The average weekend bag is worth over £1,000
Average luggage value swells to £1,035
Friday, 05 Oct 2007 09:12
The average Briton is packing possessions worth as much as £1,035 into their weekend bag.
That is according to research from the Post Office out today, which shows a third of holidaymakers going on short breaks are willing to run the risk of carrying over a £1,000 of their possessions with them without any travel insurance.
"We know that people are less likely to take out insurance when going away on a city break or for a long weekend," explained Helen Warburton, head of travel services for the Post Office.
"But the risk of losing or damaging your luggage – or any other holiday mishap - is no less because the holiday is shorter."
The study finds it is women who carry considerably more valuable luggage with them, with makeup bags, pricey hairdryers and hair straighteners adding up to an average of £1,208.
This compares with an average cost of £862 for men, with items such as digital cameras, MP3 players, clothes and shoes being packed by both sexes.
Ms Warburton continued: "For peace of mind, it is essential to take out travel insurance whenever you go on holiday in the UK or abroad.
"And you must also check exactly what your policy covers in terms of baggage and personal possessions before you travel. It is common for single items to be covered up to a limit of just £300 – many laptops or cameras may exceed that limit and additional insurance may be required.
"If you go away regularly, why not take out an annual multi-trip policy. That way you buy only once a year but are covered for multiple holidays, and it could work out cheaper in the long run."
The Post Office has put together a check list for holidaymakers before they go on their trip.
Make a list of everything you are taking away in your bag before you leave
If you are unsure, leave expensive or valuable items behind
Check that you have taken out an adequate level of travel cover
Keep any valuable items in a 'hidden' location or separate section of the bag
Ensure anything fragile is tightly secured