Young Professionals Opting For Mid-Career Breaks To Travel The World

In a surprising shift, new research into Gen Z’s travel plans reveals a growing trend towards mid-career breaks and a notable departure from the traditional party-centric student travel of previous generations. And forget South-East Asia, Europe is the place to go.  

According to youth specialist travel agency, KILROY, “Quarter-Life Quests”, defined as mid-career gap years taken in your early to mid 20’s, have become just as common as gap years. The survey of 1,000 Gen Z considering extended travel revealed that almost a quarter (24%) of extended trips are planned as a break from working – the same number as before beginning university highlighting a profound change in how the younger generation views and plans their early career.  

While the previous millennial generation typically headed for Southeast Asia, two-thirds of Gen Z (66%) are more interested in staying closer to home in Europe. Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands (54%) and North America (45%) follow Europe as desirable destinations, while India and the Subcontinent (20%), the Middle East (19%) and the UK (9%) are least desirable. 

Travel intentions are solidly focused on health and well-being with nearly a fifth (17%) citing feelings of loneliness or mental health struggles as a key motivator to travel. What’s more, one in two (50%) wish to grow as a person so it’s no surprise that outdoor pursuits – like surfing, trekking, and diving – are high on the list of priorities for almost half (43%) followed by sampling local cuisine (41%), exploring architecture (28%) and learning a new language (24%). Conversely, almost three-quarters (70%) will stay sober, seeing little value in drinking, contradicting precious stereotypes.  

It comes as KILROY has announced a collection of Quarter-Life Quests, perfect for those looking for transformative travel experiences with like-minded travelers. From hiking across the lesser visited parts of the Greek and Canary Islands to learning to surf in Portugal, the Quarter-Life Quests are designed to offer twenty-somethings an escape from day-to-day life. Bursting with once-in-a-lifetime experiences, thrilling adventures, and unique opportunities to meet like-minded travelers they’ll never forget.  

This article originally appeared on Your Coffee Break.