A recent poll conducted by Explore Worldwide has found that two-thirds of all Canadians are ready to take a longer-term break from work, with many anticipating they will take a micro-retirement within two years. More than half of employed Canadians are becoming increasingly more interested in stepping away from the traditional work-life balance, many looking to take trips and experience new locations in their time off from work. The survey came from polling 2,000 employed Canadians.

This emerging trend, known as micro-retirement, is no longer just a distant dream for future generations. While initially sparked by Gen Z, the concept has garnered significant support from Millennials (40%) and Gen X (36%), both of whom are now looking to step away from their careers to recharge and discover the world. With the rising interest in more flexible work arrangements, micro-retirement is gaining traction as a viable option for many.

Travel, the Key Driver for Micro-Retirement

Among the main reasons Canadians are considering an extended break, 38% of respondents cited travel as the top motivator. Micro-retirement allows individuals to embrace the freedom of long-term travel without completely disconnecting from their careers. One to three months is the ideal window for most, offering the perfect balance of time to reset while still maintaining professional commitments.

The survey also highlighted Europe as the top destination for Canadians on micro-retirement, with 34% of respondents naming it as their preferred location. Other popular destinations include long-haul trips to Asia (23%) and Australia (16%). These statistics reflect a growing desire for more enriching travel experiences that go beyond the typical vacation.

Embracing New Experiences: Nature, Road Trips, and Slow Travel

When it comes to the types of experiences Canadians are seeking during their extended breaks, spending time in nature (23%) tops the list. This is followed by a desire to road trip (19%), take round-the-world trips (16%), and engage in slow travel experiences, such as rail trails (15%). These activities speak to the growing trend of seeking deeper, more meaningful connections with the world, as opposed to traditional, fast-paced travel.

The micro-retirement trend is a testament to how the approach to work and travel is evolving. As work culture becomes more flexible, individuals are rethinking the traditional boundaries of career and leisure. Instead of waiting for retirement, Canadians are opting to “reset” earlier in life, making the most of their time for personal growth and discovery.

The Growing Support for Sabbaticals and Personal Growth

The idea of taking a sabbatical has gained support across Canada, with nearly 70% of respondents agreeing that sabbaticals should become a standard workplace benefit. This reflects the increasing recognition that taking time off for personal development and well-being can be a valuable investment, not only for employees but also for their employers. A sabbatical allows individuals to recharge, return with renewed focus, and bring fresh perspectives to their roles.

For those who have already taken a micro-retirement, the results have been overwhelmingly positive. 75% of those who took a sabbatical reported feeling positive about returning to work, with 90% stating that their time away provided a renewed sense of purpose. These findings suggest that temporary breaks can spark long-lasting transformations, both personally and professionally.

Barriers to Micro-Retirement

Despite the positive outlook, several barriers still hinder Canadians from pursuing a micro-retirement. The biggest obstacle, according to the survey, is finances (50%), followed by uncertainty around employer support (25%) and family or home responsibilities (18%). While these concerns are valid, the growing trend of flexible work and remote job opportunities is expected to address some of these challenges, allowing more individuals to take time off and return to their jobs with renewed energy.

The Future of Micro-Retirement and Travel

To further support this trend, Explore Worldwide has launched an innovative online tool designed to help individuals find their ideal micro-retirement trip. The tool takes into account factors like age, job status, and stress levels to suggest the perfect time to embark on a micro-retirement. The tool also offers recommendations for destinations, ensuring that the break aligns with personal preferences and goals.

Those who complete the quiz will also have the chance to enter a competition to win CAD $9,550 toward their micro-retirement trip. The competition runs from September 15 to December 21, 2025, offering an exciting opportunity for Canadians to plan their next adventure.

A New Era of Travel and Work-Life Balance

As more Canadians embrace the idea of micro-retirement, the line between work and leisure continues to blur. This trend reflects a growing desire for personal growth, experiential travel, and a more balanced lifestyle. With destinations like Europe, Asia, and Australia on the horizon, Canadians are choosing to reconnect with the world in a way that goes beyond the traditional vacation.

As interest grows in the advantages of taking longer breaks from work, micro-retirement will only develop as people seek to reset, recharge and re-enter the workforce with renewed energy and a sense of purpose. This shift in mindset will signal the start of a new era, in which work can be integrated with opportunities for travel.

The post Canadians Embrace Micro-Retirement with Longer Breaks and New Travel Destinations appeared first on Travel And Tour World.