Brits reveal top bucket list dreams to accomplish in 2026 including exotic trips

Millions of Brits are desperate to tackle their bucket lists this year to battle a depressing feeling of being stuck in a rut

20:32, 12 Jan 2026

Most Brits want an exotic holiday(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Millions of Brits are desperate to tackle their bucket lists this year to battle a depressing feeling of being stuck in a rut.

Nearly 60% of the nations adults say they feel trapped in the same daily drudge, after spending years going to work and spending evenings slumped in front of the telly before hitting the sack.

It has sparked determination in almost 80% of those surveyed by TUI to complete their lifes dreams in 2026. Research from the holiday firm showed most Brits are now tired of always playing it safe.

Another 46% of those polled on their views of their lives found the current global landscape overwhelming leading to 58% wishing they could throw caution to the wind and mix things up a bit.

[Fashionable man holding a beautiful glass of wine on the open deck of a cruise liner]

Plenty of Brits feel their lives are becoming stale(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

As many as 49% of the nation rated reclaiming their sense of adventure as their most important mission for 2026. The same number vowed it would not simply be part of a New Years resolution, but a lasting change for the rest of their lives.

Half of the respondents declared the next 12 months should be about spontaneity and self-discovery and swapping the concept of Someday Ill do that for Why not now? Topping the list of dreams for 2026 was booking the holiday of a lifetime to somewhere new.

It was followed by taking up a new hobby or interest or learning another language. Other items on the league table of life firsts most wanted by Brits included getting a tattoo.

A total of 10% said they wanted to finally get the dog theyve always wished for.

Brits are also gagging to get busy launching news businesses, going cold water swimming, learning to salsa dance or getting a dramatic new hairstyle or hair colour.

Around a fifth of respondents dream of trying a blind date, bungee jump or skydive with others wanting a digital detox or attempting to complete a viral TikTok trend.

Top destinations for those with a holiday of a lifetime on their early bucket lists included Japan at the top spot, followed by New York and the Maldives in third place.

[Poodle pet dog]

Is it time to finally get the dog you've always wanted?(Image: Getty Images)

Neurology doctor and neuroscientist Dr Faye Begeti said about the findings: They tap into peoples instinct for firsts which echoes something neuroscience has long understood trying something for the first time is incredibly powerful for the brain.

The routines of everyday life can leave us stuck in autopilot mode same commute, same decisions, same neural pathways firing.

Its efficient, but its not stimulating because were relying on the same circuits over and over again.

The brain doesnt thrive on repetition; it thrives on novelty and challenge.

Challenging ourselves to do something unfamiliar whether its learning a new skill or taking a bold adventure strengthens our neural connections and helps build cognitive reserve which supports long-term brain health.

BRITS TOP BUCKET LIST DREAMS FOR 2026

1. Book the holiday of a lifetime (to somewhere youve never been) 54%

2. Take up a new hobby youve always wanted to try 22%

3. Learn a new language 17%

4. Take a solo trip abroad 15%

5. Start a side hustle/passion project 14%

6. Get a tattoo 14%

7. Go to a music festival 13%

8. Go on a wellness retreat 12%

9. Launch a business 11%

10. Get the dog youve always wanted 10%

11. Write a novel 9%

12. Book a break to mark a milestone 8%

13. Try wild / cold swimming 8%

14. Learn to play a musical instrument 7%

15. Take up meditation or breathwork 7%

16. Go wild camping 7%

17. Learn to salsa dance 6%

18. Go on a blind date 6%

19. Get a dramatic new hairstyle or colour 5%

20. Try a digital detox 4%

21. Go skydiving or bungee jumping 4%

22. Attempt a viral TikTok challenge 4%

23. Join a local sports team 3%

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24. Try stand-up paddleboarding 3%

25. Train for a marathon 3%

26. Learn to DJ 2%

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