A recent study has unveiled the most sought-after bucket list landmarks for British travellers, as well as the staggering costs involved in ticking off each dream holiday destination. Using Google search data to rank these landmarks, the study also accounts for ticket and flight costs, offering a glimpse into the price tag of fulfilling a dream holiday itinerary.
The study, conducted by travel specialists at Dubai Tours & Tickets, examined monthly Google search volumes for each landmark, alongside average travel expenses. It also identified the peak months for tourism at each site and when it’s best to visit for a more peaceful experience.
Top of the list for British travellers is the iconic Niagara Falls. Straddling the border between Ontario, Canada and New York, USA, these stunning waterfalls attract over 12 million visitors annually and have been standing for over 12,000 years. Google searches for Niagara Falls reach around 160,661 per month, making it the most popular landmark by a huge margin—over 1,000% more than the average destination on this list. In July, interest peaks with searches surging to 331,190, driving up demand and costs for flights and accommodation. While entry to the falls themselves is free, a return flight from the UK costs at least £1,166 per adult, with accommodation and food pushing the total cost much higher during peak season.
In second place is the world-famous Eiffel Tower in Paris. This landmark is searched for approximately 90,109 times each month—566% above the average destination—and peaks in popularity during June. One of the more budget-friendly options, a return flight to Paris can be as low as £30, while a ticket to ascend to the top of the tower costs £22.46, making a total of £56.46 for the entire experience.
| Rank | Landmark | Average Monthly Google Searches | Ticket Cost per 1 Adult | Average Cost of a Return Flight for 1 Adult from the UK | Total Cost |
| 1 | Niagara Falls | 160,661 | Free | £1,166.00 | £1,166.00 |
| 2 | Eiffel Tower | 90,109 | £22.46 | £30.00 | £52.46 |
| 3 | Alcatraz | 88,423 | £33.77 | £510.00 | £543.77 |
| 4 | Central Park | 73,454 | Free | £1,574.00 | £1,574.00 |
| 5 | Northern Lights | 67,215 | Free | £44.00 | £44.00 |
| 6 | Buckingham Palace | 65,916 | £32.00 | N/A | £32.00 |
| 7 | The Grand Canyon | 60,609 | £26.12 | £1,340.00 | £1,366.12 |
| 8 | Times Square | 54,030 | Free | £1,574.00 | £1,574.00 |
| 9 | Taj Mahal | 44,237 | £9.80 | £458.00 | £467.80 |
| 10 | Machu Picchu | 43,258 | £60.99 | £150.00 | £210.99 |
Alcatraz Island, the former maximum-security prison located off San Francisco’s coast, ranks third. With an average of 88,423 searches per month, Alcatraz has remained popular, especially with the rise of true crime media. A visit to this historic site, which closed as a prison in 1963, costs British tourists around £543.77 for flights and tickets. However, once accommodation, food, and transport are factored in, costs rise significantly.
In fourth place is Central Park in New York, searched for 73,454 times monthly. Although the park itself is free to enter, flights to New York raise the total trip cost to £1,574, making it one of the more expensive bucket list destinations for Brits.
The Northern Lights claim fifth place. With 67,215 monthly searches, the magical auroras can be viewed from several Arctic Circle destinations, including Norway and Canada. A trip to Norway, one of the most accessible locations, can be done relatively cheaply with flights costing as little as £44 per person, but guided tours to prime viewing spots will add to the total.
Closer to home, Buckingham Palace comes in at sixth place. The royal residence of King Charles III receives 65,916 searches per month, making it the UK’s only entry in the top ten. While it’s free to view from the outside, guided tours of the palace interiors are limited to specific periods, with tickets costing £32, making this one of the more affordable bucket list experiences.
In seventh, the Grand Canyon draws in 60,609 searches per month. Situated mainly in Arizona, this natural wonder has been forming for millions of years and is home to over 1,000 hidden caves. However, visiting this breathtaking sight comes at a price, with British tourists needing to budget around £1,366.12 for flights and entry passes.
Times Square, in the heart of New York, ranks eighth. While visiting the vibrant, bustling square itself is free, flights alone cost £1,574, pushing this destination up the list in terms of expense. With around 54,030 monthly searches, Times Square is a major draw, especially in the summer months.
In ninth place is India’s Taj Mahal, the UNESCO World Heritage site. This architectural masterpiece receives 44,237 monthly searches, with flights and entry totalling £467.80 per person.
Rounding out the top ten is Machu Picchu in Peru. With 43,258 searches per month, this ancient Incan citadel attracts 1.5 million visitors annually. Brits planning a trip to Machu Picchu can expect to spend at least £210.99 on flights and entry fees.
Magdalena Petrusic, a travel expert from Dubai Tours & Tickets, offers her tips for budget-conscious Brits looking to fulfil their travel dreams. “These world-famous landmarks are rightly on many Brits’ bucket lists, but with their popularity comes the challenge of avoiding crowds and the high costs of travel, especially during peak seasons. Visiting outside of these busy periods can significantly reduce both flight and accommodation prices, and increase the likelihood of a quieter experience.
“For those travelling further afield, combining multiple destinations in one trip can help reduce costs, rather than taking separate flights to far-flung places like North America.
“While the big-ticket landmarks often take centre stage, lesser-known destinations, such as the Moai Statues in Easter Island, the cliffs of Santorini, or the Library of Celsus in Turkey, offer equally stunning experiences without the same price tag or crowds.”
With the total cost for the average Brit to tick off the top ten bucket list destinations exceeding £7,000, careful planning is essential to make those travel dreams a reality.
