A new trend is emerging among Gen Z travellers: mid-career gap years.
According to the latest research from leading youth travel agency KILROY, as many members of this generation are taking a break from work to travel as those who embark on gap years before starting university.
KILROY’s 2024 Gap Year Travel Report reveals that 24 percent of Gen Z plan their gap years mid-career, a significant shift reflecting the impact of the global pandemic and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
The report, based on a survey of 1,000 Gen Z individuals considering gap years, highlights a growing emphasis on mental health and personal well-being as key motivations for travel. Nearly one-fifth (17%) of respondents cited poor mental health or loneliness as the primary reason for taking a gap year. Personal growth and self-development also emerged as major incentives, with 37 percent of travellers seeking to enhance themselves, second only to the desire for exploration (48%).
Reflecting this shift in priorities, a surprising two-thirds (64%) of Gen Z travellers are opting to go sober during their gap years, a stark contrast to the party-centric reputation often associated with youth travel. Sober travel is becoming increasingly popular as young people focus on mental and physical well-being, with many choosing to explore their destinations fully present and mindful.
Europe has become the most popular destination for these mid-career adventurers, with 66 percent of respondents expressing a preference for staying closer to home. Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands (54%), and North America (45%) also rank high on the list of desirable destinations. In contrast, regions like the Middle East (19%), India and the Subcontinent (20%), and the UK (9%) are less favoured.
Outdoor activities such as surfing, trekking, and diving top the list of preferred gap year experiences (43%), followed closely by sampling local cuisine (41%), exploring architecture (28%), and learning a new language (24%). However, despite the desire for adventure, some travelers remain concerned about safety (40%) and the potential for loneliness (25%).
Financial worries are a main driver
Financial worries also loom large, with nearly two-thirds (64%) of respondents citing cost as a significant concern. The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has led many to consider traveling to cheaper destinations (52%) or for shorter periods (45%). In response, nearly half of the travelers plan to use AI tools for budgeting and cost-saving tips.
The report also features compelling stories like that of Dr. Daveen Rattan, who, after enduring the challenges of working in a hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, took a mid-career gap year at age 27. Her travels not only provided a much-needed break but also led to an unexpected opportunity to star in a film in India, deepening her connection to her heritage.
Commenting on the findings, KILROY travel expert Jessica Bollinger noted the growing popularity of sober-curious travel, driven by Gen Z’s focus on health and well-being. “With drinking often comes ‘hang-xiety’—a dreaded combination of a hangover and anxiety—so Gen Z are making conscious decisions this year,” she said. Bollinger also highlighted the long-term impact of the pandemic and economic pressures, suggesting that mid-career gap years could become increasingly common.
Hollie Youlden, KILROY’s Marketing Manager, reflected on her own experiences, stating that her multiple gap years were pivotal in shaping her career in the travel industry. Her story underscores the enduring appeal of gap years, which continue to inspire and transform lives long after the trips have ended.
As KILROY’s Gap Year Travel Report 2024 shows, the landscape of gap year travel is evolving, with Gen Z leading the charge toward more meaningful, health-focused, and intentional travel experiences.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
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