14 February 2012

Gadget and travel insurance ideal partners for holidaymakers over 50

New research has shown that 70% of British travellers aged 50 or over take at least one gadget away with them when they go on holiday.

**New research has shown that 70% of British travellers aged 50 or over take at least one gadget away with them when they go on holiday. **

Brits over 50 are embracing technology during their holiday breaks more than ever before. A new study published by Saga Travel Insurance has revealed that 52% of them keep in touch with their relatives by email; while 24% plan to use social media – including Facebook and Twitter – to keep their relatives posted about their holiday adventures.

Top five gadgets and uses

According to figures released in the report, the top five gadgets that holidaymakers over 50 take with them are Sat-Navs (31%), MP3 players (26%), smartphones (24%), tablet devices such as an iPad or a Kindle (20%) and radios (18%).

The Saga Travel study also analysed the top five uses that over 50s travellers have for these devices while on holiday. The majority of them (52%) use technology to stay in contact with home via email, 31% to read a tour guide about the area they are visiting, 29% to read a book, 18% to listen to downloaded music and 15% to listen to internet radio.

"The fact that people are taking more expensive gadgets on holiday with them does have an impact on their travel insurance,” said Roger Ramsden, Chief Executive at Saga Insurance.

"People could become a target for thieves, so we would advise them to make sure they have adequate cover for their belongings before they travel and to make sure they register the loss of any of their belongings with the local police straight away as not doing so could lead to problems when they try to make a claim,” added Ramsden.

Gadget insurance

When you are looking at contracting cheap gadget insurance, always compare what is available from different insurers and find the best policy for you. Compare what is covered, how long the policy lasts for and how much it costs before making your decision. Make sure you receive multiple quotes from specific insurers, as well as from more general ones.

Travel insurance

Comparing travel insurance can also be a great way to help British holidaymakers save money on holidays this year. To find cheap travel insurance, you should decide before comparing quotations what level of excess suits your budget, whether you would like baggage cover or cancellation cover included.