Financial Crisis 'Spoiling Brits' Holidays'

by Mark Harris
Published on 16 December 2008
Financial Crisis 'Spoiling Brits' Holidays'

Financial issues are hitting people's holidays, but many are still not taking out travel insurance, new research has shown.

Even looking forward to a sunny getaway during the winter cannot take Brits' minds of the economic downturn, according to a new survey.

Research by financial and leisure services firm greenbee.com discovered that the malaise in the markets is worrying a third of holidaymakers. Some 17 percent are worried that their travel operator may go under as a result of the crisis, while the same amount are concerned about the sterling's continuing decline.

There have been reports that Brits going on holiday have been buying euros for about a pound each, once charges have been taken into account. The research revealed that Scots were the least likely to be worried about this, with those in the south-east and London the most concerned.

However, the firm also found that budgetary constraints may be causing people to forego travel insurance. More than a third did not consider it to be essential and 12 percent reported that they never buy it.

James Furse, greenbee.com managing director, warned that, while using a credit card will offer protection in the result of an operator going bust, there is no substitute for travel insurance.

"If the worst happens on your overseas break and you're not insured, you could potentially be left with a hefty bill running into hundreds or thousands of pounds. Travel insurance should be seen as a holiday essential rather than an unnecessary expense," he said.

+
 

Comments

Add Your Comment. We'd love to hear your thoughts.

Please login, or sign up if you're not yet a member
Comment:

You have 1000 characters left
 
 
 

Mammoth Money Tips Email

Join 200,000 other subscribers who grab the hottest bargains and expert money tips each week in our special email.

These deals go fast. Get yours now.
 
Don't Miss Out!Guides, Deals & Money News
Compare a
mammoth 10,954
financial products