40 Bucket List Things To Do Before You Turn 40 — Our trip to the Greek Islands.

So, your 40th birthday is on the horizon. Congrats! You might feel a little bewildered about this next chapter, wondering whether you’re still considered young (or over the hill). Is it time for your mid-life crisis yet? Hint - you’re as young as you feel!

Regardless, turning 40 is a remarkable milestone. It is time to reflect on your life, the past as well as the future. If you’ve been living all footloose and fancy-free, maybe it’s time to finally start “adulting” and working towards big goals and building a sustainable future.

Where your 30th birthday was about saying goodbye to the wild days of your 20s and entering the “30, flirty and thriving era”, your 40th birthday is going to be more about creating the ideal life for yourself with all the life experiences and wisdom you’ve gained.

I myself am turning 37 years old on my next upcoming birthday. I will admit that the second half of my 30’s really snuck up on me, but I’m doing my best to embrace this new era of womanhood. This blog post is not only things to do on your 40th birthday, but also how to approach midlife with gusto and zest for life.

What is a Bucket List?

Speaking for myself, bucket list items are achieved goals, adventures and experiences that make up the highlights reel of your lifetime. Imagine yourself at the end of your life, and think about what you will most treasure and remember fondly. These are the things you should be working towards while we are still young and agile.

These don’t always have to be the big epic moments, they can be small but still overwhelmingly meaningful and significant. Ultimately your bucket list items should be the most joyful moments during your time on earth.

40 Bucket List Life Experiences Every Woman Should Have Before Turning 40

In this blog post I talk about all my own personal life goals and dreams before I turn 40 years old. Of course all women are unique individuals and everyone’s list will look a little different. The following are just ideas to get you started. But you may find some similarities and ideas from my own experiences. So, get inspired and make your own bucket list for turning 40!

Travel Themed Bucket List Adventures

I have always had the wanderlust bug in me, always looking forward to my next travel destination. If you’re the same way, consider these unique wayfaring experiences.

Travel to Your Dream Destination

Everyone has that one place on earth that calls your name. For me it was the Greek Island of Santorini, and my husband and I spent 10 days on the islands a year before we started our family. This place is like walking into a real life postcard with stunning picturesque landscape of the famous blue domes and caldera views.

Experience the Old World Romance of Europe

If you’re like me and you grew up in America, the city streets of European countries can feel like walking into a movie set from another era. If you enjoy traveling (and you can survive a long haul flight), then Europe is a must see. My husband’s favorite European city is London, and I would have to agree that England is an absolutely smashing place to visit.

Enjoy a Quintessential Summer Getaway on a Hawaiian Island

When you step off the plane in Hawaii, you can instantly feel that you’re on a tropical island. The breezy air feels different from the mainland, with the fresh aroma of jasmine and gardenia flowers.

Our favorite island is Oahu, and we most recently took our daughter when she was a baby. Hawaii is a great place to travel with young children because no passport is required and it’s very family-friendly. Also, see our tips to flying with a baby for the first time.

Vacation on a Floating Houseboat

When you see the word houseboat you may think I’m referring to a yacht or cruise ship, but a houseboat is a bit different. It looks and feels like a regular land house, but it literally floats on the water in a bay.

Sausalito is a well-known California coastal town that has a variety of floating houseboats as vacation rentals. Located just on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito is a great add-on to a San Francisco vacation.

Take a Winter Snow Trip

The warm summer months are a typical time to take a vacation, but don’t discount the beauty of a winter wonderland covered in snow. There’s many places where you can find cute winter hygge cabins with snow activities and maybe even a Christmas village.

In California, Lake Tahoe is our go-to winter snow road trip destination. The mountains covered in trees and snow is a view you can really soak up and renew your own energy.

Take a Fall Foliage Autumn Vacation

We covered summer and winter vacations, and now we arrive at my all-time favorite season - autumn! There’s something that just feels so enchanting about seeing all the colorful fall foliage and feeling the crisp cool air after a hot summer. Sacramento is actually a gorgeous place to live during the months of October and November because of the vibrant and colorful fall foliage all over East Sacramento and Midtown.

Go Off-the-Grid on a Tiny Remote Island

While big metro cities are often popular vacation spots, there’s something very appealing about being out in the middle of nowhere. On a tiny remote island you’ll be away from the crowds and hustle and bustle of city life, which can really help you relax and reconnect with a loved one. See photos from island hopping trip in the Greek Islands and find out which are the least crowded for a very quiet vacation.

Spend a Week in New York City

Going from a tiny island to the Big Apple, talk about polar opposites! In my opinion, everyone should experience New York City at least once. I myself lived in NYC for a year after college and I loved it. There’s an energy and an enormity that can only be found in this all-American grand city. On this blog I have guides to seeing Top of the Rock in Manhattan and walking across the Brooklyn Bridge.

Discover Exotic Lands on the African & Asian Continents

I’ve been traveling internationally since my teenage years, long before I started blogging. I spent a summer in Japan right after high school, and later traveled to India and Nigeria in my early twenties.

