40 Unique Bucket List Ideas Before Turning 40 Years (Young)

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So usually, right before a new year I like to reassess my travel goals, bucket list, and to plan my trip budget for the year ahead. However, this year I’ve been feeling kind of blah, like my future plans had no real direction. I had an uninspired rotating list of the different regions of the world, that left me feeling unfulfilled. That’s not what I (or anyone) should want. I want unique bucket list ideas that drive motivation and inspire planning!

So what did I do? I turned to the good ole’ internet of course and started looking up epic travel bucket lists. And quickly realized that these lists catered to the young. I mean, I’m 33 years old and I started to feel like my ship had sailed. The internet will do that sometimes. Enhance the societal pressure that in our 30s and 40s we should be “buckling down” with our responsibilities. Then I stumbled across Andi’s list at Always Up For An Adventure, and thought, “that’s right we can have it all.” Career, responsibilities, family, and amazing travel goals. So, after some major soul searching, here goes my unique bucket list ideas to accomplish before turning 40 (or 50, or 60, or 70) years (young).

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Not Your Typical Bucket List

One of the most influential books I’ve ever read is The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*ck by Mark Manson. An amazing book that taught me to keep broad goals. Because, the broader you keep your goals, the more creative and ever changing ways you will find of achieving them. For example, the goal of doing a good deed, will be over as soon as you do that deed. However, broadening that goal to, “try to be a better person,” motivates you to continuously work toward achieving that goal.

Though I am not here to offer life advice, travel goals can also be broadened. So you will not see any “See all 50 states,” on this list, but instead goals that can be accomplished in various places in various ways all over the world. Okay, so I know what you’re thinking, GET ON WITH IT ALREADY! I got you. And don’t forget to check back regularly for updates!

Travel Tip: Don’t forget that travel insurance is going to be the single most important travel essential when it comes to completing your bucket list! I buy trip insurance through Travel Insurance Master.

40 Before 40: Unique Bucket List Ideas

1. Save For A Sabbatical

It is my belief that a sabbatical is an absolutely necessary phase of life. Our careers are long, and take up a majority of our lives. At 40, most of us will still have 25 years (or more) of career left, ugh. So, save for a sabbatical. 3 months? 6 months? 18 months? RVing across the United States? Trekking around Europe? I have no idea what your sabbatical looks like, but if you’re like me and know you are going to need one, it’s time to start saving for it. Don’t know where to even start? I personally use Ellevest, a low cost investing firm dedicated to closing the gender investing gap.

2. Become a Zero Waste Traveler

No joke, travel is super hard on the environment. Lots of single use plastic, carbon from transportation, and waste in general. And as a certified tree hugger, I want extend my personal life changes to travel. From using less waste while traveling, to reducing my overall carbon footprint, I want to make smart choices that won’t harm the environment. Because it is important to be able to pass down these beautiful places I’ve seen to future generations.

3. Take a Solo Trip

Traveling alone can be scary! Pushing at the edges of your comfort zone by making you self reliant and independent. But it can also be very rewarding. Leading you on a journey of self-discovery, a solo trip is something that every traveler should do at least once. I have no idea what this is going to look like for me yet, but will let you know when I figure it out.

4. Dare To Soar Above The Clouds

You cannot have a list of unique bucket list ideas without having something daring! But being daring means something different for everyone. If you’ve never been on a flight, something daring may be finally taking the plunge. Or if you’re super daring, it could mean going skydiving. Or learning to fly a plane, or riding a hot air balloon. The sky is the limit (literally).

5. Let Food Change Your Life

There are few things in this world better than a meal that is so good it can bring you to close your eyes in bliss. You already know how I feel about life-changing meals, but up until now I’ve stumbled across them by accident. Instead, I want to spend the rest of my life actively seeking them out. This may mean reading endless food blog posts, but bring it on!

6. Embrace The Healing Powers of Water

Water has incredible properties. Like a balm, water gives us life, can bring us peace, and can soothe our pain. Some of the happiest moments in my life include water. Snorkeling coral reefs, listening to waterfalls roar, or sitting among strangers watching a fountain dance. Above all, the goal is to actively embrace all the ways that water gives us power.

