Two-thirds of Singapore respondents are opting for micro-retirements to travel: Skyscanner survey

[SINGAPORE] Care to go on a micro-retirement just to travel the world? According to a survey by travel-search aggregator Skyscanner, 66 per cent of Singapore travellers have already done that or are considering doing so.

The trend is strongest among 25- to 34-year-olds: 23 per cent of them have already taken a micro-retirement to travel, compared to 17 per cent of those aged 18 to 24. The trend is expected to gain momentum, with nearly half (48 per cent) of Singapore travellers considering doing the same.

“Compared to younger Gen Zs who are just getting started in their careers, those in their late 20s and early 30s are often more financially ready and at a natural crossroads,” says Cyndi Hui, Skyscanner travel trends and destination expert. “It’s a moment when a micro-retirement to travel feels both possible and purposeful.”

In its poll conducted between Jun 26 and Jul 2 among 1,000 Singapore respondents aged 18 and above, Skyscanner defined micro-retirement as a short, intentional career break taken to do what most individuals would normally do at the end of their careers, such as travel or a personal passion project.

A majority (44 per cent) of respondents said that the ideal length of a micro-retirement travel break is one to three months. Only 4 per cent see themselves taking more than a year off, reflecting the desire to remain connected to career or life commitments.

The top reasons for taking micro-retirements to travel are for self-care or improving well-being (60 per cent), a desire to take a break before starting a new job (46 per cent), and to focus on hobbies and personal projects (36 per cent). Other reasons include exploring new career paths or future relocation options, learning a new skill or language and doing volunteer work.

The top three destinations for micro-retirement travel are Japan, New Zealand and Australia, with an extended stay in one country (31 per cent) being the preferred option.

“These destinations offer a unique blend of accessibility, cultural appeal and plenty of nature experiences, which align with Singapore travellers’ desire for self-care and a reset while still providing the comfort of familiarity through well-developed cities and infrastructure,” notes Hui.

To take advantage of better deals, those considering a micro-retirement to travel should plan early, be flexible with travel dates and opt for multi-city flights in one booking. They should also rent a car to explore off-the-beaten-path places, she suggests.

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But while taking a micro-retirement travel break can be incredibly rewarding, it’s important to approach it with the right mindset. “Without a sense of purpose, an extended break can sometimes leave one feeling unmoored,” Hui says.

Setting clear intentions – whether it’s picking up a new skill, pursuing a passion project or simply creating a list of experiences to try – can help make the time more meaningful.

She cautions that it is also easy to overlook practical considerations, with budget creep or an underestimation of the challenges of re-entry into the workforce potentially turning a dream trip into a stressful detour. One must plan with intention, build in some flexibility and use the right tools to find the best deals.

“It is important to understand your priorities and limits, especially if you won’t have a regular income during this period,” she advises. “Think about what truly matters to you and what you’re willing to let go of, and plan your budget accordingly.”