Things to Do Before You're 30: The Try-It-Out, Get-It-Done, Live-It-Up List!

by Jessica Misener

Make the most of your twenties with this must-have millennial bucket list featuring the essential skills, knowledge, and goals to achieve before reaching the big 3-0.

There’s no time in your life like your twenties. Let Things To Do Before You’re 30 be your tour guide through this weird and wonderful decade, with advice on everything from traveling the world to learning new languages.

In this simple, list-based guidebook, you’ll find 600 things to do before turning 30. Get advice for keeping up your health (are you really drinking enough water?), maintaining your relationships, taking care of your home (you’re not in college anymore—time to learn how to frame your art and hang it on the wall), and ultimately, becoming the best self you can possibly be, while unclogging drains and changing tires along the way.

Genres: Nonfiction, Personal Growth, Self Help

208 pages, Paperback

Published April 3, 2018

Reviews

[Emelia · Rating 2 out of 5]

For me, this was just okay. I love the idea of a bucket list of things to do, and the idea of doing more with my life, because currently I'm not doing much. For reference, at the time of this review, I've just turned 27, I don't have much of a social life, I'm unemployed and unfortunately still living with mom and stepdad. When I saw this book at the book store (while looking for self help books for anxiety, ha) I thought, why not? I'm looking to better my life, maybe this'll be fun.

This book, while a great idea, seems really targeted towards a specific type of person. That person is a woman in their mid 20's who has a lively social life, and has lots of money to burn. (And also is American.)

Some of the ideas are fun or seem doable, but a lot of the ideas seem pretty....trite or cliche. I know those of us who frequent Good Reads like to read about fun and adventure, but some times it's just not realistic to do in your own life. We can't all live like that person you follow on instagram who is always hopping from country to country and yacht to yacht (as much as we wish we could)

Some of the suggestions in the book include

"Give your car a silly name. It's just more fun to tell someone you and "Daisy" are running errands all day."

"Dye your hair a wild color. Silver? Blue? Mermaid green? One bright streak of neon pink? The Rainbows the limit!"

"Sip mint juleps in a fabulous hat on the sidelines of the Kentucky Derby"

"Accept your flaws as part of what makes you you."

"Snorkel with giant manta rays"

"Visit the majestic Hagia Sofia in Istanbul."

"Resist the urge to sign up for a new credit card and rethink the cards you have."

"Walk the Siq in Petra, Jordan."

"Go to a family reunion."

While some of it is fun a lot of it just isn't doable (mostly the travel ideas). I do think it would be enjoyable to knock off a few of these. It contains a bunch of suggestions for books/poems/albums to check out. A few I already knocked off before I got the book so that's cool.

Fun concept, just okay on the execution.

[Belkis Yaiche · Rating 4 out of 5]

2019 read: 3 stars
2020 read: 4 stars

[Close Enough · Rating 2 out of 5]

Actually I turned 30 a year ago, I was pinning hope on this book to give me some insightful thoughts to grow and thrive  or at least it emerges with a deep grasp on several topics to improve my life but I was totally disappointed thought I picked up handful good tips and advices such as book recommendations and Food Inc documentary

[Aasem ElSheikh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well i read it when i am 34 years old 😀, I find it full of new ideas and things to do that could make us feel alive 😇 or thrive our lives a little 😀

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of great bucket list ideas! I love that there are so many items that cover personal growth and not just checking something off of a list. (Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC.)

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seems to accomplish a lot of these I'm going to need an incredibly compatible boyfriend, awesome friends and a job that pays incredibly well.

[Dana · Rating 2 out of 5]

ooooh to be white

[Elisha Jachetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I heard about the book THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU’RE 30 by Jessica Misener, I knew I had to read it. I’m about to enter my late twenties in a few shorts months, and amongst all my friends, there is a collective feeling that we’re not doing enough. That we could do more. Be more. Do better. It’s exhausting. In fact, I was first drawn to the book because I thought, “Oh no! What haven’t I done yet? Is there something I’m unaware of that I’m supposed to be doing?” Talk about textbook definition of FOMO.

There also was another part of me that was hoping this book would have the answers to life. For example, “If you do XYZ by the time you’re 30, you’ll be rich, beautiful, and spiritually awakened forever.” I could really use that kind of guidance right now, and I know I’m not the only twentysomething who feels the same way.

Instead, I was surprised to find that the book was more of a list of activities, and next to each one is a little box that you can check off as you complete it. Misener gives places to visit, events to attend, books to read, community service ideas, and more. Her suggestions are thoughtful and focus on expanding world view and experience, but also on injecting a little fun into an often fraught decade. Her advice isn’t hokey or obvious, and peppered in among the bigger endeavors are quieter ones, like ending a feud with a sibling, listening to your parents’ favorite music albums, and praying.

THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU’RE 30 is also not exclusive to those under 30. It can serve as a bucket list for anyone at any age. However, the book does evoke a certain kinship among us millennials. It may not necessarily give us the answers to our lives, but it at least lets us know we’re not alone in our struggle and that it gets better. Pair Misener’s book with DELAYING THE REAL WORLD: A TWENTYSOMETHING’S GUIDE TO SEEKING ADVENTURE by Colleen Kinder, and the next batch of thirty year olds are going to have quite the stories.

Review originally published on YA Books Central here: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yanonfi...

[Sue Obrien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica Misener's Things to Do Before You're 30 is a fun, lighthearted, and motivating guide for twenty-somethings looking to make the most of their adventurous years. From quirky challenges like learning to moonwalk or going to karaoke solo, to more meaningful tasks like writing a letter to your future self, the book is packed with bite-sized goals that blend personal growth with joy. It's not preachy or overly serious—it reads like advice from a witty best friend who wants you to live fully before the big 3-0 hits.

What makes this book stand out is its balance of spontaneity and practicality. Misener’s tone is relatable, and each “to-do” item comes with playful commentary that encourages readers to stretch their comfort zones. Whether it’s booking a solo trip or mastering a new recipe, the list feels doable, inspiring, and fresh. It even gave off vibes similar to stumbling upon a vienna museum free first sunday an unexpected delight that broadens your horizon without breaking the bank.

Perfect for gifting or self-reflection, this book is more than just a checklist—it’s an energetic reminder that life is meant to be explored. It encourages readers to chase moments, not just milestones, and brings joy back into the idea of goal-setting. For anyone feeling stuck or simply curious about what else life has to offer before 30, Misener's list might just be the nudge they need to say “yes” more often.

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Embarrassing and cringeworthy book written for the most basic, socio-economically privileged person. The author's must-dos include:

- Travel ideas such as flying first class, wine tasting in Spain, sandboarding in Dubai, and shopping in Vietnam
- Working a "menial job" such as grocery store clerk to experience "invisibility"
- Being on TV
- Going vegan (but only for a month)
- Going to Coachella & SXSW
- Going to therapy

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

And I thought I was doing ok for 28!

This has lots of wonderful suggestions, but I spent most of my time reading them out loud to my laughing husband. Obviously, this isn't a definitive guide, but it really was laughable. And I got a little annoyed at the strange gendering that happened, such as: Have your favorite author sign her book. Their works just fine. But that's just one of the issues I had.

[Rana Fahmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is more directed to American readers and you might find a lot of irrelevant items. However, it is a very interesting read that introduces you to a lot of new places and give you great ideas to fill in your own bucket list.
I also loved the author’s comments on the list items where needed; only there when it is adding a value and brief. It made the book more personal and the whole experience felt like I was chatting with a friend.

[TENG · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me this book was interesting. It gave me ideas how I can enjoy my life before thirty although some of the points not suitable for me but just skip that point. Maybe not all ideas we can tried before thirty due to commitment , finance and others but still for me you can enjoy and try it when you have the free time. Before 40, 50, 60 doesn't matter as long as you are healthy!

[Andréa]

My bad for picking this up, I immediately felt like it wasn't or me but it's a very very quick read/browse so I finished it still. some books and movies recommendations I might follow up on, but otherwise it felt a bit superficial, but I sort of expected it. Not rating it because it just wasn't the book for me.

[Ashley Lhérisson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this bucket-list style book of a variety of different experiences to have before you turn 30. Very short read with inspiring suggestions of ways to make the most out of life, from books to read, places to visit, new foods to try, unique activities, and sentimental gestures.

[Fraser · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poorly organised list with very few meaningful suggestions.

[CharityJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

One big bucket list. Fun flip through for gathering ideas to add to your own list.

[Pía López Copetti · Rating 2 out of 5]

I actually expected a bit more out of it. Most of the "things" to do imply you've traveled a lot and/or you live in the US.

[victória · Rating 2 out of 5]

O livro é uma lista gigante, e eu esperava um pouco mais de contexto pra ela. Além disso, ele é muito voltado pra vida americana, então não tiveram muitos itens que faziam sentido na minha realidade.

[Akshay Iyer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible. As if the author has just made notes of her bucket list and converted into novel. You can find it anywhere.

[Diet Coca · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bored but I did pick up a few tips for stuff to do now and for after shit open backs up. Happy birthday, Nick K.

[Nahia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pues sin más. Not life-changing at all.

[Chaimaa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I filled my bucket list 🤣 but i don't think i can do all of it before 30