What’s your one bucket list activity that you really want to tick off? Adventure travel company Skyhook surveyed over 4,000 people from across the globe, probing them about their top 10 bucket list activities – is yours on the list?
Interestingly, the study is based on responses from people located in different countries, of different generations (Baby Boomers: Born 1946 to 1964 aka Boomers, Gen X: Born 1965 to 1980, Millennials: Born 1981 to 2000, Gen Z: Born 2001 to 2020), and genders. Top bucket list activities differed greatly between certain generations.
1. See the Northern Lights
Seeing the Northern Lights captured the top spot for bucket list activities in 2024, with 38% of respondents from around the globe selecting it as their number one dream experience.
This surge in interest might be linked to the recent phenomenon where parts of the UK and Europe experienced this breathtaking light show, sparking widespread fascination and media coverage.
Country-wise, South Africans showed the highest enthusiasm, with 39% voting for the Northern Lights in their top three. This was closely followed by Belgians and residents of the UAE.
Among the generations, Gen Z displayed a notable preference, with 62% voting for the Northern Lights. Could this be influenced by the event’s extensive social media coverage earlier this year?
Additionally, the activity was particularly popular among women, with 43% marking it as their top bucket list item.
2. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu ranks second on the list, with 34% of global respondents selecting it as a must-do adventure. The UK showed the highest enthusiasm for this activity, with 39% of its residents keen on exploring the ancient trail.
Gen X and millennials share a close interest in this trek, with 38% of Gen X and 37% of millennials voting for it.
Women slightly outpaced men in their preference, with 36% of women versus 31% of men eager to experience the journey to Machu Picchu.
3. Visit the Galapagos Islands
Visiting the Galapagos Islands is the third most popular bucket list activity, with 29% of people worldwide rating it as a top activity. Germans lead the pack, with 37% placing it at the top of their bucket lists.
The Galapagos Islands are particularly popular with Gen X, with 34% ranking it in their top three activities. Meanwhile, it ranks last in the top 10 for Gen Z, outlining the generational difference in travel preferences.
4. Climb Kilimanjaro
More Germans (36%) than any other country are keen to climb Kilimanjaro, although it wasn’t actually their most voted activity. That was the Northern Lights.
Kilimanjaro was, however, the top choice for Canada, with around one-third of respondents eager to take on the challenge.
Generationally, Gen X showed the most enthusiasm, with 29% voting for Kilimanjaro. Boomers were the least interested, with only 8% voting for it.
Notably, men are twice as likely to want to climb Kilimanjaro as women, with 37% of men and 18% of women expressing interest.
In fact, this was the highest vote from men, making it their top bucket list activity.
5. Antarctic cruise
An Antarctic cruise is highly appealing, particularly among the Irish, who gave it the most votes compared with other countries. 35% expressed a wish to head on this icy adventure.
Antarctic cruising also stands out as the top choice for Boomers – 46% chose the cruise in their top three. As the cruise was one of the least physically demanding options on the list, this isn’t surprising.
Interestingly, Antarctic cruising received a balanced vote between women (24%) and men (23%), showcasing its broad appeal across genders.
6. Explore the ancient city of Petra
Looking at popularity among countries, the survey shows that exploring the ancient city of Petra ranked highest with Belgians, who gave it 28% of their vote. Overall, though, it was number four on their bucket list.
Petra is particularly popular among Boomers, with 31% placing it in their top three choices.
7. Everest Base Camp Trek
On a country level, the highest enthusiasm for Everest Base Camp (EBC) comes from the Irish (33%). This is followed closely by people from the UAE (31%).
Among generations, millennials show the most interest in EBC, with 24% keen on this challenging trek.
However, it’s worth noting that millennials rated EBC lower compared to the other two bucket list hikes: Kilimanjaro and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
8. Go on an African safari
Even though this wasn’t UAE respondents’ top bucket list activity (Northern Lights was), they still came out as the strongest country in favour of going on safari. 36% expressed interest.
Interestingly, this activity saw the closest vote between generations, with only a 6% difference. Millennials led with 21%, followed by Gen X at 19%, Gen Z at 17%, and Boomers at 15%.
There was a significant gender disparity in the votes, with women being 1.6 times more interested in an African safari than men (23% vs. 14%).
9. Dive the Great Barrier Reef
Compared with other countries, diving the Great Barrier Reef is of most interest to Belgians, with 31% giving it their thumbs-up.
Generationally, Gen Z was most drawn to this activity, with 26% voting for it. Overall, it was their second favourite activity after the Northern Lights.
At the other end of the top ten, the lowest interest came from the United States. Only 11% of respondents expressed a desire to dive the Great Barrier Reef.
10. Space travel
Although commercial space travel isn’t accessible yet, it’s certainly captured our imaginations! The top three countries that voted for space travel are Germany (32%), followed by Canada (25%), and the United States (18%).
Gen Z showed the most interest in space travel, with 23% keen on this futuristic adventure. Meanwhile, Gen X was the least interested at 7%.
Notably, men are three times more interested in space travel than women (24% vs. 8%). Space travel lost points in Switzerland, with only 5% of people expressing interest in this activity.
So, did your bucket list activity appear anywhere in this top 10 list?