Experiencing the world

by Charlotte Ashton

 

Where we live and how we live are elements of life that we are continually keen to adapt and explore; more and more people are seeking the next big adventure. A recent survey delves into where in the world people want to visit before they ‘kick the bucket’ marking the release of the blockbuster film The Bucket List on DVD. Some may condemn this as a morbid subject but in all reality there is a wonderful world out there to be explored and travel is on the top of the agenda for the British public in order to live life to the full.
 
The volume and diversity of holiday and buying abroad media is feeding our aspirations of where to go and what to do in a world that is becoming easier to access due to leaps in technology and travel; the Bucket List Survey highlights 10 top locations chosen by the public. The Grand Canyon steals the number one slot closely followed by the Great Pyramids in Egypt, The Great Wall of China and Niagara Falls also feature in the list. Overall the destinations, climate and activities cover a very broad spectrum.
 
Brits are not only making big decisions about where to travel in the world but also where to live. The market for overseas property, including second holiday homes and relocation destinations, is growing particularly amongst young professionals, families and retirees who want to see more of and even settle down in countries around the world. Recent statistics released from the AIPP (Association of International Property Professionals) featuring 2007 figures show that Brits bought approximately 242,000 properties abroad in 2007, an increase of 21% from 2006.
 
Steve Worboys Director of overseas property company Experience International comments, “Markets such as Egypt, Bulgaria, Morocco and Italy have seen between a 3.7% and 6% increase in foreign property buyers since 2006. I also think that countries such as Tunisia, an emerging market, will experience a growth foreign ownership in the coming years. Whether it is for investment or lifestyle the world has much to offer and perhaps this new film will give us a wider perspective on things.”
 
Experience International work in various markets around the world and they pride themselves on friendly and informative customer service, so whatever stage of life get ready to ‘experience’ the world. For more information visit their website www.experience-international.com or call 0800612 0901.
 
 
 
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Notes to Editors:
 
The survey was conducted to coincide with the release of the film The Bucket List starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, out on DVD and Blu-ray this week. For the two characters in the film who learn they are terminally ill and decide to make the most of the time they have, the items on their Bucket List include racing car driving, sky diving, climbing the Pyramids, a lion safari in Africa and a trip to the Taj Mahal.

When asked, “Which places in the world do you want to visit before you ‘Kick the Bucket’?” the top responses were:
  1. The Grand Canyon
  2. The Pyramids in Egypt
  3. The Great Barrier Reef
  4. Niagara Falls
  5. Canadian Rockies
  6. Great Wall of China
  7. New York
  8. Sydney
  9. Rome
  10. Venice
When split by gender, the results were slightly different. Women were more interested in visiting the Pyramids in Egypt (44%) compared to men (38%) and women were also more interested in visiting more cities for romantic breaks (New York, Rome, Venice) than men who were keen on going further a field to more exotic locations including Machu Picchu The Taj Mahal and Sydney.

Women would rather travel to:
  1. The Pyramids in Egypt
  2. The Grand Canyon
  3. Niagara Falls
  4. The Great Barrier Reef
  5. Canadian Rockies
  6. New York
  7. Rome
  8. The Great Wall of China
  9. Venice
  10. Tour of America
Men would rather travel to:
  1. The Grand Canyon
  2. Great Wall of China
  3. The Great Barrier Reef
  4. The Pyramids in Egypt
  5. Canadian Rockies
  6. Niagara Falls
  7. Machu Picchu
  8. Sydney
  9. The Taj Mahal
  10. Tour of America
When asked in general, what would they want to do before they Kick the Bucket? The respondents replied:
  1. Visit the Seven Wonders of the World
  2. Swim with Dolphins
  3. Go on Safari
  4. Learn to speak more than one language fluently
  5. Write a best-selling novel
  6. Take a trip in a hot air balloon
  7. Scuba dive off Australia’s Great Barrier Reef
  8. Watch all their DVDs
  9. Do a sky-dive
  10. Make amends with a friend of family member they have fallen out with
About the survey:

The survey by Opinion Matters / Tickbox.net of 1,519 UK adults aged 18+ was commissioned by Warner Home Video to mark the release of The Bucket List.
 
Overseas properties:
 
 
The Dunes at El Kantaoui
Studio, one, two and three bed apartments in a low rise, beachside setting in a prime residential area close to Port El Kantaoui and all facilities including a 36-hole golf course, marina and restaurants. The development hosts world class spa facilities. Prices from only £20,000. Call Experience International on 0800 612 0901 or visit www.experience-international.com for further information.
 
Apple Gardens, Marrakech, Morocco
With breathtaking views, yet just 15 minutes from the centre of Marrakech, Apple Gardens is a gated development with first class facilities and three bedroom townhouses, starting at €240,000/ £189,000 and three bedroom villas starting at €280,000/ £221,000. For more information contact Experience International on 0800 612 0901 or visit their website www.experience-international.com.
 
Khamsin Beach Resort, Hurghada
 
Khamsin Beach Resort offers excellent facilities and is set in a private beachfront location on the Red Sea coast in Hurghada. Studios available from £18,900 / €23,929, 1 bed apartments from £22,775 / €28,835, 2 bed apartments from £40,997 / €51,906 and 3 bed apartments from £82,725 / €104,737. For more information please contact Experience International on 0800 612 0901 or visit www.experience-international.com.
 
 
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