Explore Worldwide creates digital tool to find ‘perfect micro-retirement trip’

Travel found to be biggest motivator for those planning extended leave from their jobs 

Explore Worldwide has launched a digital tool to match potential holidaymakers with their ‘perfect micro-retirement trip’. 

The tool asks users to input their age, job situation and stress levels – before crunching the numbers, suggesting both the time to take the trip and the continent best-suited to the adventure. 

The launch of the tool coincides with the findings of a survey that shows nearly a third (29%) of people in the UK are actively considering taking extended time out from their job – with travel the biggest motivator for almost half (48%). 

The poll, of 2,000 employed people, found that the majority have their heart set on a break lasting one to three months. 

Europe tops the list of places people would like to visit on a sabbatical (37%), followed by New Zealand and the Pacific (30%). Around a quarter have their sights set on Australia, Asia (both 26%) and North America (25%), while South America (20%) and Africa (11%) rank lower on the wish list. 

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. 

“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. 

“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.”  

The results of the Explore poll showed that spending time in nature was the most sought-after activity among respondents, with 24% saying this was their reason for taking an adventure break.  

Multi-nation trips, cultural or historical tours, and slow travel by train or boat were also popular (16%), while food and drink tours (13%) and volunteering abroad, such as conservation or education projects (12%), appealed to many. 

The research also found that 84% of people who have experienced a mid-life sabbatical felt positive about returning to work, while 96% had a renewed sense of purpose, and half came back brimming with fresh ideas. 

The biggest barriers to a micro-retirement were finances (49%), uncertainty around employer support (26%) and family or home responsibilities (22%). 

Edwards added: “Micro-retirement is about resetting and rediscovering.  

“When you step away from the daily grind and immerse yourself in new places, you gain clarity, energy, and perspective that no office routine can provide.  

“Our survey highlights a growing appetite for having these moments along the way in life and not waiting for our later years.” 

You can find the tool on the Explore website.