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How Americans prefer to spend their vacations

Relaxing, trying new foods and exploring a destination's culture are Americans' favorite ways to spend a vacation.

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Family walking in surf on sandy beach summer vacation holding hands side by side with waves breaking on shore

The average American has 11 items on their bucket list they hope to cross off by age 47, according to new research.

A recent survey of 2,000 people revealed that age is nothing but a number when it comes to achieving one's life goals. However, there are some obstacles that come along the way. 

Almost a quarter of respondents (23%) said they would feel encouraged to cross off items from their bucket list if they had more free time.

Meanwhile, 22% cited having more money would motivate them to carry out their wish list.

It is no surprise new-found wealth would help respondents, as almost half (45%) would spend between $1,000 and $5,000 to experience something on their bucket list.

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of BeachBound, the study also found that 64% of people take their bucket lists more seriously than their New Year’s resolutions. 

Almost one-third (30%) of respondents set out to cross items off their bucket list when going on a trip. 

And 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.

And when they’re on the road, the top two most sought-after activities are swimming and hiking, both with 34%.

Another third of respondents reported they’d like to use their vacation to get some ziplining in, while 30% would like to surf and one in four (26%) want to go snorkeling.

While trying new foods (49%), 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 was found to be 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,” said Michael Lowery, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Consumer Business, Apple Leisure Group. 

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 (49%) of people hope for spa treatments and 45% would partake in beachside massages. 

But who’s the best person to vacation with? Regardless of relaxation or adventure preferences, the top three companions were 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,” said Dana Studebaker, Vice President of Marketing, Consumer Brands, Apple Leisure Group. 

TOP THINGS PEOPLE HOPE TO DO ON VACATION

  • Relax - 51%
  • Try news foods - 49%
  • Try a new activity - 49%
  • Explore the culture - 48%
  • Excursions in the city or town - 45%
  • Shop - 40%
  • Outdoor activities - 40%

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