My Epic 50 Before 50 Bucket List Ideas: Happy Half Century!

Approaching 50 is more than reaching a number—it’s a milestone that invites reflection and anticipation. Creating a ’50 before 50′ bucket list can be a motivating way to set goals for the adventures and self-discoveries leading up to this significant age. It’s a commitment to enjoying every moment and extracting joy, learning, and excitement from the years ahead.

In this long-form blog post, we’ll explore a list of 50 bucket list goals designed to infuse your pre-50 years with a zest for life that ensures your transition into your next chapter with a treasure trove of experiences packed into your heart. 

Whether you’re a travel fanatic or a lifestyle enthusiast, join me on this introspective yet jovial ride of crafting a ’50 before 50′ list that is as unique as you are.

The Essence of a Bucket List

Before we roll out the list, it’s essential to understand why a bucket list is not just a millennial fad but an intrinsic part of human aspiration. A bucket list isn’t just a reminder of the exciting adventures you plan to have; it’s a celebration of life for what it is—an adventure. 

It’s a living, evolving document that grows with you, reflecting your values, dreams, and experiences that define the essence of your personality.

Here are a few compelling reasons why you should craft a bucket list:

• Purposeful Living: A robust bucket list gives you something exciting to look forward to and adds a layer of purpose and focus to your life.
• Personal Challenge: Every crossed-out entry is a small, personal victory, a testament to your determination and grit.
• Emotional Journey: A bucket list is more than just a list; it’s a visual narrative of your life’s most poignant moments, interwoven with the lessons you’ve learned and the obstacles you’ve overcome.
• Enhanced Motivation: It’s a potent motivator that pushes you out of your comfort zone and encourages personal growth.
• Connection with Self: Delving into your desires and penning down what you truly wish to do can uncover a deeper connection with your inner compass.
• Living Passionately: By beginning with the end in mind, a bucket list compels you to live passionately without waiting for life to offer you opportunities.

With that understanding, it’s time to unveil a culmination of aspirations—a ’50 Before 50′ list tailored for a life well-lived. This list is not just a collection of arbitrary adventures but, in a sense, a direction of personal growth, with each entry a stepping stone towards a theme—be it family, health, adventure, or simply the art of living fully.

The 50 Before 50 Bucket List: A Personal Journey

Here is a biographical bucket list designed to inspire and excite, with a touch of unmistakable personal flair. Some of these goals may resonate with you, serving as a foundation to build your own list, while others are unique to the rhythms of my life, hobbies, and aspirations.

Whether your ambition runs the gamut from witnessing the Northern Lights to scaling a mountain, or if making the perfect soufflé speaks more to your soul—this list aims to shake that ‘life goals’ etch-a-sketch and draw a picture that’s compellingly yours.

Numbers 1-10

• Take a New England Cruise: Picture yourself on the deck of a cruise ship, the bracing sea breeze in your hair, as you coast by the picturesque shores of New England. This quintessential American experience, with its lobster shacks, colonial towns, and lighthouses, is a voyage of history and beauty. (COMPLETED 8/2019)
• Annual Tradition at Nashville’s CMA Music Fest: Continue my family’s yearly tradition of boot-scooting in Nashville at the CMA Music Fest. This city of music promises a symphony of fun you and your family have come to cherish. (COMPLETED 8 YEARS IN TOTAL, BUT ENDED DUE TO DANGEROUS REASONS)
• Weekend Getaway with a Friend: The bonding and memories you’ve shared are invaluable. Reinforce this cherished friendship with a getaway to rekindle the old flames and ignite new adventures. I shared a special weekend in Nashville at the 21C Hotel with a dear friend from Murfreesboro, her first time driving into the city in a decade. (COMPLETED 9/2020)
• Sharpen Photography Skills: The best souvenirs from a trip are the memories and photographs. Commit to capturing the world as you see it through the lens of your own skillful eye. (COMPLETED)
• Mingle with the Sushi and Dim Sum in Style: Mastering chopsticks and honestly appreciating this art-form cuisine is a worthy endeavor. Add some sophistication to your culinary skills and experience.
• Hop on a Cheesy BigRedBus: Ponder over the city’s colorful streets and vibrant neighborhoods you love on a Double Decker bus tour emblazoned with a bright red hue. I have always been drawn to taking this BigRedBus mode of transportation somewhere.
• Achieve Social Media Milestone: Today’s adventures merit an online exhibition. Strive to connect with an audience and share your travel saga, something to triumph in the digital domain. (COMPLETED)
• Bluegrass Festival Delight: Delve into the soulful melodies and spirited atmosphere of an authentic bluegrass festival. Even if bluegrass is not your go-to, the energy and passion of the performers will win you over. (COMPLETED IN HAMPSHIRE CO, WV, 7/2023)
• Roam in an RV: Channel your inner traveler and hit the road in a recreational vehicle, allowing you to explore where your heart desires. I actually did this for an entire year. (COMPLETED 2022)
• Celebrate the 25th Wedding Anniversary Epically: Whether renewing your vows in a remote church or retaking your honeymoon couple photo, make the silver anniversary shimmer with monumental festivities. (COMPLETED ON A TRIP TO PARIS IN SPRING 2019)

