Skint young Brits are ditching the lengthy gap year in favour of a shorter Snap Year more in keeping with their tight budgets.
Gone are the days of trailing around the world for months on end, says LV= travel insurance. Today’s Brits have been forced to slimline their break and embrace less budget-busting back-packing. Of the 2.75 million Brits who are still planning to enjoy an extended overseas break over the next year, more than a fifth of them have shortened their planned trip as a result of stretched finances.
Fewer than 8 per cent of travellers now plan to be away for more than four months – instead, the new Snap Year lasts just five weeks on average.
The number of travellers still opting for the traditional year-long trip has fallen away by a whopping 69 per cent over the past five years, as worries about jobs and debts continue. Alongside concerns over funding the trip, this new breed of Snappers also reported being worried that they would not be able to secure a job on their return if they stayed away too long. Those career breakers who used to be able to secure a long sabbatical from their employer are now finding it increasingly hard to do so.
Snappers are also looking at other ways to keep costs down, with one in ten opting to work during their time away, and more than a quarter choosing to head to budget destinations where you get more bang for your buck, such as India and Thailand. Many will be making use of accommodation provided by friends and family abroad, rather than staying in hostels or hotels.
Managing director of LV= travel insurance, John O’Roarke, said, “The findings show that with financial concerns at the forefront of Brits’ minds, long periods of overseas travel to far-flung destinations are no longer a feasible option for many people.
“However even for shorter breaks, planning the practicalities of a trip is essential, especially if you are hoping to cram multiple activities into a tight timescale.”
Among the top picks for snappers are Australia, New Zealand and the USA – where savvy travellers can take advantage of the strong sterling, which is currently sitting at $1.60 to the pound.
The shorter length of the snap year has also meant an increase in popularity of closer-to-home destinations, such as France, Italy and Spain.
If you fancy heading off the beaten track for your snap year, what better time to visit the stunning city of Machu Picchu in Peru than this year, the 100th anniversary of its discovery. The ancient ruins of the city of the Incas were discovered by explorer Hiram Bingham’s on 24 July 1911 and now welcomes hordes of travellers from all corners of the globe.
Money-saving snappers should check out Projects Abroad, the overseas volunteering and work placement projects provider, which offers a bevy of different projects in the area to allow visitors to experience the Inca history at first hand. One of the projects includes the “Inca Trail Renovation Project” which allows volunteers to work alongside Peruvian experts on archaeological activities. Snappers will live as the locals do and gain experience and knowledge of the history of the Inca civilisation and its archaeology.
Director at Projects Abroad, Ian Birbeck, said: “What better time is there to visit such a historically interesting part of the world? With the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, along with local villages and a nearby rainforest there is plenty to keep even the keenest explorer busy.
“Our projects aim to provide the local area with the help it needs, whilst also providing volunteers with a once in a lifetime experience they will never forget.”
Tempted? Then snap to it and check out www.projects-abroad.co.uk to read more about the project.
