More Britons are now taking gap years between study and work - with the number having increased 14-fold since the 1970s, a survey has shown.
According to the study by Santander Credit Cards, in the nine-year period from 1970 to 1979, only 270,000 people went on gap year trips. That number sky-rocketed to four million between 2000 and 2010.
In the 1980s, around 710,000 people chose to go on a long break. Almost three decades later, the number has increased so dramatically that as many as 1.22 million Britons have gone away on a long vacation since 2008.
The survey, which questioned 2,011 people, found that a majority cited an opportunity to travel as their main reason for going away on long breaks, sabbaticals or other lifestyle-related vacations.
Almost six out of 10 people are taking long breaks take between six months to two years travelling to different countries, working there or just taking their own time to unwind.
However, this percentage is expected to go down in the future, with a majority (66%) of people who are planning a gap year deciding to go off for less than 12 months, and 23% planning a break of only three months or less.
Mainly students are seen taking extended breaks - with 25% aged 18 and over planning to take time off and just about one in 10 of the overall population planning the same.
According to region, people in the capital are more welcoming of long breaks, with 14% planning one. In Wales, only 2% wanted to go for a gap year.
Ian Coles, director at Santander Cards, said: "Taking a break from work or education is becoming an increasingly appealing option for many Britons, as the job market becomes increasingly competitive and the demand for university places continues to soar.
"It's a great opportunity to travel and to learn but unfortunately it doesn't come cheap. With lifestyle breaks costing around £5,000 to £6,000 on average, it's important that people weigh up the costs and the benefits, financially and otherwise."