7. Feel The Earth Beneath Your Hands

Like water, the earth has a way to reconnect you with what is important. Working the earth can clear your mind and awaken your passion. You can learn so much from people who are well connected with the earth. Whether it’s learning about the terroir in wine country, or pressing olives in an olive grove there is much to be gained through understanding how the earth molds us.

8. Take These Unique Bucket List Ideas and Walk On The Wild Side

This goal is all about doing something that you never thought you would. When I think of this goal I think of completely outlandish adventures. For example, hiking to Machu Picchu, trekking to see Gorillas in Rwanda, or cage diving with great white sharks. Goals so big that they make you question your sanity, which you should do at least once before turning 40.

9. Enjoy America’s Pastime

Okay, this one is a little more specific, and definitely listed to please the hubby. However, there is something to be said for having a blast at a baseball game. This is especially true if the team has passionate fans. Enjoy the simplicity of grabbing some ballpark food, a cold beer, and cheering until your voice becomes hoarse.

10. Witness A Natural Miracle

There are so many amazing and unexplained natural phenomenon in the world. The 50 million monarch butterflies that migrate 2,500 miles from Canada to Mexico. The bioluminescent plankton that make waters glow. Or the Northern Lights. Events that exist in this beautiful world that make you weep with joy at the pure miracle that they are.

11. Camp In The Desert

Get away from the light pollution of big cities and head out to one of the harshest environments in the world. The desert is not only full of natural beauty, but is one of the best places to observe the stars. So, camp overnight and contemplate whether there is any life in outer space.

12. Invest In Personal Growth

A listing of unique bucket list ideas wouldn’t be complete without making sure we are spending time on personal growth. What have you been holding yourself back on? Taking a cooking class? Improving your photography skills? And for my fellow bloggers out there, going to a blogging seminar? Truly spend some time on the best form of self-care, investing in your own curiosity.

13. Feel The Wind of The Open Road

Few things are as freeing as taking a long road trip. They give you control over your schedule and your destinations, and you can stop for any reason or no reason at all. I always think of the movie Vacation when I think of road trips. Because even if absolutely everything goes wrong, you can look back and laugh at the mishaps.

14. Go On A Spiritual Journey

One of the best benefits of travel is how humbling it can be, but a spiritual journey is travel with the intent of being humbled. Knowing what a small place you occupy in the world, and how you want to leave it behind brings you more self-awareness. Whether your spiritual journey involves visiting a Buddhist temple or bathing in the seas of Israel, it should touch your soul.

15. Unleash Your Child-Like Wonder

If you have ever traveled with children, then you know that they have a unique and magical way of looking at the world. Things that we have become jaded to in adulthood are turned into something fresh and exciting. I know you will think about the Disney parks for this goal, but the reality is that you can find your inner child anywhere in the world. Maybe it’s running through a field of sunflowers. Or building sandcastles on the beach. The key is to look at everything with fresh eyes, and take it all in.

16. Visit A Winter Wonderland

Normally, I am not a cold weather person, but there is something spellbinding about looking out at a land that has been frozen in time. You can feel the holiday joy in the air and explore endless Christmas markets. And even if you are not one for winter sport activities, you can curl up by a cozy fire and snuggle. Maybe even with a s’more or two.

17. Share Some Unique Bucket List Ideas With Your Mom

Now that I’m a mom, I know that moms are special people who are constantly giving themselves to their families. After years of sacrifice, the best gift you can give your mom is the gift of quality time. You may fight during the trip (at least I know my mom and I would LOL), but you will also build lasting memories together.

18. Rebuild Your Relationships

Life is busy, and it’s so easy to get caught up in our hectic day to day. As such, it’s also easy to neglect your relationships. People change as they grow, and it’s important to take time away from the rat race to communicate and connect. That way as you evolve your relationship will too. Whether it’s a significant other or friends, spending time with those we love is important.

