A POLL of 2,000 adults found New Zealand, Japan and Australia were the locations the older generation most wished to visit but had never been to.
While Canada, the Maldives and Iceland also feature in the top 10 destinations which remain on bucket lists.
Taking spontaneous trips without overthinking it (21 per cent), going to bucket list destinations (17 per cent) and saying ‘yes’ to adventures rather than prioritising work (14 per cent) are also things over 50s wish they had experienced more.
But it’s not just older people who have travel pangs, with 42 per cent of Gen Z and 47 per cent of Millennials also wishing they had been able to travel more than they have so far.
While seeing the Northern lights tops the once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences they most want to have (41 per cent of Gen Z and 42 per cent of Millennials).
It also emerged 71 per cent of all adults polled are adamant it is never too late to make up for lost time, and many believe seeing new places (37 per cent) or experiencing natural phenomena (18 per cent) will positively impact their lives.
The study was commissioned by Icelandair, which has launched a competition to giveaway tickets to see the next solar eclipse in Iceland – in 170 years – as well as a visit to see the country in September, in a bid to cancel out regrets and reduce FOMO.
A spokesperson for the airline said: “Travel has never been more accessible, but our research shows once-in-a-lifetime experiences still sit firmly on people’s bucket lists and too many never get ticked off, leaving them with regrets about the things they didn’t do.
“We wanted to turn that idea on its head and encourage people to stop putting unforgettable experiences off and go live them.
“And if you’re going to think big, why not think really big? That’s why we’re giving someone the chance to experience the next total solar eclipse visible from Iceland — even though it won’t happen for another 170 years.
“With many often waiting for the right time, it’s a reminder some experiences are worth making happen — whether that’s this year, next year, or something you pass down for generations to come because you never know what might be on the bucket list of your future great-great-grandchildren, or give them the chance to say, ‘I was there.’”
For all adults, a lack of financial security was the top barrier to achieving their travel goals (44 per cent), followed by family responsibilities (24 per cent) and having other priorities that get in the way (22 per cent).
While 19 per cent admitted they are always waiting for the ‘right time’, with this rising to 31 per cent of Gen Zs.
The study, carried out via OnePoll, found the average adult reckons they’ll experience five truly once-in-a-lifetime moments.
But many hope this will increase for their grandchildren’s generation, with 47 per cent hopeful they’ll be able to make the most of life, while 38 per cent want them to enjoy the natural world more.
The spokesperson for Icelandair added: “Travel gives us a great opportunity for lifetime experiences and this week’s eclipse is the perfect reminder to start making those plans.”
TOP BUCKET LIST DESTINATIONS FOR OVER 50S:
1. New Zealand
2. Japan
3. Australia
4. Canada
5. Maldives
6. Iceland
7. Norway
8. Italy
9. Egypt
10. Vietnam
TOP 20 THINGS OVER 50S WISH THEY HAD EXPERIENCED:
1. Travelled more
2. Saved more money
3. Not lost touch with friends
4. Not worried too much about what others think
5. Make the most of life
6. Looked after their health
7. Made the most of their youth
8. Spent enough time with loved ones before they passed away
9. Learned a second language
10. Exercised more
11. Learned to play an instrument
12. Said how they really felt more often
13. Spent enough time with family
14. Taken spontaneous trips without overthinking it
15. Gained more qualifications
16. Not stayed in an unhappy job for too long
17. Been more spontaneous generally
18. Travelled to bucket list destinations
19. Not worked too much
20. Taken more risks