'Grown-up gappers' taking advantage of recession

The increasing number of people being made redundant during the recession has led to rising demand for gap year travel among older people, according to research.

Travelex surveyed 4,000 people who had lost their jobs and found that more than three quarters (78 per cent) plan to use the opportunity to go travelling.

Nearly two thirds (63 per cent) of the 30 to 55 age group said they will be heading overseas while out of work, compared to 32 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds.

Canada was found to be the most popular destination with this new generation of 'grown-up gappers', followed by Japan, Hawaii, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Travelex director Peter Davies said: "Combined with strong commercial demand, our recent research highlights that the 'grown-up gap year' is a rapidly growing market, with many people opting for an extended break to destinations that they may not have visited in their youth."

Despite the economic downturn, the survey found that 38 per cent of people going travelling plan to spend more than £3,000 during their trip.

Posted by Kate, 07 August 2009 16:33

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