The age at which Brits are most spontaneous has been revealed as 31 – although spontaneity quickly drops to its lowest by the age of 37. A lack of responsibility (47 per cent) and a desire to have fun (51 per cent) contribute to the early thirties being the most impulsive time in an adult's life.
Buying a car (15 per cent) and going on a last-minute date (15 per cent) are among the spur-of-the-moment decisions Brits have taken – while one in ten (11 per cent) have even got married on a whim. Two in five (39 per cent), out of 1,000 adults polled, claim they have less fear in their early thirties – while more disposable income (40 per cent) and fewer financial commitments (44 per cent) also helps.
But responsibilities ramp up quickly for 42 per cent – and spontaneity dips by the age of 37, thanks to having a young family (37 per cent), and the need to be more sensible (30 per cent). However, nearly half of adults (47 per cent) wish they were more spontaneous in life – especially when it comes to their social lives (37 per cent), friendships (31 per cent), and travelling (29 per cent).
A spokesman for Skyscanner, which commissioned the research, said: “Spontaneity is proven to reduce stress and increase levels of self-esteem, along with promoting contentment and harmony in close relationships. Spontaneity has been directly affected over the last couple of years by the pandemic, and breaking free from these constricting behaviours is key to getting back on track, and also to boosting well-being.”
The study also found just one in eight (12 per cent) of the adults polled describe themselves as very spontaneous – with 38 per cent admitting they are the opposite, and rarely step out of their comfort zone. But men are slightly more impulsive than women (63 per cent compared to 61 per cent).
For 23 per cent, simply going on an unplanned night out is among the most spontaneous things they have done, while 16 per cent said the same of dying their hair. When it comes to travel, 28 per cent of those polled, via OnePoll, have been surprised by a spontaneous trip from someone else, and one in three (32 per cent) have booked a trip to a location they knew nothing about.
More than one in three UK travellers have even arrived at the airport without a ticket or destination in mind, and would do so again. And for respondents over 65, it emerged that of life’s valuable experiences, travel ranked highest.
It comes after Skyscanner flight data revealed last-minute trips, booked seven days or less before departure, are increasing in popularity by 14 per cent compared to pre-pandemic.
A spokesman added: “Sometimes you may want to be spontaneous, but may feel held back by responsibilities, finances, and even fear.
“But while it may seem scary to just pack a bag and hop on a plane, being spontaneous can be exhilarating – and there is nothing is more freeing than travel. And it doesn’t need to be something big – simply planning less than you usually would for something like a trip away, or taking a chance on an unknown destination, will remind you of the possibilities that are out there.
“Being flexible with where and when you go away, and using our Everywhere tool, can also save you money, as well as allowing you to be more adventurous.”
The study also found after making a spontaneous decision, 34 per cent feel excited and 27 per cent feel happy. Others feel carefree (23 per cent) and exhilarated (21 per cent) – although 17 per cent also admit to being worried.
However, nearly two-thirds (61 per cent) are looking to be more spontaneous post-pandemic, after 53 per cent said Covid stopped them from doing this. Following the findings, Skyscanner is giving people the chance to win their own spontaneous trip away this month to help rediscover the joy of travel.
The NOMOFOMO campaign is on the brand’s Instagram and Facebook now.
