One in ten(1) UK adults have already booked their 2019 summer getaway
New research from Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Insurance has found that 5.6(2) million UK adults have already booked their 2019 summer break (1).
Many are dreaming of warmer climates with almost half (45%) planning a beach break, three times the 2018 amount(3). A quarter (26%) of travellers prefer a city break for their summer trip, while over a tenth (13%) will take to the waters on a cruise.
Europe is the top holiday destination for holiday makers, with just under half (49%) choosing to stay closer to home. Staycations in the UK are the second most popular location for a third (29%) of UK travellers. Other popular holiday destinations for travellers include North America (8%), Asia (7%) and Australasia (5%).
Top holiday destinations for travellers next summer:
| Countries(1). | Percentage of UK adults planning a holiday to the country/region next summer(1). |
| Europe | 49% |
| The UK | 29% |
| North America | 8% |
| Asia | 7% |
| Australasia | 5% |
While consumers may be early birds when it comes to booking their holiday, they’re not as organised when it comes to their travel insurance. Although some book their holidays twenty weeks in advance, the average traveller gets round to sorting their travel insurance only three months before their trip. Incredibly, over a tenth (16%) never take out travel insurance leaving them exposed to a range of potential issues from travel disruptions to medical bills should they become ill abroad.
Waiting for a good deal or special offer was the reason a quarter (25%) of UK adults hold off buying travel insurance. Over a tenth (14%) claimed they hadn’t had the time to purchase travel insurance.
Karen Hogg, Head of Insurance at Sainsbury’s Bank said: “Leaving your travel insurance until the last minute is a risky strategy as travellers could end up uninsured and out of pocket if they have to cancel their trip.
“Travel insurance usually covers cancellations if a travelling companion becomes seriously unwell, or a relative dies or you’re made redundant.”
Arranging an appropriate travel insurance policy should be one of the first things on any traveller’s list once their trip is confirmed. Sainsbury’s Bank offers up to a 20% discount(4) on travel insurance for Nectar card holders and can also covers kids for free(5), meaning extra holiday spending money.
Top tips on planning ahead for your next holiday:
- Plan ahead: Buying travel insurance early is essential to avoid paying for a holiday you couldn’t go on if events beyond your control make you miss your trip.
- Get a deal: Sainsbury’s Bank gives Nectar card holders up to 20% off the cost of their travel insurance
- Calculate the cost: If you’re a frequent traveller it could be a clever idea to buy an annual policy as it could work out costing less in the long run.
- Book activities early: Booking activities you plan to do while you’re away in advance can not only save you money, but ensure the level of travel insurance you have will cover these activities.
- Specialist cover: Make sure to add specialist insurance to your policy if you’re going on an activity holiday such as skiing or abseiling.
