5% go for Christmas abroad
Friday, 14 Dec 2007 09:06
Direct Line calculates five per cent of the population will be enjoying Christmas abroad, based on a YouGov poll of 2,066 adults.
It also finds three in four will be going for at least a week, mostly to spend Christmas with family and friends. One in ten say they will be travelling to escape the cold British weather and get some winter sun.
The insurer forecasts the busiest day for travelling will be December 29th - pointing to figures showing 110,000 passengers travelled from Gatwick on the first Saturday after Christmas Day last year.
However, it is also warning Christmas holidaymakers to have travel insurance in place, as there is a risk of losing your luggage thanks to the busy nature of travelling over the festive season.
The company estimates more than 29,000 holidaymakers may find their luggage does not make it to their destination with them.
Chris Price, head of Direct Line travel insurance, explained: "With increased security measures resulting in restrictions on hand luggage and more and more luggage placed in the hold, holidaymakers have no option but to trust the baggage handlers and the airlines to protect their Christmas presents.
"With so many suitcases going missing each year, travellers should take extra precautions to protect their belongings and avoid any potential disappointment by ensuring that they have adequate travel insurance if the worst happens."