Travel breaks 'make Brits reconsider lives'

Britons who take extended breaks from work or study in order to travel the world could make the decision to stay away altogether, according to new research.

A survey by HostelBookers.com has found that 59 per cent of travellers who opt for long breaks - such as a gap year - would seriously consider breaking off all ties with their job or studies in order to see more of the world.

The longer the initial holiday, the more likely it is the traveller will give thought to taking the opportunity of elongating their stay overseas, the poll also discovered.

David Smith, general manager for HostelBookers.com, commented: "The impact that seeing different places and cultures can have on your mind is powerful; there's every chance that it will make people think long and hard about what they want to do with their lives and whether the direction they were taking back home was really where they wanted to go."

According to the Year Out Group, the number of people taking a gap year rose significantly last year, with South Africa, Tanzania and Ghana among the most popular destinations.

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