10 Crazy Things Every Guy Should Do Before Turning 35

It’s frightening how quickly the age of 35 comes around for the modern man. It’s easy to get so caught up in the fast pace of life that you forget to follow your dreams. To ensure you don’t miss out on all the fun, here are 10 unusual things you should definitely try before you enter the realm of almost-middle-age:

1. Explore a jungle

Tropical rainforests are some of the most amazing habitats on earth, and every man should venture into a good one at least once in his life. Head to Belize, Malaysia or Guyana to check out the wildlife and indigenous cultures. Loincloths and pith helmets are optional.

2. Take your date to the most insanely expensive restaurant in town

Grab the woman of your dreams (gently), and escort her to the most upmarket restaurant in your area.

Forget about a large order of fries and onion rings – try some Lobster Thermidor or Beef Wellington. Warning: there may be violin music.

3. Write an eBook

Have you got something you desperately want to say? Write it down and publish it yourself as an eBook. After all, it worked out okay for that ‘Shades of Grey’ author.

4. Go to a serious carnival

Visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras, or head down to Rio for the biggest party on earth. You may have to dance, drink and flirt non-stop for several nights in a row, but – oh wait, that’s a good thing.

5. Climb a mountain

It doesn’t have to be Mount Everest, but it should be challenging enough to test your personal limits (without being so extreme that you forget to come back alive).

6. Sell all the accumulated junk you don’t need

Spring clean your life: get rid of all the useless stuff you’ve collected over the years and either give it to friends or sell it. Lack of clutter makes a happy man.

7. Spend 4 solid months getting in the best shape of your life

Put those excuses to bed and make an all-out effort to create a new, improved and healthier body. Change up your diet and hit the gym – and do it with discipline and stubbornness.

8. Experience a tandem skydive

There’s nothing as exhilarating as jumping out of a perfectly good airplane and hurtling toward earth, while clinging to some guy who hopefully remembers to pull the rip cord for you both.

9. Learn a musical instrument

You don’t have to join the New York Philharmonic – just pick up some skills with a guitar, harmonica or bongo drums. Don’t try to sing along, though – that never ends well.

10. Travel to a country where you don’t speak their language

There are few experiences as character-building as using frantic and bizarre sign language to tell a Turkish shopkeeper that you desperately need a toilet; they’ll find it hilarious.