From Home Ownership to Long-Term Travel: What Brits Want in 2026
While financial security is a key focus for older generations (Gen X /Millennials), only half of Gen Z (13-28 year-olds) say achieving financial stability is most important to them.
The majority of UK adults have already given thought to their 2026 bucket list. But new research from Confused.com life insurance shows that what tops the list of their priorities varies by generation, with some focusing on financial stability, while others consider travelling to be their biggest goal. Overall, the research found that UK adults prioritise financial stability (58%), followed by travelling abroad (54%) and owning a home (35%).
Home ownership is a big priority across all generations, and it’s one of the biggest financial commitments people make. And with financial stability ranking highly, Gen Zs showed the most interest in their dream careers, 42% stating it’s an important goal of theirs. This compares to less than a quarter (22%) of Millennials and fewer than 1 in 10 (9%) Gen Xs, suggesting they are already settled professionally.
Generational divides reveal changing priorities
While financial stability remains important across all age groups, each generation has distinct priorities and aspirations. Gen Z blends traditional milestones with modern ambitions, with over half (51%) aspiring to own a home, two-fifths (42%) aiming for their dream career, and more than two-fifths (43%) planning to start a family. Notably, 4 in 10 (42%) also plan to get married, highlighting that conventional life goals still matter alongside newer pursuits.
Millennials, by contrast, are more focused on travel and increasing their income, while Gen X places greater emphasis on long-term financial security and early retirement. Family goals also differ by generation: starting a family is a key priority for Gen Z, compared with fewer than a quarter of Millennials and just 3 in 50 of Gen X, reflecting either completed family planning or a decision not to have children.
What’s on people’s bucket lists?
| Bucket list goals and experiences | 18 to 28 (Gen Z) | 29 to 44 (Millennials) | 45 to 60 (Gen X) |
| Travel abroad | 56% | 58% | 47% |
| To be financially stable | 61% | 62% | 49% |
| To go on a specific holiday abroad | 38% | 44% | 37% |
| To own a home | 51% | 35% | 19% |
| To travel around the world for a long period of time | 38% | 35% | 24% |
| To go on a unique experience (e.g., seeing a solar eclipse, swimming with dolphins) | 30% | 32% | 23% |
| To try a creative activity (e.g., write a book, speak fluently in another language, learn an instrument, etc.) | 30% | 35% | 18% |
| To try an activity outside of a comfort zone (e.g., bungee jump, hot air balloon ride, skydiving, etc.) | 28% | 29% | 15% |
| To have a dream career | 42% | 22% | 9% |
| To start a family (e.g., have children) | 43% | 22% | 6% |
| To get married | 42% | 21% | 8% |
Travel is a favourite amongst Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen X
Travel remains one of the most popular bucket list aspirations amongst all generations. Most of Gen Xs prefer iconic destinations, and almost half prioritise luxury experiences when planning a trip, while fewer seek adventurous or long-term travel compared to the younger generations.
Gen Z expressed a desire to meet new people, with many stating they are drawn to long-term travel and revealing a desire to work and live abroad. 1 in 5 also stated they aim to go backpacking and embark on a solo trip. Almost 3 in 10 want to go outside their comfort zone and have adventurous experiences such as a bungee jump, hot air balloon ride, or a skydive.
Financial aspirations are a huge focus for many
More than half of Gen Zs expressed home ownership as a top bucket list goal, followed by over a third of Millennials and almost one in 5 Gen Xs.
Early retirement was an important factor for 39% of Gen Xs, whereas it is much less of a focus for Gen Zs, with only 1 in 10 (10%) and 1 in 6 Millennials stating it as a priority. Over two-thirds (67%) of Millennials and almost two-thirds (64%) of Gen Xs said achieving financial independence is hugely important to them. In contrast, only 5 in 10 (49%) Gen Zs consider it a top goal.