A growing number of Australians are rethinking the traditional travel timeline, no longer waiting for retirement to tick off big bucket-list trips, specifically to Africa.
According to new research from small-group adventure specialist Explore Worldwide, a shift is underway — one that sees mid-career Australians taking extended breaks, dubbed ‘radical sabbaticals’, to prioritise mental health, family time and meaningful adventure travel.
Launched as part of Explore’s latest campaign, the Radical Sabbatical concept champions planned breaks from work, typically lasting between four weeks and six months. Designed to reset, recharge and reconnect, these breaks are being embraced by Australians aged 45–54, a demographic feeling the weight of peak career pressures, ageing parents and growing family responsibilities.
Midlife is the moment — and burnout is the catalyst
Explore Worldwide spokesperson and broadcaster Felicity Harley says the midlife mental load makes sabbaticals more essential than ever.
“We tend to park our bucket list for retirement, then wish we’d done it sooner,” she said.
“Midlife is when the mental load is highest — careers, kids, ageing parents — and that’s exactly when a radical sabbatical delivers more than a long weekend ever could.”
New data commissioned by Explore reveals that 60 per cent of Australians feel stressed at work, with one in three saying their job leaves little time for rest. More than 70 per cent believe sabbaticals should be a standard workplace benefit, and among those considering one, three in four expect to take it within the next two years — even if it means unpaid leave.
A sabbatical tailored to you
To support the trend, Explore Worldwide has launched an interactive online quiz designed to ‘prescribe’ the perfect sabbatical. Based on factors such as life stage and travel preferences, the tool suggests an ideal age to take a sabbatical and a matching destination. As an added incentive, users can enter a prize draw to win a $10,750 Explore travel voucher, valid until 15 December 2025.
Ben Ittensohn, Regional Director AUNZ for Explore, says the trend reflects a broader cultural shift.
“People are no longer reserving their big travel experiences for early adulthood gap years or post-retirement,” he said.
“Radical sabbaticals are a response to burnout, but also a way to travel with purpose — to connect with family, explore slower, and return with a renewed sense of energy and clarity.”
Where Australians are dreaming of going
Africa is popular on the list, with many Australians saying they would use a sabbatical to explore the continent. Popular itineraries for radical sabbaticals include:
MOROCCO & TUNISIA
Grand Tour of Morocco – 19 nights | From $4,070
From the pandemonium of Marrakech’s souks to the tranquillity of the High Atlas Mountains and the surreal plains of the Sahara, Morocco is a tapestry of diverse sights and sounds. Wind through the very heart of this majestic country, exploring imperial cities, Berber villages and fortified towns and getting a flavour for local life, dining on fragrant tagines and refreshing mint teas. Hitting all the must-sees, our Grand Tour dives deep into the history, culture, and landscapes that make Morocco simply unforgettable.
Best of Tunisia – 9 nights | From $3,970
Roman ruins, Saharan desert and Troglodyte caves are all part of this trip to Tunisia. We tour the capital Tunis, explore the remains of the Phoenician city of Carthage and visit the magnificent Roman amphitheatre at El Djem. We also discover the Great Mosque of Kairouan, Tunisia’s holiest site, and visit the spectacular Dougga, one of the best preserved Roman archaeological sites in North Africa.
Travellers can also combine two or more Explore tours and save five per cent when booked within a month of each other — the perfect way to extend a sabbatical into a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Employers urged to embrace the change
While some Australians report that their employers already support extended leave, barriers such as financial constraints and formal policies still limit uptake. Explore Worldwide sees the sabbatical trend as an opportunity for businesses to support staff wellbeing, reduce burnout, and boost long-term productivity by encouraging more flexible travel breaks.
With Australians increasingly seeking experiences that offer depth, restoration and connection, radical sabbaticals could well redefine how — and when — we travel.