Numbers 11-20

• Meet a Star from Your Top 10: Transform a celebrity photo-op into a meaningful exchange with one of your idols, but remember, it’s the story you take away, not the autograph. (COMPLETED, BARRY GIBB…TWICE)
• Immerse in the Splendor of Biltmore Estate: America’s grandest residence is a testament to the Vanderbilts’ opulence and innovation in the modern era. It’s a spectacle of art, architecture, and horticulture. (COMPLETED 9/2020)
• Savory Quest in Portland: Have a gastronomic adventure in the city where weird is lovely! Portland’s creativity shows in its food culture, with food trucks revolutionizing culinary accessibility. (COMPLETED)
• Visit All 50 States: This monumental task ensures you’ve covered every corner of your home country, experiencing its diverse cultures, terrains, and histories. (STILL NEED CT)
• Partner with Dream Brands: Whether it’s a collaboration with a luxury travel service or an eco-friendly apparel brand, touching base with companies you truly admire is a goal worth setting. (COMPLETED)
• Master the Art of Points: Understand the intricacies of loyalty schemes for travel and accommodation. It’s surprising how rewarding frugality can be when planned through points. (COMPLETED)
• Yuletide Joy in Europe: Witness the enchantment of Christmas in Europe with Viking River Cruises. The tradition, the food, and the decorations in the European capitals are nothing short of magical. It’s been a dream of mine for decades.
• Discover New Cruise Lines: From the thrill of Disney to the refinement of Holland America, each cruise line offers a distinctive experience. Charter a new course and see where it takes you. (COMPLETED)
• Prost at Oktoberfest: Join the quintessential German celebration of beer. The festival is a cultural tapestry that blends merry music with hearty fare and excellent beer.
• Prep Florida House for Airbnb: Transform your sunny locale into a retreat others can enjoy. Hospitality is an adventure in itself and can fund further dreams. (UNABLE AS NOT PERMITTED IN MY ZONING AREA)

Numbers 21-30

• Train Journey of Discovery: Unlike hurried flights or tedious drives, train rides provide a leisurely pace that lets you truly take in the landscape. It’s a soulful, scenic way to travel. (HAVE TAKEN MANY DAY TRIPS ON THE TRAIN, BUT NOTHING LONGER)
• International Trip with Priscilla (My Cavalier): Share your love for travel with your furry friend. Pet passports and friendly accommodations make this more achievable than one might think.
• Savor Colorado’s Charms through Home Exchange: Connect with relatives in Colorado and swap homes, immersing in a new setting with comfort and familiar family faces. (PLANNED BUT FAILED DUE TO FLORIDA’S HURRICANE IRMA ON THE SAME DATE)
• Garden Glory: Cultivate a green thumb with a mini-garden. The therapy of plants and the joy of seeing something flourish under your care is unmatched.
• Disney Magic Behind the Scenes: Take a backstage tour and savor the secrets and the hidden workings that bring the magic to life.
• Record All US States’ Visit: Document every state you visit. A scratch-off map is a visual testament to your journeys and a motivation in itself. (COMPLETED MINUS ONE STATE 2021)
• Connoisseur of Tea in Style: Attend a traditional afternoon tea in a luxurious setting. It’s not just about the tea; it’s the refined experience of relaxation and conversation. (COMPLETED MULTIPLE TIMES)
• Viking River Cruise Reprise: I want to sail the high seas again with Viking and soak in the history and romance of ancient lands — destination anywhere! (COMPLETED APRIL 2019)
• Annual Football Pilgrimage: Whatever the sport you follow, being in the stadium is an experience unmatched. My bucket list is to continue visiting a new stadium each year. (FAILED AFTER MOVING TO FL)
• Fitness Fest: Integrate a regular exercise routine into your life. Not only does it invigorate the spirit, but it also commits you to your health and well-being. (THINK ABOUT THIS ONE OFTEN, HAVE YET TO COMMIT)

