TRAVEL BUCKET LIST BOOM: LUXURY RESORTS TOP AUSTRALIANS ULTIMATE TRAVEL WISH LIST

The modern bucket list is now defined by slower, more restorative experiences.

Australians are increasingly prioritising indulgence over adrenaline, with luxury beach resort stays topping the nation’s travel bucket list for the first time, according to new research from comparison site iSelect.

The survey found 36.4 per cent of Australians ranked a stay at a luxury resort as their most desired holiday experience, putting relaxation firmly ahead of more adventurous pursuits such as safaris, skiing and skydiving.

It signals a notable shift in travel priorities, particularly as rising living costs make holidays more precious and, for many, less frequent.

Relaxation wins over adrenaline

Once synonymous with thrill-seeking adventures, the modern bucket list is now defined by slower, more restorative experiences.

Visiting global landmarks such as Machu Picchu, the Great Wall of China, and the Taj Mahal ranked second, with 32.6 per cent of respondents naming them must-see destinations.

Cruise holidays followed closely behind at 32.3 per cent, reinforcing their enduring appeal, particularly among older travellers seeking convenience and comfort.

Cross-country road trips and safari adventures also featured prominently, while more physically demanding pursuits such as hiking famous trails, scuba diving, and skiing ranked lower on the list.

The findings suggest Australians are increasingly viewing travel less as an extreme sport and more as an opportunity to unwind.

Generational divide shapes travel goals

The research also revealed stark differences between age groups, reflecting shifting lifestyles and priorities.

iSelect comparison expert Sophie Ryan said Gen X travellers, many of whom are balancing careers, mortgages and family responsibilities, are gravitating towards simpler pleasures.

“Mid-late career people with families just want to relax on their holidays, so we see a move away from thrill-seeking and risk-taking in that group,” Ms Ryan said.

Younger Australians, by contrast, remain more adventurous.

“Millennials and Gen Z were much more likely to have activities like scuba diving, hiking, and safari adventures on the agenda.

“Meanwhile, cruises were the top experience for Baby Boomers, with as many as 41% of people in that demographic adding a nautical getaway to their wish list.”

High-risk activities often call for a higher level of insurance cover

The insurance angle behind the wanderlust

While the rankings paint a picture of aspiration and escape, the research ultimately serves a commercial purpose.

As a comparison platform, iSelect’s focus extends beyond inspiration to the practicalities and risks of travel, particularly insurance.

Ryan stressed that travellers often underestimate the importance of appropriate cover, especially for higher-risk activities.

“High-risk activities often call for a higher level of cover,” Ms Ryan said.

“Think of it this way: you’re much more likely to get injured skiing or snowboarding than you are walking down the Champs Elysse and insurers do need to account for that extra risk when it comes to policy features and premiums.

“Even popular activities like cruising require special cover because claims data tells us that people are more likely to get sick or injured while on board.

“That’s why it’s crucial that consumers do a little legwork and look for a policy that actually covers the things they have planned. We hear it all too often that people assume they’ve got cover through their credit card, but those bare-bones policies can really leave you in the lurch if they don’t cover what you need them to.”

Travel dreams collide with financial reality

The enduring appeal of luxury resorts, cruises and bucket-list destinations highlights Australians’ continued appetite for meaningful travel experiences, even as economic pressures mount.

But the prominence of indulgent escapes also reflects a growing mindset shift. For many travellers, particularly those in midlife and beyond, holidays are no longer about pushing limits but reclaiming time, comfort and perspective.

Whether those ambitions translate into actual bookings, however, may depend less on aspiration and more on affordability in the years ahead.