Almost one in three people in the UK (29%) are actively considering taking extended time out from their jobs and for nearly half of them (48%), the primary motivator is travel.
That research conducted by Explore Worldwide surveyed 2,000 employed adults, most of who would opt for a sabbatical lasting between one and three months, reflecting a growing appetite for what the company has dubbed “micro-retirement” trips.
When it comes to sabbatical destinations, Europe tops the list with 37% of respondents keen to explore closer to home. New Zealand and the Pacific (30%) came second, followed by Australia and Asia (both 26%) and North America (25%). South America (20%) and Africa (11%) ranked lower but there was still significant interest.
Nature-based escapes are the most sought-after experience (24%), while 16% said they would like to take a multi-centre trip through cultural or historical tours or slow travel by train or boat. Food and drink tours appealed to 13%, while 12% said they would be interested in volunteering abroad, through conservation or education projects.
New Zealand and the Pacific are among the most sought-after destinations for UK workers considering extended time away from their jobs.
Explore offers a 22-day ‘New Zealand Explorer’ adventure designed to showcase the country’s landscapes and Maori culture. Highlights include visiting Rotorua’s geothermal valleys, hiking in Tongariro National Park, cruising through Milford Sound, and exploring both the North and South Islands. The price starts from £5,650pp including flights, accommodation, transport and guided activities. Departures run throughout 2025 and 2026.
Michael Edwards, Managing Director at Explore Worldwide, said: “People are no longer reserving their big travel experiences for early adulthood gap years, or retirement as has always been tradition. With the state retirement age rising, more and more people are looking to ‘micro-dose’ that traditional retirement trip, taking chunks of time out now to tick off bucket list experiences rather than waiting.”
The research also highlighted the positive impact of sabbaticals, finding that:
- 84% of those who had already taken a midlife break said they felt positive about returning to work
- 96% reported a renewed sense of purpose
- 50% came back with fresh ideas.
However, the biggest barriers remain financial constraints (49%), employer support (26%) and family or home responsibilities (22%).
