Research by Santander has found that the number of people taking time out of work and study to take a career break has increased dramatically in the last decade.

While the increasing popularity of gap years has been well documented, it seems a similar trend is hitting the working community, who are keen to take time out and travel.

According to Santader’s research, the number of Britons taking time out of their career has rocketed from a mere 270,000 in the 1970s to around 4 million in the decade leading up to 2010.

While the most common reason for taking a sabbatical or career break is a desire to travel, 415,000 Britons claim that unprecedented competition in the job market is to blame.

For ideas on what to do during your career break, browse our selection of volunteer work or check out the destinations where we operate.