Sadly none of those trips were documented very well because I hadn’t yet mastered photography or blog writing. But I remember the experiences vividly and I truly felt like a fish out of water. For those who love to experience other cultures, and especially love foreign foods, Africa and Asia should be on your bucket list.

Take a Cruise

If your image of a cruise ship vacation consists of seeing many elderly retired folks in matching tropical print tops… then you’d be right! But don’t let this discourage your young heart because cruise vacations can still be fun for all ages.

One of the benefits of cruise ships is that it’s often a much cheaper way to arrive at a destination than flying. And seeing the vast ocean views is something you’ll never forget. Plus… you can have your Titanic moment with your special someone!

See the Northern Lights in Person

The Northern Lights have been the subject of mystical folklore for many decades. And more recently the allure has been renewed with the popularity of the Disney Frozen movies. I have yet to see the brilliant colors in person, but a trip to Alaska may be in order. Maybe a cruise to Alaska!

See California’s Pacific Coast Highway

I grew up in Half Moon Bay which is a small Northern California coastal town, located right on Highway 1. This famous route is also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, and it boasts some of the more amazing Pacific Ocean views. Along this nearly 800 stretch of miles you’ll find popular destinations including Bodega Bay, San Francisco, Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, Capitola, Carmel, Santa Monica, Dana Point and San Diego.

Find Out Why Everyone is Going to Austin, Texas

You’ve likely heard about the mass exodus from California to Texas, with a large percentage of folks putting down roots in Austin. Several members of my own family are former Californians now living in Austin, so I’ve visited Austin many times. When you’re walking through the popular neighborhoods of Rainey Street and South Congress, you can feel a vibrant energy from all the cool millennials in the area. Everything is so cute, and the food is so yummy!

Feel Like a Movie Star in Hollywood, Los Angeles

Everyone should feel the American dream of Hollywood once in their life. Channel your inner movie star and walk along Rodeo Drive, see the streets lined with palm trees and of course walk among the stars on the Walk of Fame. Make plans to eat brunch on a rooftop restaurant and see the Hollywood sign perched up in the hills. A bucket list trip for sure!

Visit a Ghost Town

From the lively streets of Los Angeles, next we go to the forsaken roads of an abandoned ghost town. Step into a scene from the past and travel to the old mining town Bodie. The town of Bodie is located east of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in a very desolate area with only dirt roads. This particular ghost town is pretty amazing because there’s still so many standing buildings, and many of them still have furniture and personal items from former inhabitants from the early 1900’s.

Ride the Cable Cars in San Francisco

Riding the cable cars is always a fun time, but experiencing San Francisco during the holiday season is extra special. During the month of December the cable cars are decorated with lights and Christmas decor. You can ride up and down the giant city hills with panoramic skyscraper views. Jingle all the way!

Go Camping and Sleep Under the Stars

Joshua Tree and Julian are two Southern California hot spots for star gazing. You’ll feel so connected to nature while you gaze up at an enormous night sky filled with stars. If you pay close attention you’ll find constellations and see shooting stars.

Feel the Sand Between Your Toes on a San Diego Beach

San Diego is a world-famous beach destination because of the white sandy shores and perfect summer weather. There’s a beach in San Diego for every type of vacation personality. If you like to party with loud music and boozy drinks, visit Mission Beach. For a family-friendly beach day with plenty of sea life to see, try a La Jolla beach vacation.

Take a Solo Travel Trip

Taking a solo trip can be a journey of self-discovery and reflection. It also means that you can create an itinerary full of things that you like to do, without having to compromise or adjust for others. Learning to be comfortable on your own is a lifelong lesson, and there’s no better way to start than with a solo adventure.

Rent Your Dream Car for a Weekend

Our vehicles are usually just a way to get from point A to point B. But there are some very special cars that are much more exciting to drive. These special automobiles range from vintage classics to super charged performance cars. For me a vintage VW Bus is the way to go on a beach trip. Whatever your tastes are, Californians can use my guide to find fun car rentals in both Northern California and Southern California.

Personal Growth & Life Milestones Worth Thinking About

Decide Whether You Want to be a Parent

Fertility and growing your family can be a very touchy subject for many people. But the truth of the matter is that your fertility really begins to decrease the closer to get to age 40, especially for women. Having a family plan in place before your 40th birthday is highly recommended. If you wait too long you may have very limited options for having children.

Freeze Your Eggs

If you’re approaching your 40th birthday and you’re still unsure about having children, consider freezing your eggs. Preserving your fertility with egg retrieval and freezing could provide you more options in the years to come. Surrogacy is also an option for women who cannot carry their own babies.

Conquer an Irrational Fear

We all have inexplicable irrational fears and phobias that we are either born with or developed over time. These quirks in our personality may be holding us back from reaching our full potential. In the years coming up on your 40th birthday, it may be time to face these fears and put to rest unresolved issues. If needed, consult a mental health professional therapist to aide your journey.

Get Involved in a Cause that is Important to You

By the time you hit your late 30s, you’ve hopefully become comfortable with the person you’ve gown to be. With this comfort comes self-awareness and you’ve likely aligned yourself with values and causes. Put your beliefs into action and volunteer your time and efforts into a community you support.

