13 October 2011

Brits set to their back on overseas travels

New figures reveal that British holidaymakers are not too keen on travelling overseas. In the three months to August 2011, both visits and expenditure abroad by

**New figures reveal that British holidaymakers are not too keen on travelling overseas. In the three months to August 2011, both visits and expenditure abroad by UK tourists fell significantly. **

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) published their latest report ‘Overseas Travel and Tourism', which reveals the newest trends on travelling among British people.

Data shows that in the three months up to August 2011, the number of trips abroad by UK residents decreased by 4% compared with the previous three months.

While earnings from visits to the UK rose 3%, expenditure on visits abroad fell by 2% – despite the fact that UK holidaymakers are leaders in holiday consumer spending.

Annual comparison

Taking these figures in a year-on-year comparison (from August 2010 to August 2011); the total number of visits abroad by UK residents also decreased, but only by 1%.

ONS statistics also analysed travel trends according to the most popular reasons and destinations. In this sense, the data shows that holiday visits decreased by 2%; business visits decreased by 1% and visits to friends or relatives increased by 2%.

Regarding destinations, visits to Europe decreased 1% while visits to North America increased by 2%. Trips to other parts of the world also decreased by 3%.

These various trends suggest Brits are cutting back on overseas trips. Of those that still travel abroad from the UK though, several choose to travel without insurance.

The Travel Association figures revealed recently that travel agents now account for less than 17% of travel insurance policies sold – according to data from total sales of insurance sold by travel agents that have been regulated by the Financial Services Authority since 2007.

Many British travellers believe that they have to pay a high cost for insurance, however, comparing travel insurance premiums can be a great help in order to find travel insurance that suits your needs and your pocket.