Top spots Singaporeans are escaping to for their micro-retirements

Taking a few months off work to travel and recharge isn’t just a retiree’s dream anymore. As a matter of fact, more Singaporeans — especially millennials and Gen Z — are embracing micro-retirements. But why are they hitting pause on their career to travel? 

What is a micro-retirement?

Picture this: you step away from your desk for one to three months, not because you’re changing jobs or chasing a promotion, but to slow down, travel, and actually live. That’s the essence of a micro-retirement — a short, intentional career break designed to give you a taste of retirement before you hit your 60s.

It’s different from sabbaticals, which often focus on professional growth, or extended vacations, which fly by too quickly. In this case, micro-retirements are about self-care and recharging. As Cyndi Hui, Skyscanner’s Travel Trends and Destination Expert, puts it: “It’s a taste of unhurried living, offering a chance for personal growth and exploration without the commitment of full retirement.”

And clearly, the idea resonates. Skyscanner found that 66% of Singapore travellers have either taken a micro-retirement or are considering one.

How long should a micro-retirement last?

The sweet spot? One to three months. Long enough to slow down and immerse yourself in a destination, but not so long that re-entering the workforce feels daunting.

For many, this could look like living in a Kyoto townhouse, driving across New Zealand’s South Island, or spending weeks café-hopping and exploring hidden neighbourhoods in Seoul. The focus is on unhurried, meaningful travel.

Who’s embracing micro-retirements — and why

This isn’t just a Gen Z daydream. While this trend has become increasingly popular over the last year or so, the OnePoll survey that was conducted earlier this year amongst 1,000 adults in Singapore, shows that 23% of Gen Zs and 16% of Millennials in Singapore have already taken a micro-retirement — with nearly half of both generations considering one in the near future.

Why? The short answer: wellness. 60% of Singaporeans cite self-care as their biggest motivation. The younger generations in particular no longer see career breaks as risky “gaps” on a CV. Instead, they view them as investments in mental health and personal growth. Evidently, the focus on wellness is reflected in other aspects of life in Singapore too — from the evolving nightlife scene to the way Gen Zs choose to spend their free time.

Sure, it may sound like it’s not a big deal especially in Western countries like the USA, but in Singapore’s high-pressure work culture, the idea of stepping away from the grind to reset feels less like indulgence, and more like survival.

A great example is Cyndi’s very own experience. In 2020, she made the decision to take a career break to focus on herself and prioritise her personal well-being. This meant taking two weeks exploring East Africa where she got to immerse herself in nature, reconnect with her inner self and building strength and resilience to reprioritse what was truly important and meaningful to her. 

She adds, “Just like myself, travellers might be taking this leap as they view it as a  necessary step to protect their wellbeing and to recharge themselves for work… I could finally pursue passions and experiences that had taken a backseat during my full-time career, making this period  one of the most fulfilling chapters of my life.”

But it wasn’t just a vacation for Cyndi, in fact, she also managed to do some volunteer work, pursue higher education and spend time baking for loved ones – hobbies that she’s passionate about.

The best micro-retirement destinations for Singaporeans

That being said, finding a country that you can spend weeks, if not, months in can be quite the struggle, considering the fact that you have to think of the budget you have to set aside, the culture, and everything in between. However, according to Skyscanner, it was reported that out of all the countries, most Singaporeans tend to stick to these top three destinations:

Japan

Ask any Singaporean if they’ve been to Japan, and you’d only be surprised by the ones that haven’t. If you live in the countryside, you’ll get to indulge in a blend of wellness, culture, and slower-paced living. Think–quiet mountain towns, onsen escapes, and traditional ryokans offer the perfect contrast to the hustle and bustle in Singapore.

New Zealand

Synonymous with road trips, breathtaking landscapes, and outdoor adventures. Much like the countryside in Japan, New Zealand offers the perfect respite for those looking to reflect and reconnect with nature and have peace of mind.

Australia

Familiar yet inspiring, Australia offers a laid-back culture with a rather vibrant city life.

Taiwan

If you’re big on food and culture, Taiwan is hard to beat. From bustling night markets to cosy cafes, it’s a foodie’s dream. The best part? You can go from the city buzz of Taipei to the calm of Taroko Gorge or Sun Moon Lake in just a few hours.

South Korea

South Korea gives you the best of both worlds. One moment you’re in the middle of Seoul’s shopping streets and food alleys, the next you’re hiking along the coast in Jeju or breathing in fresh mountain air. It’s a place where you can soak up culture, enjoy the convenience of city living, and still find space to slow down.

China

China is full of surprises if you’re open to exploring beyond the usual big cities. Lijiang has its charming old town set against stunning mountain views, Chongqing is buzzing with nightlife and fiery hotpot options, while Hangzhou is all about serene lakes and tea fields.

Planning (and affording) your micro-retirement

Of course, pressing pause on your paycheque means careful planning. According to Cyndi, she says, that “planning a micro-retirement trip can vary significantly based on its complexity,  duration, and your personal circumstances. However, a good general guideline is to start  planning at least 6 months in advance.” 

Some of the aspects to planning and micro-retirees have to consider, according to Cyndi include:

• Financial Planning: This is often the biggest hurdle. Travellers need to determine how much money they need, depending on the destination and activities they choose. The longer the micro-retirement, the more savings required, meaning travellers need to start saving well in advance. This also includes researching and setting up alternative income streams if travellers plan to work part-time during their break. 
• Career & Employer Discussion: If travellers plan to return to their current job, they need to discuss their intentions with their employer. This requires careful thought about how to present the request, negotiate terms (e.g., unpaid leave, part-time return), and ensure a smooth transition for responsibilities. Giving ample notice shows professionalism and allows the team to plan for their absence. If travellers are leaving their jobs, they will still need time to prepare for their departure and potentially line up future opportunities. 
• Logistics & Research: Planning vacations already take a considerable amount of time, so a micro-retirement can be expected to take much more planning. Sourcing accommodations, especially for longer stays, can require booking well in advance. Depending on destinations, obtaining visas can also be a lengthy process.  
• Personal Preparation: Travellers would need to make sure everything at home is in order.  Additionally, they would have to mentally prepare for a significant break from routine and work – this is not always easy, and it is okay to take time to process the anxieties that come with it.

You can pull off a quick micro-retirement with minimal planning, but if you want one that feels smooth and stress-free, six months’ prep is ideal. That gives you enough time to budget, book your preferred flights and stays, and sort out practical things like visas and insurance.

That said, flexibility is just as key. Being open to shifting travel dates, trying alternative destinations, or exploring different styles of accommodation can help you snag better deals, stretch your budget, and roll with any last-minute changes. With the right balance of planning and flexibility, your micro-retirement will feel truly restorative and not rushed.

Why now? The cultural shift behind the trend

Micro-retirements are part of a bigger lifestyle shift. The rise of remote work and more flexible career paths means stepping away doesn’t feel as final or risky as before.

Younger generations are also rewriting what success looks like. It’s no longer just about climbing the corporate ladder; it’s about balance, well-being, and having experiences that enrich life outside of work.

The takeaway: could a micro-retirement be for you?

You don’t need to wait until retirement to give yourself permission to rest. Even just a month or two away from the grind can offer the reset you’ve been craving.

If you’ve been dreaming of taking a break to travel, eat, and rediscover yourself, maybe it’s time to plan your own micro-retirement — your future self will thank you.