Older workers would like year out

8 September 2009 04:58pm

Nearly half of older workers would like to take time off to go travelling, a survey has showed.

Around 49% of 55 to 64-year-olds want a break from work to see the world, with 59% saying the current economic climate would not put them off taking the trip of a lifetime, according to high street bank Halifax.

Six out of 10 people aged 16 to 24, an age group more usually associated with taking a gap year, also said they would be prepared to put off travelling until later in life.

The average so-called "grey gapper" expects to spend £2,604 on their trip, while 18% are prepared to spend more than £5,000.

But 22% of 55 to 64-year-olds said they would consider working while they were travelling to help them cover the cost of their dream trip, with a further 23% borrowing the money.

Europe is the most popular destination for a gap year with 68% of people saying they would spend their time here, followed by Australia and New Zealand at 57%, Asia and the Far East at 44%, Africa at 40% and North America at 37%.

A third of 55 to 64-year-olds said they would like to see as much of the world as possible and would take a round-the-world trip.

Russell Galley, director of loans at Halifax, said: "A mature gap year is a wonderful opportunity to experience different ways of life and see other parts of the world. But such a big adventure requires careful financial planning."

© The Press Association