A study by Santander Credit Cards has found that career breaks are becoming increasingly popular among British workers in their late 20s and 30s.

While gap year travel has traditionally been the preserve of students, it seems that pay freezes and a lack of job opportunities are driving many abroad, not just to holiday, but to improve their job prospects in the long term.

Santander’s research shows that 14 times as many people are taking gap years, sabbaticals and career breaks now than in the 1970s, with a significant rise since the recession began in 2008. Between 2000 and 2010 an estimated 4 million people took time out from work or education to travel abroad, with 1.2 million taking a gap year since 2008.

Andy Smith from Santander Cards comments: “The nature of those taking a gap year is changing as the state of the economy, and in particular employment prospects, has resulted in an increasing number of more mature people taking gap years and sabbaticals”.

Of course, those considering a career break will need to plan thoroughly before they travel. Read the full article for advice on handling mortgages, bills and insurance while you’re away.

Improve your job prospects on your career break by volunteering abroad! Find out more about volunteer work with Inspire.