Research by Planet Cruise reveals Brit’s most popular bucket list destinations for each generation, from baby boomers to Gen Z Key generational differences reveal Gen Z are the biggest partygoers.
Millennials are seeking adventure, and Gen X want to relax in nature, whilst Baby Boomers immerse themselves in culture and history The summer season is finally here, and with many Brits looking to get away for a well-needed break, there’s no better time to get things ticked off your bucket list.
Over the last month, searches for summer bucket list ideas have increased by 400%. So, Planet Cruise has conducted a new study to discover the most popular bucket list destinations by generation to help Brits find inspiration when booking their holidays. The study revealed some key generational differences between the types of experiences different ages want to tick off their list. From Gen Z partygoers and thrill-seeking Millennials to Gen X nature lovers and sightseeing Baby Boomers, the study found Gen Zs bucket list reveals they are the biggest partygoers.
The Great Barrier Reef has been crowned the most popular bucket list destination for the eco-conscious Gen Z 18-24 years olds followed by driving Route 66 and a husky sleigh ride in joint second and visiting in third. However, it probably comes as no surprise that festivals dominated this generation’s bucket lists, showing that this generation is some of the biggest partygoers. Festivals that made the list included Coachella in California, the Burning Man festival in Nevada, the Full Moon party in Thailand and 10% even want to get into the notorious X-rated Berghain nightclub in Germany.
How about that for a social life Gen Z, however, wasn’t that interested in climbing Everest, with only 4% of people choosing it. Perhaps the intense coldness and physical exhaustion weren’t on par with their festival vibes. From heels to hiking boots, Millennials are in search of adventure. Everyone loves a little Disney magic but no one more so than Millennials. Over a third of 25 to 34-year-olds have Disneyland on their bucket list, making it the most popular destination for this generation.
Following in second place is going on a hot air balloon, then visiting every continent in the world in third. The results show that Millennials are the biggest thrill-seeking generation. Interestingly, the most popular bucket list activities for Gen Z ranked the lowest for Millennials, including going to Coachella and getting into Berghain. Instead, Millennials have opted for a more adventurous bucket list, including hiking the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, visiting Chernobyl and Petra, seeing Easter Island, and even climbing Everest Their bucket lists included many extreme sports, from para hang gliding and scuba diving to driving an F1 car.
Gen X want to explore the natural wonders of the world Disneyland might not be making it on the bucket lists for older generations, appearing on less than one in six of 5564-year-olds lists. The most popular bucket list activity for Gen X is seeing the Northern lights, making it onto over half of their lists. Seeing the Great Barrier Reef is the second most popular, followed by seeing the Pyramids. These natural wonders located all over the globe create a more calming list in comparison to Gen Z and Millennials.
The study also revealed that Gen X wanted to experience bathing in the Dead Sea and embrace all sides of nature, including its wild side, with almost one in five having a Safari trip on their bucket lists. Baby Boomers are keeping their bucket lists classic and cultural. Perhaps the desire for festivals and clubbing for this generation is over as 0% of the Baby Boomers included festivals such as Coachella or Burning Man onto their list.
However, just like Gen X, this generation is taking it slow and enjoying more of what history and cultures offer. Almost three in five had seen the Northern Lights on their bucket list, making it the most popular destination, followed by seeing Niagara Falls and going in a hot air balloon. Instead of adrenaline-packed activities, the rest of their lists consisted of visiting other national landmarks and treasures, such as seeing Stonehenge, The Great Wall of China and the Ancient Pyramids, and experiencing the Rocky Mountaineer train ride in Canada.
Written by: Jill Walsh
