21 Things You Should Do Before Turning 21

I think we can all agree that our young adult years are some of the BEST years of our lives.  Free from real responsibilities, this is our time to live life to its absolute fullest in every way, shape and form! I’ve been lucky enough to do a lot of travel before turning 21, but there are SO many ways to make the most of these golden years that don’t have to involve leaving the country. Here are twenty one ways you can SEIZE THE DAY and starting living life to the max (no matter your age)!

21 Things to Do Before Turning 21

things to do before turning 21

1. Climb a mountain at sunrise

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2. Dress up in costume and go to a theme park

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3. Attend the concert or music festival you’ve always dreamed of

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4. Take a solo trip somewhere

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5. Play in the snow

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6. Bungy Jump or Skydive

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7. Go on a volunteer/ mission trip

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8. Go skinny dipping

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9. Take a spontaneous road trip without a final destination

things to do before turning 21

10. Stay the night somewhere incredibly unique

things to do before turning 21

11. Go snorkelling or scuba diving

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12. See the stars in all their glory

things to do before turning 21

13. Swim underneath a waterfall

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14. Eat something super weird and exotic

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15. Write a list of all the things in your life you are grateful for

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16. Crowd Surf

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17. Have a picnic with an extraordinary view

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18. Stay up and party… All. Night. Long.

things to do before turning 21

19. Live like a local in another community

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20. Watch the sun set over the ocean

things to do before turning 21

21. Face your fears

things to do before turning 21

Whether it is swimming with sharks, jumping (safely) off a building or singing in front of people… Nothing will feel more liberating than the moment you conquer your fear. I used to strongly fear meeting new people and being alone. I started life as a shy, hide-behind-my-mum sort of child, and grew up in high school avoiding foreign social situations at all costs.

Looking back over the past three years, I am genuinely proud of myself for conquering these fears. After taking the leap at 19 to go on my first solo overseas trip to Europe, I have since moved to two entirely new cities where I have had to start afresh with meeting people and making friends. I’ve found more enjoyment in my own company and peace with not being surrounded by people 24/7. It hasn’t been easy, but I know by facing this fear I have grown SO much, and feel far more equipped to face whatever the future holds. In the end, facing your fears is FAR more important than any experience you can have.

In two days time, I turn the big TWO ONE. Whilst we may received all the benefits of being an adult at eighteen in Australia, twenty-one still seems to be a big fat milestone for adulthood. The reality of adulthood can go two ways- totally terrifying or extraordinarily exciting. But I’m doing away with thoughts of career ladders, white picket fences and drowning in bills. For me, twenty-one signifies the beginning of a new season of adventures, growth and a whole heap of fun!

Now, I better start writing a fresh to-do list…

N x

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Nicola Easterby Bio Image

Hey, I'm Nicola!

I am a travel + food blogger on a mission to discover the best destinations & dishes in the world. Thanks for joining the adventure!

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