NEW YORK — The average American has 11 items on their bucket list they hope to cross off by age 47. A recent survey of 2,000 people reveals that age is nothing but a number when it comes to achieving one’s goals. However, there are some obstacles that pop up along the way.
Almost a quarter of respondents (23%) say they would feel encouraged to cross off items from their bucket list if they had more free time. Meanwhile, 22 percent believe having more money would motivate them to tackle their wish list.
It’s no surprise new-found wealth would help respondents, as almost half the poll (45%) would spend between $1,000 and $5,000 to experience something on their bucket list.
Bucket list items often take place on vacations
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of BeachBound, the study also shows that 64 percent take their bucket lists more seriously than their New Year’s resolutions. Three in 10 set out to cross items off their bucket list when going on a trip.
When asked what things people are or were most excited to cross off their bucket list, traveling turned out to be a fan favorite. Whether it was traveling “to Italy for gelato,” “the U.S. in a motorhome,” or “a trip to Costa Rica,” many are hoping to satisfy their wanderlust.
Seventy-seven percent of people are more likely to do something adventurous on vacation than when they are at home. When they’re on the road, the top two most popular activities are swimming and hiking, both at 34 percent.
Another third of respondents would like to use their vacation to get some ziplining in, while 30 percent would like to surf and one in four (26%) want to go snorkeling. While trying new foods (49%), trying a new activity (49%), and exploring a destination’s culture (48%) all scored high on vacation to-dos, the top way to spend a vacation is still relaxing (51%).
“In terms of what they’d love to do, most people’s bucket lists differ, but there’s a certain excitement that’s awoken in every traveler once they set foot into a new destination that makes one feel the possibilities for adventure are never-ending,” says Michael Lowery, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Consumer Business, Apple Leisure Group, in a statement.
Happy wife, happy vacation
Although more than one-third (36%) of respondents prefer their vacations to be a good mix of lazy and activity-filled when staying at a resort, the majority of people look for relaxing enhancements.
Almost half the poll (49%) hope for spa treatments and 45 percent would partake in beachside massages. So, who’s the best person to vacation with? Regardless of relaxation or adventure preferences, the top three companions are peoples’ significant others (44%), their children (38%), and siblings (35%).
“When one is traveling there’s an equal expectation of both adventurous new experiences and a level of comfort that allows one to feel refreshed and reenergized, which is what travelers are looking for when going on a beach vacation,” adds Dana Studebaker, Vice President of Marketing, Consumer Brands, Apple Leisure Group.