Nearly 60% of the nation’s adults say they feel trapped in the same daily drudge as a new TUI survey named the top 26 items on the British public’s bucket list this year
Millions of people across Britain are desperate to tackle their bucket lists this year to battle the feeling of being ‘stuck in a rut’, a new survey has found.
Nearly 60% of the nation’s 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 life’s 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.
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 Year’s 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 I’ll 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 they’ve always wished for.
Many are also keen 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.
Neurology doctor and neuroscientist Dr Faye Begeti said about the findings: “They tap into people’s 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.
“It’s efficient, but it’s not stimulating because we’re relying on the same circuits over and over again.
“The brain doesn’t thrive on repetition; it thrives on novelty and challenge.
“Challenging ourselves to do something unfamiliar – whether it’s learning a new skill or taking a bold adventure – strengthens our neural connections and helps build cognitive reserve which supports long-term brain health.”
The British public’s bucket list
- Book the holiday of a lifetime (to somewhere you’ve never been) – 54%
- Take up a new hobby you’ve always wanted to try – 22%
- Learn a new language – 17%
- Take a solo trip abroad – 15%
- Start a side hustle/passion project – 14%
- Get a tattoo – 14%
- Go to a music festival – 13%
- Go on a wellness retreat – 12%
- Launch a business – 11%
- Get the dog you’ve always wanted – 10%
- Write a novel – 9%
- Book a break to mark a milestone – 8%
- Try wild / cold swimming – 8%
- Learn to play a musical instrument – 7%
- Take up meditation or breathwork – 7%
- Go wild camping – 7%
- Learn to salsa dance – 6%
- Go on a blind date – 6%
- Get a dramatic new hairstyle or colour – 5%
- Try a digital detox – 4%
- Go skydiving or bungee jumping – 4%
- Attempt a viral TikTok challenge – 4%
- Join a local sports team – 3%
- Try stand-up paddleboarding – 3%
- Train for a marathon – 3%
- Learn to DJ – 2%
