Holidaymakers 'prepared for travel problems'
4th August 2010
As the holiday season swings into full season, a new report has shown people across the UK are taking more precautions to protect themselves against possible problems.
A survey carried out by money transfer company Western Union revealed that factors such as the ash cloud, holiday companies collapsing, and airline strikes, have had a big impact on holidaymakers this summer.
The report, which will be of interest to travel insurance companies, showed that almost a fifth of holidaymakers are turning their backs on foreign shores and opting for UK destinations this summer.
Of those that do choose to head for an overseas break, 19% are taking both their credit card an debit card with them, or carrying a mixture of travel money and travellers' cheques.
The survey of 2,110 adults revealed that 13% are paying for the holiday on their credit card in order to allow themselves greater protection should things go wrong, while the same amount said they carried their tour operator and airline details with them.
The poll also showed that 8% are taking out travel insurance this summer when normally they do not bother, or upgrading their insurance.
According to the survey, 32% of people encountered problems on their most recent holiday abroad, with the most difficulties coming in Spain followed by the USA, France and Greece.
Around a third of the 18 to 24-year-olds in the survey took a holiday to celebrate the end of their exams.
Of these, 15% ran out of money on their trip, 15% suffered severe sunburn and 14% had luggage or belongings stolen.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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