10th March 2010
Following yet another summer washout and one of the coldest
winters since records began, 64% potential holidaymakers are
looking to get away from it all and take a holiday abroad this
year.
However, 25% of adults planning a holiday admitted they will be
spending less than in previous years, according to research by
Aviva. More worryingly, almost a third confessed that they
would either not be taking out any travel insurance or were
undecided about purchasing it.
Of those 'thrifty travellers' that are planning to spend less on
their main holiday this year many agreed they are planning to be
'cash careful'. 62% are planning to set a limit on the amount of
spending money they allow themselves on each day of their holiday,
while 45% said they won't be buying any new clothes for their
trip.
41% of holidaymakers will be going self-catering to save pennies
while 40% also said they will cut back on eating out whilst
away.
Whilst 31% of those going on holiday and looking to save money
said they would seek out a bargain holiday by booking late, 30% of
travellers will wait to book their holiday until only one or two
months before they go and 48% said whilst they would take out
travel insurance it would not be when they booked their
holiday.
Jerry Finch, travel product manager at Aviva said: "Cutting back
on the essential protection that travel insurance offers can be a
false economy. If you haven't taken out insurance when you
book your holiday you may not be covered if for example, you had to
cancel your holiday, so don't leave it too late.
"Remember accidents and illnesses do happen on holiday, and you
could end up footing an expensive medical bill if you haven't taken
out travel insurance.
"In one case, whilst on holiday in Barbados, a customer suffered
lacerations when the sink collapsed. They needed medical attention
and help travelling home at a cost of £1,355. Fortunately,
this tourist had taken out travel insurance so everything was taken
care of by us and they probably looked back on that annual policy
premium of £52 as being money very well spent!"
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