19. Give Back

In my opinion, the best thing about being older is having (slightly) more disposable income. And one of the best uses of that income is giving back to those in greater need. Volunteer travel opportunities give us a way to not only continue to foster love of travel, but also do something good for the world. Volunteer travel could include working on an organic farm or building a home. Whatever you decide to do, put your whole heart into it.

20. Explore Your Hometown

Have you ever had a staycation? I mean a real staycation where you stay at a hotel in town and do all the cool things? While we’re busy exploring the world, we sometimes forget how amazing our hometowns can be. I live in Atlanta, so this means exploring all the eccentric enclaves and neighborhoods Atlanta has to offer.

21. Discover Another Culture

The world is full of warm friendly people who are eager to share what they love about their culture with you. Discovering a new culture through travel is specifically immersing yourself in that culture. It may involve traveling slowly, and skipping the tourist sights. But most importantly it involves connecting with people and thinking outside of the box.

22. Harmonize With Nature

There is simple joy in getting out into nature, no phones, no social media, and harmonizing with your surroundings. You could take a moment on a mountain hike to hear the birds sing, or listen to bees buzz in a lavender field. So, let nature bring you inner peace and let that inner peace give you outer calm.

23. Use These Unique Bucket List Ideas To Chase History

I’m not normally much of a history buff, but with DNA tests being so common, it would be awesome to discover your personal origins and chase your personal history. Maybe you’ll find out that you’re related to an old Scottish Laird and make your way to the Highlands. Or if you are a full-on history buff, chase your personal dreams of seeing the sites where they actually happened. Regardless, find your personal connection to history and chase it!

24. Become A Connoisseur of Languages

I’ve always said that learning the language of the country you’re visiting is not only a great idea, but a deep sign of respect. With dozens of languages for free in the palm of your hand, there is no reason why you shouldn’t learn them all! Like a Turkish rug salesman your goal should be to know enough of enough languages to never ever meet a stranger.

25. Bask In Luxury

Good old fashioned self-care is equally as important as self improvement. Before turning 40 you should definitely take the time to treat yourself with your version of ultimate luxury. Spoil yourself with no holds barred. What is the one vacation that you feel will forever be out of your reach due to the price tag? Whatever it is, do that (But save for it first)!

26. Appreciate Art

This goal doesn’t have to mean going from museum to museum until you’ve somehow magically acquired a taste for fine art. But it could mean learning about all the different art mediums and maybe trying a few! Maybe you’ve always wanted to sculpt a clay vase, those pottery wheels seem so cool! Or learn glass blowing. Or maybe you really do just want to head to Lourve and check out the Mona Lisa? Elevate your taste and create something beautiful.

27. Decode Free Travel

Up until now, I’ve always passively earned points and occasionally cashed them in for a free flight or discounted hotel stay. However, since I follow The Points Guy, I know there are tons of people out there that go on whole vacations for free! So far it has seemed like a real chore to maintain all these credit cards, their partners, and their point earning abilities to “maximize” the rewards. But free travel, especially in first class, is an ultimate reward. So it’s time to decode travel rewards.

28. Surprise Yourself

One of THE MOST common statements that I hear is, “I could never do that,” and I’m sick of it! Yes, yes you can do it. Let’s focus on taking this phrase out of our vocabularies, and believing in ourselves. Want to hike in Banff National Park? You can do it! Run a marathon in the midnight sun of Norway? You can do it! Take the impossible and make it possible!

29. Hunt For Heritage… Sites

UNESCO World Heritage sites are designated for the protection and preservation of our global heritage. Because they are designated for either their cultural or natural significance (or both), the sites can teach us so much. We should be actively seeking out these sites and getting a better understanding of our shared heritage and why this world is worth protecting. So go hunt for your global heritage, it belongs to you.

30. Collect Steps By Walking Some Of These Unique Bucket List Ideas

Walking allows you to experience a place unlike any other mode of transportation or exploration. Walking allows you to get up close and personal to the little details that make each destination unique and beautiful. You may stumble across some cute alleyways in Italy or a quaint coffee shop in France. So strap on your favorite pair of shoes, and dare to go where your feet will take you!

