A powerful new national survey has uncovered a widespread yearning for change among British adults, with nearly 60% confessing they feel trapped in a monotonous daily grind. The research, commissioned by holiday giant TUI, reveals a nation determined to swap routine for adventure in 2026.
The 'Stuck in a Rut' Nation
Almost 80% of respondents have pledged to actively tackle their life's dreams this year, driven by a sense of being stuck in autopilot. The study highlights that years of predictable patterns – the same commute, evenings slumped in front of the television, and a lack of novelty – have left a majority feeling unfulfilled.
Compounding this, 46% of those polled find the current global landscape overwhelming, leading 58% to express a strong desire to throw caution to the wind and radically mix up their lives. For 49% of the nation, reclaiming a sense of adventure is the single most important mission for the year ahead.
Top Dreams and Daring Destinations
The number one aspiration for Brits in 2026 is clear: booking the holiday of a lifetime to a completely new destination. This ambition was followed closely by taking up a fresh hobby or interest and learning a new language.
The league table of desired life 'firsts' also includes more permanent changes, with 14% of people wanting to get a tattoo and a dedicated 10% aiming to finally get the dog they've always wanted. Other popular goals range from launching a business or side hustle to trying cold water swimming, learning to salsa dance, or opting for a dramatic new hairstyle.
For those dream holidays, Japan emerged as the top bucket list destination, with New York taking second place and the Maldives coming in third. The spirit of adventure extends to experiences, with around a fifth of Brits dreaming of a blind date, a bungee jump, or a skydive.
Neuroscience Behind the Novelty Craze
Neurology doctor and neuroscientist Dr Faye Begeti analysed the findings, explaining the powerful brain science driving this collective urge. "They tap into people's instinct for 'firsts'," she said. "Trying something for the first time is incredibly powerful for the brain."
Dr Begeti noted that daily routines force the brain into an efficient but unstimulating autopilot mode, relying on the same neural pathways. "The brain doesn't thrive on repetition; it thrives on novelty and challenge," she stated. Challenging ourselves with unfamiliar activities, whether a new skill or a bold trip, strengthens neural connections and builds cognitive reserve for long-term brain health.
The British Public's 2026 Bucket List:
- Book the holiday of a lifetime (to somewhere new) – 54%
- Take up a new hobby – 22%
- Learn a new language – 17%
- Take a solo trip abroad – 15%
- Start a side hustle/passion project – 14%
- Get a tattoo – 14%
- Go to a music festival – 13%
- Go on a wellness retreat – 12%
- Launch a business – 11%
- Get the dog you've always wanted – 10%
- Write a novel – 9%
- Book a milestone break – 8%
- Try wild / cold swimming – 8%
- Learn a musical instrument – 7%
- Take up meditation or breathwork – 7%
- Go wild camping – 7%
- Learn to salsa dance – 6%
- Go on a blind date – 6%
- Get a dramatic new hairstyle – 5%
- Try a digital detox – 4%
- Go skydiving or bungee jumping – 4%
- Attempt a viral TikTok challenge – 4%
- Join a local sports team – 3%
- Try stand-up paddleboarding – 3%
- Train for a marathon – 3%
- Learn to DJ – 2%
