Travellers warned against taking risks

Young travellers are failing to prepare for their overseas trips and are putting themselves at risk through ignorance and carelessness, a new survey has revealed.

The report from travel specialist i-to-i shows that 60 per cent of 16 to 30-year-olds fail to increase their caution and safety levels when travelling in new and exotic locations and less than half of those questioned were covered by sufficient travel insurance.

Young male travellers proved to be the most at risk, with a quarter admitting to being more careless in new places than they were at home and a third choosing to explore foreign cities at night on their own.

i-to-i founder, Deirdre Bounds, said: "Replacing lost possessions is just part of what your insurance covers - far more crucial is the cover it provides for medical expenses

"It is important to be aware of your surroundings and take sensible risks rather than stupid ones, or your once in a life time trip could end up being memorable for all the wrong reasons."

Travellers and backpackers are also encouraged to stay in touch with friends and family back home and keep them informed of their adventures, so if they do run into difficulties they have a support network in place.

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