Growing numbers of young people are swapping gap years in South East Asia and Australia for trips closer to home amid the rising cost of living, according to a new report from Caterer.com.
The report, which surveyed 2,000 UK adults and 250 full-time students, reveals that 417,000 students (aged 16-24 in full time education) are planning on taking a gap year within the UK.
Stretched budgets are a key driver behind this trend, with 37% of 18-34 year olds opting for UK-based gap years due to the rising cost of living, and 29% stating that it’s easier to budget in the UK. 19% also reported that concerns about their carbon footprint was a key factor.
Sightseeing with a salary
In a growing trend for more wallet-friendly travel experiences, a fifth (22%) of 18-34 year olds looking for UK-based gap years said they planned on working whilst travelling the UK and staying on home soil makes it easier do so.
According to the research, the most popular cities for students (aged 16-24 in full time education) looking for work outside their local area include London (38%), Manchester (28%), Oxford (17%), and Edinburgh (13%).
With thousands of students looking for ways to boost their travel budgets, many are looking to the UK’s pubs, hotels and restaurants for temporary roles. 63% of students are considering working in hospitality in the next 12 months and 55% of the UK population feel hospitality is a great way to settle into a new area.
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Calvern James, Director of Hospitality Management, at Caterer.com, said: “People are not only looking closer to home for adventure, they’re also hoping to earn as they go, and a domestic break can make that a lot easier.
“Hospitality jobs in the UK are hugely accessible and can offer a solid wage, flexible hours and often even accommodation. Whether it’s pouring pints in a beach bar in Cornwall or enjoying Edinburgh’s nightlife while earning a wage, hospitality jobs are allowing young people to travel without the significant financial burden a traditional gap year can have.”
The trend for UK gap years coincides with a surge in hospitality hiring as the sector gears up for a busy summer period. There are currently 1,516 ‘summer jobs’ advertised on Caterer.com.
For more information visit Caterer.com.