Posted 07 Sep 2010

A growing number of people have been taking gap years to escape the recession, according to a new survey by Santander Credit Cards.

The research shows that in the 1970s, some 270,000 gap year-style breaks were taken. This rose to four million between 2000 and 2010.

Of these, some 1.2 million have been taken since the recession began in 2008, suggesting that travellers are using gap years as a way to escape the sluggish jobs market.

Just over one in ten UK adults have taken a lifestyle break, with a further eight per cent planning to do so at some point in the future.

For 47 per cent of people, travel is the main reason for taking a gap year, but 28 per cent see it as a chance to take time out and 20 per cent welcome the chance to work abroad.

Ian Coles, director at Santander Cards, said: "Taking a break from work or education is becoming an increasingly appealing option, as the job market becomes increasingly competitive and demand for university places continues to soar."

However, in a recent article for the Telegraph newspaper, journalist Charles Starmer-Smith insisted that gap years are more than just CV boosters.

He said travelling abroad is about "looking at the bigger picture" and finding out what your personal strengths and interests are.
 

Category: General Travel