Research from Leger Holidays has pinpointed 39 as the age that the average Brit will create their 'bucket list' of life goals to achieve before they die.

The findings from the escorted tour specialist, found that the average wish list contains 20 items to check off during a lifetime. Travel was by far the most popular thing to include, with more than three out of four people (78 per cent) having key destinations they want to see on their list. This was almost four times as important as achieving financial success (22 per cent) and three times as important as realising career aspirations (28 per cent).

Although most ambitions were shown to be travel inspired, other popular personal achievements include owning a Porsche (chosen by one in five), completing a bungee jump (one in four) and dating someone half your age (one in ten) - with that particular choice proving three times more popular with men than women.

The five most coveted travel experiences were revealed to be:

1. Experiencingnew and distant cultures (33 per cent)
2. Seeing the Seven Wonders of the World (31 per cent)
3. Completing an iconic road trip (28 per cent)
4. Experiencing natural phenomena, such as volcanoes (24 per cent)
5. Zoological or wildlife-related travel (23 per cent)

Leger's research found almost 80 per cent of the nation has, or is planning to create, a bucket list, although two thirds of them will keep it a secret from their friends and family. The most common triggers for creating one are losing someone close or reaching a milestone birthday.

Huw Williams, Marketing Director at Leger Holidays, said: "As a company which is celebrating its 30th birthday this year, we wanted to explore the concept of a bucket list and how the nation responds to life's milestones. We welcome thousands of holidaymakers every year on to our longer Grand Explorer tours, which visit many locations as part of one itinerary, helping people cross several dream destinations off their list in one go. Over the years, we've become more and more intrigued to know what prompted people to draw up these lists in the first place and what they tend to include. 

"We were a little surprised to hear the average Brit formalises their list as early as 39 years old but it was great to see the emphasis placed on experiences over financial or material aims, especially given the current economy. It was also nice to see the broad mix of travel cited in the nation's wish list, from road trips on Route 66 to whale-watching."

Over half (56 per cent) of those who make a bucket list believe they'll fulfil it. And, when it comes to doing so, one in ten would break the law or spend their children's inheritance to cross something off the list. A fifth of Brits would also quit their job or remortgage.  

Leger Holidays, the UK's leading escorted coach tour operator, specialises in comfortable and convenient travel, offering over 200 tours including European holidays, battlefield tours and Grand Explorer breaks across the world.

For full details of any of the tours offered by Leger Holidays log on to www.legerbreaks.info or call 0844 324 9256. With over 30 years' industry experience, Leger Holidays offers total financial security with ABTA and ATOL protection.

ENDS

Further information

Contact Rebecca Mann or Joanna Taylor at Lucre on 0113 243 1117 or email leger@lucre.co.uk