This summer may still look a little different, but that doesn’t mean buoyant Brits aren’t still looking for alternative ways to make it memorable!
According to research from Freixenet, Brits are shifting away from ‘bucket list worthy items’, with 50% saying that activities such as going on safari or travelling around the world are out of reach, and one in five (21%) more focused on celebrating little wins and achievements, rather than ‘epic adventures’.
With this in mind, wine brand, Freixenet has launched the alternative summer bucket list, coined ‘The Pocket List’. The aim is to inspire Brits to try something new, revisit lost passions and create unforgettable moments this summer, one glass of fizz at a time!
The wine brand has revealed the top ten pocket list activities for the summer, with almost half of Brits saying they could tick off all their pocket list activities at a bargain price of £500, compared to the top ten, pricey pre-pandemic bucket list which could set Brits back up to £100,000!
DITCH THE BUCKET LIST – Check out the Top Ten Pocket List:
- A seaside staycation
- A sunset picnic
- A garden party
- Getting glammed up by a professional
- Glamping stargazing
- A spa day
- A sunrise bike ride or hike
- An outdoor music festival
- Being a tourist in my own city
- Learning to cook a new cuisine
Understandably, reconnecting with friends and family is a big ambition for Brits this summer. When asked how the focus on plans and activities has shifted, 32% said they are more concerned about spending time with friends and family, with a significant part of this involving coming together to enjoy delicious food and drink.
The research found that a hug with a loved one (39%), a celebratory bottle of bubbly (12%) and a toast or ‘cheers’ moment (10%) are all important parts of what makes a celebration with family and friends even more special.
Suzy Reading, Chartered Psychologist and brand advocate for The Pocket List campaign said:
“Goals and making plans, big or small, give us focus, purpose and shape to our day, but the notion of goal setting and achieving our ‘bucket lists’ can feel a little overwhelming right now.
“Living in the moment is a powerful way to cope with life’s challenges, dialling down rumination over the past and anxiety about what lies ahead. The present moment is where our control lies, so learning to reside in it puts us back in the driver’s seat, so we can take purposeful and targeted action and enjoy all life’s moments, however big…or pocket size.
“Shared experiences are literally food for the soul, giving our lives purpose and meaning. Celebrating milestones or marking occasions together deepens our bonds, boosts the health of our relationships and draws us together. It’s these moments of connection that give meaning and variety to our life. Even if there isn’t a special occasion, just getting together with friends gives us an opportunity to stay current and present in each other’s lives.”
Holidays and staycations are another key pocket list moment identified this year, according to 37% of Brits, while more than one in ten want to be a tourist in their own city or go on a UK road trip in a campervan with their family.
Special occasions are also a priority for Brits this summer, with over a third (35%) saying they are looking forward to celebrating missed weddings, birthdays, baby showers and hen/stag parties.
Commenting on The Pocket List campaign, Samantha Cross, Senior Brand Manager at Freixenet, said:
“Even with restrictions lifting, this summer will look a little different for most of us. However, just because we’re not all jetting off on once-in-a-lifetime holidays, doesn’t mean we can’t make this summer one to remember, and celebrate with the people we love. Because that’s what The Pocket List is all about – making the most out of everyday experiences and creating unforgettable moments.
“The reality is that a lot of our traditional bucket list activities are still on hold for the foreseeable future. So instead, we’re aiming to encourage and inspire people across the UK to try new things, pick up new hobbies, revisit some long-lost passions and raise a glass to the wonderful opportunities around them this summer.”