31. Sail Away

Vacationing on a boat and living in confined quarters can give you a whole different perspective on travel. You can jump on a sail boat and glide around the Caribbean. Or get on a phinisi yacht, which is like a pirate ship, and plunge into the waters of Raja Ampat. Further challenge yourself by learning how to drive a boat and how they work. So choose an eco-friendly boating option and set yourself adrift.

32. Uncover Hidden Gems

Let’s be real, with social media there aren’t really places that are “off the beaten path” anymore. However, there is something to be said for visiting places that aren’t wildly popular or touristy… yet. Places like Le Marche in Italy instead of Tuscany. Or the Ionian Islands in Greece instead of Mykonos or Santorini. Places that feel like hidden gems because you aren’t fighting for a spot on the beach or reservations at a restaurant.

33. Get Weird

Yep, you heard me. Go full Alice and find Wonderland. For example, visit cat island in Japan, or the catacombs of Paris. You can even combine with the hokey and see the largest ball of twine or house of mud. Let go of your inhibitions and tap into your inner Atlas Obscura go check out some weird stuff!

34. Rock Your Soul

Music is one of those key cultural factors that has the ability to connect people from all walks of life. I’ve always loved music, and try to immerse myself in a musical experience as often as possible. This goal goes beyond just attending a concert or a music festival, though those are great too! It could mean learning about Flamenco music in Spain. Or the origins of Jazz in New Orleans. Allow the musical vibrations to course through your body and don’t forget to boogie down!

35. Slow Down

I know up until now that these unique bucket list ideas have had you running all over the place! But, our lives wouldn’t be complete without time to slow down and contemplate. Whether you want to meditate and learn yoga in Bali, or lock yourself away in a cabin on a mountain. Take time to unplug, reset your natural body clock, and reflect.

36. Nourish Your Passion

I know that we all have a passion for travel, but our passions really go beyond that. If you have a passion for geology, head to Iceland and explore plate tectonics. Likewise, if your passion is nature photography, what is stopping you from stepping into the wilds of Madagascar to photograph creatures that can’t be found anywhere else on earth? Use this list to discover your passion, and then pursue it relentlessly.

37. Be Afraid… Be Very Afraid

Fear can either be a powerful inhibitor or a powerful motivator. And only you can decide which one you are going to allow your fear to be. I have a deadly fear of snakes, but I’ll be damned if I’m going to let that stop me from visiting the Amazon Rainforest. I have a fear of heights, but I can’t let that stop me from bungee jumping in New Zealand. Sometimes we just have to acknowledge our fear, and do it anyway.

38. Follow The Stars (The Ones Born From Hollywood)

After visiting the filming locations of Pride and Prejudice (2005), I fell in love with discovering where movies are made. I mean, the film crews have already done all the scouting for you, all you have to do is go see them! From the Namib Desert in Namibia where they filmed Mad Max: Fury Road, to Croatia for any Game Of Thrones fans. Finding some filming locations from some of your favorite movies is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

39. Take It With A Grain of Salt

We are heavily influenced by all the information we consume in the media and social media. But we have to remember to take it with a grain of salt, stay grounded, and form our own opinions. I can’t tell you how many popular opinions I’ve already debunked through my travels. Experiences I would have never had if I had allowed myself to be negatively influenced. So, always remember, opinion is not fact.

40. Take These Unique Bucket List Ideas And Change Your Life

The ultimate goal of any bucket list is to reinvent yourself. Like a phoenix you rise from your own ashes a more brave, generous, cultured, aware, humbled, confident being. Even if you think this bucket list is complete shit, make your own and conquer your own goals and dreams!

I hope you thoroughly enjoyed this bucket list and that it has inspired you to do amazing things! Which goal is your favorite and how are you planning on completing it? Which goal have you completed and how did you accomplish it? How would you change these goals? Let me know in the comments!