Ian Rankin plans gap year travels with son

Novelist Ian Rankin has admitted that he wants to head off on a gap year. The writer, who is the UK's number one best selling crime author, told the Independent that he plans to take some time off with his son. " I'm taking a gap year ; I'm turning 50 and my son has left school. We might do a bit of travelling together " he told the newspaper. "I've got a new book deal that means I only have to write a book every two years,"; he said, suggesting that the free time will allow him to explore the world a little more. Mr Rankin's gap year suggestion comes as insurer InsureandGo reveal that more over 35s are taking time out than before. "Since 2008, the company has seen a 23 per cent rise in the number of long-stay travel insurance policies sold to customers aged over 35." Half of those heading abroad say they are taking time out because they believe finding work in a foreign country may be easier.