Forgive a Grudge and Make Peace with a Friend or Family Member

The old quote goes as such: “Resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die.”

Living your life with hurtful and angry feelings towards another person can begin to feel heavy and weigh you down. Finding a way to meet on common ground and resolve a dispute can feel like a weight off your shoulders.

Start a Blog About Your Favorite Hobby

I am obviously a fan of blogs, hence the one you’re reading right now! When you become an expert on a certain subject, it’s only natural to want to share it with the world. Publishing your work is a way to grow a community and connect with like-minded peers. In the process of sharing what you know, you’ll also learn from others and improve your own skills.

Buy an Original Piece of Art from a Favorite Artist

In your middle age you’ve no doubt developed your sense of style, which applies to both fashion and home decor. Since you’ve got your abode just the way you like it by now, you can feel confident in investing in original pieces of art. When it comes to buying artwork, you want to look for a canvas or sculpture that speaks to you and evokes a certain feeling.

Kick a Bad Habit to the Curb

After four decades of life, we start to get stuck in our old ways. There’s a definite possibly that if you don’t make efforts to kick a bad habit now, it could potentially stick with you for life. And the consequences of bad habits start to emerge and present themselves in unpleasant ways by the time you hit 50. What exactly am I talking about? Good examples would be quit smoking, give up sun tanning, replace diet soda with water, etc. For me, I needed to start flossing my teeth daily to prevent gum disease (don’t worry, I always brush!).

Adopt a Puppy

Whether or not you’re having human babies, raising a furry baby is a life changing event. These adorable little creatures are incredibly high maintenance, but they will wag their little way into your heart. They grow up in the blink of an eye, so treasure all the little moments, and take lots of pictures! See my guide to surviving the first 48 hours with a new puppy.

Rescue a Dog from a Shelter

My Black Labrador Holly was a rescue from the Humane Society. I’ve had her for over 11 years now and she’ll always be my first baby. Many of the animals from shelters have had a rough start to life and need a caring and loving forever home. Dog lovers always love the quote: “Who really rescued who?” See my guide to adopting a dog when you have small children.

Become a Plant Parent

If raising babies is not your thing, you can always flex your green thumb and become a plant parent. Having fresh and green foliage in your home can really make it an inviting place. If you haven’t had the best of luck with potted plants in the past, refer to my list of low-maintenance houseplants that are nearly impossible to kill.

Tend a Garden

Get into home gardening and always have fresh and organic food to eat. Likewise, gardening is a rewarding hobby. Watching your plants grow from seeds to full grown and then harvesting their fruits is such a satisfying experience. Beginners can start out with an herb garden, and use my trick of k-cups as seed starters.

Refresh with Clean and Natural Makeup and Skincare Products

Replace all your makeup and skincare products with natural and clean brands. If you’re still using the same brands and products from your teenage years, then you’re missing out on all the great clean beauty products that have emerged on the market in recent years. Do your body and the environment a favor and step up your eco game with sustainable brands and products.

Invest in a Designer Piece for Your Wardrobe

Go ahead and buy yourself something extra fancy - you deserve it! From designer handbags, to shoes, or a nice party dress or peacoat, take the time to find that fashion gem you’ll really treasure. If you want the designer label but still want to be on a budget, try shopping at second hand shopping apps Poshmark and Mercari.

Become a Homeowner and buy a House

There’s a deep rooted feeling of comfort and security when you own the land and house where you live. You can really take pride in your abode and make all the executive decisions you want without having to consult a landlord.

The journey to homeownership is often long, starting with building up your credit in your twenties and saving up for the financial expense of a downpayment in your thirties. If all goes to plan, by the time you’re entering your forties, you’ll be ready to purchase your first home.

Remodel a Room in Your Home

If you're already a homeowner, remodel a room in your house to create your dream space. In the first home we purchased, I absolutely hated the bathroom we inherited. So I remodeled the entire bathroom to create a spa-like experience. For many homeowners, remodeling the kitchen adds value to your home and creates a great gathering spot in the house when you have guests.

Learn How to Cook or Bake a Family Heritage Recipe

Passing recipes down from generation to generation is a family tradition. You will need to spend quality time with your living relatives in the kitchen, cooking and baking side by side. My mom recently showed me how to make her British trifle recipe which she learned from a childhood family friend. It’s a favorite dessert every Christmas season in our family.

Make a Financial Plan for Passive Income and Retirement

If you start planning for the next chapter of your life in your late 30s and early 40s, you might actually be able to comfortably retire when you hit 65. Setting up multiple and diversified of ways to earn passive income could mean big savings for retirement. Hint, successful blogging is a great way to earn additional income outside your regular 9 -5 job.

You also may want to start thinking about drafting a will if you have assets and family you’ll leave behind.

Your 40th Birthday Party

When it comes to planning your 40th birthday, make sure it’s a true celebration and not a somber affair. Make a point to do fun things on your birthday and mark the occasion with friends and family.

P.S. - If you happen to be pregnant on your milestone birthday, see my guide to pregnancy-friendly ways to celebrate your birthday.