Numbers 31-40

• Disneyland Nostalgia Trip: Relive your childhood and create new memories with your family. Disneyland is not just a place; it’s a time machine of joy and fantasy. (COMPLETED 6/2019)
• Balloon Dreams Over Albuquerque: Experience the breathtaking view of New Mexico’s skies awash with a kaleidoscope of hot air balloons during the annual fiesta. (DID THIS IN GALLUP, FALL 2018)
• Frolic with Friends: A girls’ trip is an occasion for bonding and adventures. The camaraderie and the carefree moments, especially with new friends, are tales of free-spirited joy. (COMPLETED 2019)
• Print in a Publication: Get your thoughts and experiences immortalized in print. It’s an achievement that encapsulates a moment and makes it perennial. (COMPLETED MULTIPLE TIMES)
• Road Tripping New England: Sample the quintessential American East Coast: the rich history of Delaware, the charm of Rhode Island, the green mountains of Vermont, and the rugged beauty of New Hampshire. (PLANNED SUMMER 2024)
• Multi-Generational Cruising: Traveling with family across the seas is not just a vacation; it’s an opportunity to connect, celebrate, and create ultimate memories. (I had hoped to cruise with my parents and kids, but my mom was too sick)
• Mother of the Bride: Anticipatory tears and beaming smiles mix as you take on the role of the mother of a bride. It’s not just a wedding; it’s a milestone in both your lives. (COMPLETED DEC 2016)
• Send 500 Smiles: A simple but profound goal. Sending postcards nurtures the lost art of handwritten letters and kindles joy in the hearts of recipients. (COMPLETED 2020)
• Marvel at Budapest: The ‘Pearl of the Danube’ is adorned with architectural wonders and steeped in a rich history. Budapest has an allure that is both palpable and indescribable; my #1 bucket list. (COMPLETED THANKS TO VIKING RIVER CRUISE 2017)
• Cruise Line and Hotel Partnerships: Beyond being a guest, imagine working with hospitality giants, crafting experiences for others, and further refining your uncharted hospitality depths. (COMPLETED)

Numbers 41-50

• Pile on the Passport Stamps: Each stamp is not just a footprint; it’s a mark of your courage to brave new adventures and your openness to the world. (BOOK IS FULL!)
• Host a Ladies’ Retreat in Florida: I wish to host my “Adjuster 5” girlfriends I worked with for nearly 20 years in WV. These four lifelong friends are incredibly special to me, and I’d love to make special memories at my house. 
• Texas Rendezvous: For a self-professed fan of the Lone Star State, it’s high time to step foot onto those fabled landscapes and encounter those larger-than-life Texan tales. Urban Cowboy hot spots and Ewing Ranch, here I come!  (COMPLETED 2021-22)
• SEO Language: In the digital age, where visibility and searchability are critical, becoming adept at SEO is more than a skill; it’s a strategic step toward reaching your audience. (COMPLETED OVER THE YEARS AS A BLOGGER)
• Spanish Proficiency in Action: Living in a multilingual world, sailing through Panama presents a perfect scenario to flaunt your language prowess and enrich your voyage with local conversations. (EPIC FAIL)
• Red Hat Society Initiation: Join the social club that defines fun without age limits. When you’re part of the Red Hat Society, every day is a possibility waiting to be painted red and purple. (NOT LOOKING LIKELY)
• Bourbon Tasting Along Kentucky Trail: Kentucky is not just the home of horse racing but also bourbon’s heartland. The tours sound like so much fun, and maybe Dierks Bentley will fly in on his private plane. (COMPLETED SEPT. 2022)
• Father-Daughter Washington Wandering: I’d like to take my veteran dad on a historical quest through the nation’s capital to see the monuments and memorials. 
• Epicurean Journey Abroad: A culinary vacation (aka food tour) offers more than just a flavor profile; it’s anthropology on a plate, culture in a course, and tradition in every bite. (COMPLETED ON MANY OCCASIONS)
• Reunite with Yoga: Rediscover the calming allure and centering peace that yoga promises. I aim to get back to doing yoga or attend a retreat that reconnects me with myself.

Heading into the Half Century Mark

I hope you enjoyed my 50 before 50 bucket list. Do you have a list of things to achieve, either over a short time or even a lifetime goal? My words of encouragement are, “If you don’t start, you can’t finish.” Take it one day at a time to make your dreams come true. I wish you lots of luck!

Here are some of my favorite posts:

Paris to Swiss Alps: Viking River Cruises

8 Fun West Virginia Day Trips

A Memorable First Timer’s Holland America Cruise