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According to new research revealed by Hilton Hotels & Resorts, the flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide, the UK has some lofty travel goals on its shared on bucket list.
Whether it’s seeing unusual meteorological phenomena or travelling on the train that Agatha Christie made famous with fictional murder, there’s plenty to do on the UK’s bucket list. Here, then, are the top 10 bucket list experiences of UK residents.
See the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are a fascinating scene of lights dancing across the night sky in green, pink and violet hues – also known as the Aurora Borealis. Norway is dubbed one of the best places to spot the Northern Lights, although at times they’re visible even from the UK. Whilst there are plenty of videos online, nothing can match the real thing.
Stay on a tropical island
Given the state of British weather, it’s not surprising that everyone wants to head off to a tropical island. Plenty of sunshine and no traumatic commute to work – sounds like a great deal. But which tropical island would you travel to?
Travel on the Orient Express
This infamous train ran from 1883-2009 and is one of the most popular trains that people want to experience. This long distance train has taken its place in the pop culture hall of fame, after being featured in the works of Agatha Christie and Ian Fleming. Luckily, the train in real life had a much lower murder rate than anything found in fiction.
Try new local food and drink
Everyone is backing the local economy and wanting to reduce their carbon footprint. People have become much more interested in trying local produce. Pick Your Own farms across England and Wales have become increasingly popular for fruit and vegetable ‘shopping’. But this also extends to our travel habits. We’re far more likely to eat local when abroad too – not just to lower our carbon footprint, but also to sample the very best cuisine the world has to offer. Who says the Brits don’t have good taste in food?
Go on safari
Whether it was The Wizard of Oz, 64 Zoo Lane or a trip to the zoo that sparked your interest in animals, many people are fascinated by the idea of going on safari and experiencing wildlife close up. Just remember not to wear your Gaga-inspired meat dress and you should be fine.
Fly first class
Most people are in agreement that economy is somewhere between okay and terrible. In fact, with budget airlines constantly squeezing every penny from flyers, economy travel has become akin to mediaeval Chinese torture practices. Travelling first class, however, would change your travel experience completely. First class travel with Emirates offers a full size bed, vanity table and mirror, for instance. Even upgrading to Premium Economy on a Virgin flight can make all the difference between an agonisingly cramped journey and a relaxing jaunt through the night skies.
Drive Route 66
Route 66 is the ultimate route for a road trip with friends – whether it’s to get away from your boring office job or to “find yourself” (whatever that means). Fun fact: before this route was named Route 66, it was traversed by one of the country’s first transcontinental highways.
Walk the Great Wall of China
Not surprisingly, one of the seven wonders of the world made it onto the list. This relic is more than 2,300 years old and is a whooping 21,196.18 km in length – so make sure you stretch before you attempt that walk! However, it’s a truly epic vision to behold and a testament to human endeavour.
Stay in a suite at a five-star hotel
Again, everyone is looking for luxury. After flying first class travel, a five-star suite would be a nice continuation of the luxury. A couple of years ago, the most expensive five-star suite was in the Four Seasons at $35,000 per night. Just pocket money, really!
Swim with dolphins
And finally, the thought of swimming with dolphins is something that seems to bring out everyone’s inner little mermaid. The most popular place in the world to swim with dolphins is Dolphin Plus dolphinarium in Florida. We loved Flipper as a child so we have to admit, the idea does appeal.
