10 things every gentleman needs to do before he dies

The beginning of the year is the perfect time to reassess your options and think about what you want to achieve and how you want to do it. Whether that’s quitting your job, travelling the word or making the bucket list to end all bucket lists, it’s time to make a change. Here, gentlemen, are 10 things you need to do before you die.

It’s getting harder by the day, but there are still areas of the world where no man has ever been, or even seen. You want to be remembered as a pioneer, someone who breaks records and leaves a lasting legacy. If there’s nowhere left on the face of the earth, why not follow James Cameron’s example and take to the seas? The director reached the bottom of the Mariana Trench in 2012.

Sure, you’ve got the bottom of the sea, but why not go the other way and venture into the final frontier? Space represents the ultimate challenge for the modern gentleman, and with recent developments in commercial space technology, going into the expanse is very much becoming a reality. Sign up to Virgin Galactic and get exploring, gentlemen.

Speaking of Virgin Galactic, its founder is a particular hero of ours. Sir Richard Branson started his empire in the crypt of a local church, eventually becoming one of the wealthiest and most famous gentlemen on the planet. There’s a real satisfaction in starting a business and seeing it flourish; you might even make some money on the way.

LE MANS, France (May 31,

Take part in the world’s oldest endurance race by entering the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Possibly the most prestigious automobile race on the globe, Le Mans will test your driving ability, your mental endurance, and perhaps more importantly, your car. You simply can’t be considered a top driver if you haven’t taken part in this truly unique experience.

The ultimate test of perseverance, physical fitness, and endeavour, every gentleman must reach a summit, and there are none more impressive than Everest. It’s a challenge that has claimed countless lives, but the honour and bragging rights that come with scaling the tallest mountain on earth are unparalleled.

To truly battle against nature, a gentleman must face its strongest combatants. Not quite as inaccessible as Putin’s dealings with polar bears, taking part in a rodeo takes strength, technique, and bravery of the very highest order. This isn’t a mechanical bull we’re talking about, either.

Instead of that dull 7 hour flight, complete one of the biggest achievements possible in the maritime world by sailing from Europe to America. A mammoth task, but definitely not impossible, this requires excellent planning, timing and sailing. It will, however, be made a lot more comfortable in the confines of a super yacht.

A gentleman’s home should be his pride and joy, and there’s no better way to ensure your happiness with your abode than building it yourself, to your ideal specifications, location, and style. It’s a sign of a gentleman who has made it, and who values the comfort and wellbeing of himself and his family. You’ll have to see it almost every day, after all.

Jay Alvarrez

There is nothing to fear but fear itself, and you’ll prove yourself to be a real man if you face those fears. Afraid of heights? Follow Felix Baumgartner’s example by skydiving from space. You don’t necessarily have to do it his way, but after having watched him tumble from the heavens, a plane seems so much less exciting.

There’s nothing that oozes perfection more than a flawlessly tailored bespoke suit. Head down to Savile Row, where the makers of the very best suits in the history of the world will measure every little contour of your frame before faultlessly and lovingly crafting the garment of your dreams. With a bespoke suit, you can experience perfection every single day.