Top bucket list experiences – from Iceland’s Northern Lights to Route 66

07/29/2021

A new study has pinpointed the top bucket list destinations and experiences.

Many travel fans make checklists of places they want to see in the world – and Australia has proven to be the most popular.

This is likely to be because of exciting opportunities to explore the Great Barrier Reef and stunning sites like the Blue Mountains.

Seeing the northern lights, cruising in the Caribbean, and reaching the top of the Eiffel Tower are other popular activities on the UK’s bucket list.

The average holiday bucket list will take 11 years to complete – covering 16,357 miles and costing a total of £35,790, according to research.

UK holidaymakers are only a third of the way through their bucket list of dream destinations and epic experiences that they want to see and do across the globe.

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The research, commissioned by Royal Caribbean International, which celebrated its return to cruising in the UK this month, also found that since the pandemic, 48% of adults’ travel bucket lists are longer ‘than ever before’.

As many as half of those polled admitted their itinerary is ‘increasing all the time' and as such, 70% fear they’ll never manage to cross everything off.

Ben Bouldin, vice president, EMEA, Royal Caribbean International said: "With so much time away from travelling, UK families have been planning their dream adventures over the past months.

“The research shows that the average UK holidaymaker has around 12 must-do experiences on their bucket lists and that this list is growing all the time.

“The UK’s ultimate bucket list features some brilliant activities, and it’s likely they will want to ensure their next getaway enables them to enjoy an array of experiences in one trip.”

When adding a destination to their bucket list, UK holidaymakers are keen to ensure it has amazing landscapes, a range of activities and excursions, opportunities to explore different cultures, and delicious food.

Seeing Mount Fuji is among the nation’s top 20 activities – as are walking along the Great Wall of China, island hopping in Greece and swimming with dolphins.

Many of those polled would also like to travel on the Orient Express, stay in an overwater bungalow in the Maldives, and take in the views from the Empire State Building.

The study, carried out through OnePoll, found half (49%) consider ticking off activities and experiences on their travel list as one of their biggest life goals.

And as such, 56% said they always take into consideration how they can live out their bucket list when booking a holiday.

However, the problem for 49% of adults is that they feel the best countries to visit tend to be the ones which are furthest away.

Ben Bouldin added: “Royal Caribbean cruises are a great holiday option for those wanting to complete their bucket list adventures in one trip.

“Without even leaving our ships, guests can go surfing, sky diving, rock climbing and experience the first bumper cars at sea, and all of these incredible experiences are on board Anthem of the Seas, which is sailing the British Isles this summer.”