure about anything at all just Google your location + “wildlife rehab” and you’ll be sure to find an organization that can help answer any questions.

Other potential animal trips can include doing a horseback ride – Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon, and other locations offer mule and horse rides as a different way to see the landscape. Do a little research to be sure they treat their animals well, but definitely give horseback trail riding a go at least once!

Visit a new country

Every year, my wish list is to visit a new state, a new national park, and a new country. This year, push yourself outside your comfort zone and visit a new country – experience a culture different from your own, immerse yourself in the sounds of a new language, try some new cuisine, and see some incredible sights that are completely different from what you’re used to. Traveling to other countries sooo worth saving up for; it will make your entire life richer and open your eyes to new ideas and sights you never even dreamed of before. Save up for a big trip by making your own food instead of dining out, cut your spending expenses, and utilize travel points on credit cards or frequent flier miles.

Hike through a National Park

Go to a Place You Never Thought to Visit

scuba diving in turks and caicos

Learn a New Skill (or Language!)

Improve Your Photography

Go Camping (or Backpacking!)

Go on a Girls Trip

Relax on a Tropical Island

Revisit a Favorite Place

Attend a Conference

hiking in a cave in sedona, arizona

Face a Fear

15 bucket list experiences to have in your twenties
15 bucket list experiences to have in your twenties
15 bucket list experiences to have in your twenties

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RoamFreeRebecca content creator photographer

Hey I’m Rebecca!

I’m a travel & outdoors photographer and blogger living in the US but you can find me adventuring around the globe! On this blog I share tips to help you improve your photography, inspiration to explore the outdoors, destination guides, and travel tips, and more to plan your own adventures!

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