British holidaymakers reveal their European travel bucket lists – from Loch Ness and the Northern Lights

BRITS’ European bucket list includes seeing the Northern Lights, the Eiffel Tower and Scotland’s Loch Ness.

A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that Italy is a destination people want to visit. Three of the top four places on the ultimate wishlist were Lake Como, Pompeii and the Colosseum.

1

Destinations such as Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, Germany’s Black Forest and our very own Stonehenge are also sought after.

29% of adults have a bucket list that includes places and sites they’d like to visit. They expect it to take at least 11 years.

The research, commissioned by ALL – Accor Live Limitless – Accor’s lifestyle loyalty program, found seeing the Northern Lights was the bucket list experience most Brits are wander-lusting for, and top destinations people want to visit include Rome, Athens and Barcelona.

Travellers desire to experience more than just seeing a destination. They want to feel part of it and have dreams of experiencing the Orient Express, sledging in Lapland with huskies, and sailing around the Greek islands.

People are most drawn to castles when traveling, then wild nature and bodies of water.

37% of bucket lists are European, and 34% admit that there are many places they have yet to discover in Europe.

Accor’s spokesperson, Luc Gesvret, said: “It’s great to see how much of a Brits’ bucket list is inspired by Europe and the desire to discover incredible destinations and experiences just a few hours away.

“Now travel is back people want to travel more than ever and have been dreaming of bucket list experiences which they can now, finally, make happen.

“People agree that having a travel wish list inspires them and gives them something to look forward to and one in five polled Brits already have bucket list trips planned and booked in the next year.

“Whether your travel is food focused, you’re motivated by adventures, or you prefer to see historical sites, there is something for everyone to explore and enjoy in Europe. ”

The study also revealed that the Eiffel Tower, Stonehenge, and Roman Baths are the top landmarks and places people have seen.

Brits predict their bucket list – which on average contains 22 things – would set them back £13,368.

A third (32%), preferring to see natural landmarks when traveling, compared with just 8% who choose manmade landmarks.

Similarly, 22 per cent would like to go on holiday where they learn something or feel they’ve ‘bettered’ themselves.

A fifth (21%) of respondents believe that having a bucket or travel list is good for their mental well-being. They feel it inspires them and gives them something positive to look forward too.

Brits travel to three European destinations on average each year. 21% plan to visit another European destination in the next 12 month.

39% of travelers describe themselves as relaxed. 35% are cultured, 35% are outdoor-lovers, and 39% are a mix.

Another 26 percent travel for food, and 26 percent seek adventure.

16% of OnePoll respondents have expressed a desire to see more of Europe since the pandemic.

Luc Gesvret, from Accor, which is offering a giveaway where members can win a million points – worth €20,000, added: “Seeing as the average bucket list will cost over £13,000, that’s a lot of bucket list travel to enjoy in Europe.”