Survey says these are the top 40 dream vacation destinations

By Richard Jenkins via SWNS

An adult's ‘dream vacation’ is four years in the making, according to research.

A poll of 2,000 adults found 60% have a special trip they hope to go on, with a fifth of those over 45 planning it from the age of 18.

The average adult has been on 23 holidays over their lifetime, but 67% are saving the perfect trip for much later in life.

Reasons for this included being more financially comfortable the older you get, having fewer dependencies, and appreciating things later in life.

The Maldives, New Zealand and the United States topped the list of destinations Brits would most like to visit - with Australia and Japan - following closely behind.

Ryan Howsam, CEO and founder of specialist travel insurance provider Staysure, which commissioned the survey, said: “Most of us have that one special trip we’ve been dreaming of since we can remember, and it’s great to see that people have been planning it for a long time.

“It’s only as we get older that it starts to become more attainable as certain barriers start to come down - such as having more free time or less responsibilities.

“Holidays are so important to us, and sharing new experiences with family and friends is priceless.”

To help those who are unsure on where their dream holiday destination might be, Staysure has created a fun and useful quiz that will help you decide the best places to visit based on your travel preferences.

The study also found when thinking about their dream destination, 41% said it’s a place they’ve wanted to visit since they were young.

While 21% have discovered it online and instantly felt they wanted to go.

Ideally, the trip would last an average of three weeks and involve visiting eight different sights.

The hunt for the northern lights in Finland topped the list of ‘dream experiences’, followed by a safari in Kenya, and soaking in the healing minerals of the blue lagoon in Iceland.

Visiting Australia to see Uluru, and snorkeling in its famous Great Barrier Reef, are also featured as must-do activities.

But 74% still aren’t sure about all the details of their dream holiday yet even though they often think about it.

More than a quarter are already saving specifically for their dream holiday and regularly add money to an account - with 18-24-year-olds leading the way with this (43%).

When it comes to genders, it’s men (35%) who are topping up the holiday fund more so than women (18%).

Of all those polled, 32% aren’t yet as financially organised, but said they do plan on saving for the trip in the not-too-distant future.

For 57%, the main thing they’d like to get out of it is to make unforgettable memories, while 52% are looking to experience new things.

However, 33% hope it will boost their happiness and improve their mental health and 35% don’t want to regret not ever doing it.

The OnePoll.com study also found that 74% believe this type of trip would be transformative for them as a person - leaving them feeling fulfilled (52%) and content (43%).

But when it comes to protecting themselves on this type of holiday, four in 10 worry the insurance for it will be too expensive, while 17% aren’t confident they will be able to get the right cover.

Of those who have already been on this type of holiday, 43% plan on doing it again in the future.

Ryan Howsam added: “Besides from ticking it off the list, an unforgettable holiday has so much more to offer - from self-discovery to opening your eyes to a completely different culture.

“Our research shows just how much time and money people put into planning their dream holidays, the things they’d like to experience, and why they might feel the need to save it for later in life.

“But for any successful holiday, having confidence in your travel insurance is key - it’s worth checking your insurer can cover the experiences you’re hoping to have as well as the length of time you can spend in one destination as all policies differ.

“Whilst financially we are all feeling the pinch as we navigate through rising costs at every turn, it’s important not to scrimp on cover.”

TOP 40 DREAM VACATION DESTINATIONS

1. USA
2. Maldives
3. New Zealand
4. Australia
5. Japan
6. Canada
7. Hawaii
8. Italy
9. Seychelles
10. Iceland
11. Thailand
12. Bahamas
13. Dubai
14. Galapagos Islands
15. Barbados
16. Mauritius
17. Egypt
18. Greece
19. Mexico
20. Costa Rica
21. Switzerland
22. Bali
23. South Africa
24. Bora Bora
25. Antarctica
26. Vietnam
27. Fiji
28. Chile
29. Lapland
30. India
31. Morocco
32. Austria
33. China
34. Sri Lanka
35. Philippines
36. Cambodia
37. Zanzibar
38. Kyrgyzstan
39. Panama
40. Rwanda