Currency exchange service Travelex interviewed 4,000 people recently made redundant and found that almost eight in ten were planning on using their free time to travel, reports Reuters.
Director of Travelex Peter Davies told the news agency: "Our recent research highlights that the grown up gap year is a rapidly growing market, with many people opting for an extended break to destinations they may not have visited in their youth."
According to the survey, the most popular destination for career-break gappers is Canada, closely followed by Japan, Hawaii, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Unlike their pre-university counterparts, however, older backpackers were less interested in volunteering and charity work.
Around two-thirds would also opt to stay in a hotel rather than a hostel.
Further research released earlier this month by Travelex said that travellers generally fit into four distinct categories - party animal, lover of luxury, young at heart and the city slicker.
Steve O'Donovan, managing director for Travelex Outsourcing Europe and North America, said: "It is important that the style of trip reflects your passions and what you like doing."
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