Over half of parents with young families seas the day with day trips abroad

With half-term around the corner, research by insurer Aviva indicates a trend for international day trips with over a third (35%) - equivalent to almost 19 million Brits - having either travelled or planning to travel to another country for the day.

Just under one in four (24%) have already visited another country for the day with a further 12% planning to do so in the future.

International day trips prove to be popular with parents, with over half (51%) of those with children under 18 either taking day trips abroad or planning to in the future. 

According to the research, the average traveller expects to spend £1,453 in total, from booking flights to making sure they have the right clothes for their day trip. Popular destinations to visit include France, Ireland and Spain, which often require travelling by plane or train and could explain some of the expected spend.

Despite expecting to spend well over a thousand pounds, over a quarter (29%) did not and would not take out travel insurance for the day.

What are you covered for? 

Travel insurance typically provides protection for cancelling or cutting short a trip for reasons out of the traveller’s control, such as being unable to travel due to illness. Due to the length of trip, it’s more likely that in this instance, a traveller would use travel insurance to claim back costs for cancellation in the event something prevented them from going on their trip. This can include things such as illness, a bereavement or even loss of employment.

Travel insurance can also provide cover for medical emergencies while away, which on average can be as much as £1,518 in France, £1,587 in Ireland, £2,748 in Spain, £3,797 in Belgium and £1,425 in Greece⁴.

Although a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) will provide a level of protection, this will only cover medical emergency treatment within Europe. It won’t provide cover for things like arranging for family to be with you while you undergo treatment, or for any specific requirements you may need on your journey home – both of which can be covered by travel insurance.  

For anyone planning a trip, it’s important to speak their insurer regarding any existing/ pre-existing medical conditions or ongoing medical investigations. In some instances, insurers asked to be notified of any health changes between taking out insurance and travelling, or at renewal in case this affects their cover.

It's also important to note that trips within the UK won’t normally be covered by your travel insurance unless you have pre-booked accommodation for a two or more nights, so it’s important to check your policy cover.

From a possessions point of view, travel insurance can provide cover against things like theft. Depending on the policy, this can either be included as standard or purchased as an add-on usually known as ‘baggage cover’. This usually provides cover for loss, theft or accidental damage to baggage, personal belongings and valuables during the trip.

In some cases, home insurance policies also include personal belongings cover which may cover your personal possessions, anywhere in the world, so it’s worth checking to avoid any duplication of cover.

Carolyn Scott, Head of Home and Travel Underwriting at Aviva, commented: “Our research indicates that the appeal and ease of being in another country in a matter of hours is proving popular, with two fifths (43%) of international day trippers choosing to go by either ferry, train or car.

“Even though trips may be short, taking out travel insurance is vital – even if you’ll only be abroad for the day. It’s designed to protect you and your belongings against the unpredictable – which could result in you having to cancel or postpone your plans. This could be anything from illness to being called onto jury service. It’s also important to check that you are covered for any activities you may have planned.

“In addition, while most trips will pass without incident, accidents or illnesses can happen at any time - any time – especially with little ones! Not only could this prevent you from going on your trip, but it could also leave you at risk of potentially paying thousands of pounds in medical costs overseas if you were to require treatment. By taking out travel cover as soon as you book, you’re protected from the get-go, giving you peace of mind in the lead up to and during your trip.”

Aviva’s top travel tips for day trips

• Book as far ahead where possible – Booking far in advance can work out to be more cost efficient and there are often deals for those travelling in groups, such as families
• Do your research – Ahead of travelling, it’s also worth seeing how much of the city you can explore on foot. Not only is this a great way to soak up the sights and atmosphere, it’s also a good way to keep costs down, especially if you’re travelling as a family.
• Keep an eye on offers - While booking ahead may be one way to save, you might also find competitive last-minute deals from ferry and train operators. Being open with timings means you could still do your day trip as planned but at a fraction of the cost - and without flying. Just don’t forget to take out travel cover as soon as you book!
• Consider offsetting your carbon emissions – If you need to travel, consider offsetting your carbon footprint to balance out your trip.

-ends-

References

^1. _{The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,001 nationally representative UK consumers (aged 18+). The data was collected between 02.10.2024 and 04.10.2024.}

_{Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling.}

_{19 million statistic found by: 53,646,829 (2022 ONS mid-year population estimate figures for UK adults, aged 18+) * 34.93% (the number of those surveyed who have travelled or plan to travel to another country just for a day) = 18,738,837.}

^2. _{Parents with only children under 18 having either travelled or planning to travel to another country for the day.}

^3. _{Those surveyed who have ever travelled or plan to travel to another country just for a day (i.e. back in a day with no overnight stop).}

^4. _{Aviva medical assistance claims from October 2023 – October 2024.}

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