DIY holidays still need travel insurance

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Thu, 01 Jun 2006

Many holidaymakers are opting to put together their own DIY trips but could be neglecting to buy adequate travel insurance.

In recent years the growth of online booking services and low cost airline travel has lead to a decline in the number of people using travel agents and standard package deals. However, this also means that many travellers are not always covered against unforeseen circumstances.

It is expected that around 11 million people will opt to put together their own holiday this year but they could face costly bills if their airline or hotel chain experience financial difficulties, reports the Daily Mail.

Last year, saw around 40,000 holidaymakers caught unaware by the collapse of budget airline EUjet, with many travellers having to cover their own flights home or abandon their holiday plans.

In the majority of cases consumers do not realise they are not covered under the usual Abta or Atol schemes but the industry is hoping to promote the value of purchasing comprehensive Travel Insurance especially when not using a tour operator.

"We want consumers to be aware of the financial protection they will get if things go wrong," said Civil Aviation Authority spokesman Jonathan Nicholson.


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