UK workers are actively considering 'micro-retirements', with travel motivating nearly half of those contemplating mid-life sabbaticals as an alternative to waiting until traditional retirement age. Olivia Palamountain reports

Nearly one in three UK workers are actively considering extended time away from their jobs, with travel serving as the primary motivation for almost half of those contemplating "micro-retirement" breaks.

A survey of 2,000 employed people commissioned by adventure travel company Explore Worldwide found that 29% are eyeing sabbaticals lasting one to three months - a shift from traditional career patterns that reserve extended travel for gap years or full retirement.

Europe tops the list of desired destinations for these mid-life breaks at 37%, followed by New Zealand and the Pacific at 30%. Australia and Asia each appeal to 26% of potential micro-retirees, whilst North America attracts 25%. South America and Africa rank lower at 20% and 11% respectively.

The concept challenges conventional career trajectories by encouraging workers to take significant breaks during their most productive years rather than deferring major travel experiences until their 70s.

To guide would-be micro-retirees, Explore Worldwide has launched a digital quiz that analyses users' age, job situation and stress levels to suggest optimal timing and destinations for such breaks. Everyone that takes the quiz will be entered into a prize draw, with the potential of winning an Explore voucher for £5,000 to spend on their dream sabbatical.

Michael Edwards, managing director at Explore Worldwide, says: "People are no longer reserving their big travel experiences for early adulthood gap years, or retirement as has always been tradition. In our youth, finances often hold us back from travelling how or where we'd like, while later in life it can simply feel too late. With the state retirement age on the rise, more and more people are looking to 'micro-dose' that traditional big retirement trip, choosing to take chunks of time out from work to tick off bucket list experiences now rather than waiting."

The research reveals that 84% of people who experienced mid-life sabbaticals felt positive about returning to work, whilst 96% reported a renewed sense of purpose. Half returned with fresh ideas, suggesting potential workplace benefits despite the temporary absence from employment.

Activities sought during these breaks reflect changing travel preferences, with spending time in nature ranking highest at 24%. Multi-nation trips, cultural or historical tours and slow travel by train or boat each attracted 16% of respondents. Food and drink tours appealed to 13%, whilst volunteering abroad through conservation or education projects interested 12%.

Edwards continues: "Midlife is a time of change and increased pressure for many - whether you have children growing more independent or flying the nest, aging parents, work stress or potentially a long-term relationship breakdown. We're living longer and working for longer than ever, so sometimes we just need a complete break to totally reassess or simply recharge. Additionally, there's been a sense of Carpe Diem since 2020 - a recognition that we don't always know what lies ahead. It's no wonder fewer people are willing to wait until their 70s, when health and activity levels may be declining, to take that dream trip!"

Primary barriers preventing micro-retirement include finances at 49%, uncertainty around employer support at 26% and family or home responsibilities at 22%. These practical considerations highlight the gap between aspiration and execution for many contemplating extended career breaks.

The trend reflects broader workplace evolution, with employees increasingly prioritising work-life balance and questioning traditional career progression models. The concept of micro-retirement suggests workers are seeking more flexibility within their careers rather than adhering to rigid patterns of continuous employment followed by complete retirement.