Backpackers' £1.7bn rucksacks
Monday, 28 Jan 2008 15:43
British backpackers are heading across the world with £1.7 billion worth of gadgets and gizmos shoved into their rucksacks.
A study by AA Travel Insurance reveals the average backpack and contents is now worth £450 – as dependence on technology to keep in touch and share experiences proliferates.
Some 73 per cent of travellers – be they on pre-university gap years or career breaks – take a mobile phone with them, while 72 per cent travel with a digital camera.
The top five new travel necessaries were completed by MP3 players, laptops and hairdryers.
Despite dependence on technology – travelling on a shoe string means backpacks are not paying attention to security.
Some 57 per cent of backpackers bed down in budget hotels – notorious for low security – while 52 per cent would opt for zero security and sleep under the stars.
Christian Young, head of AA Travel Insurance, said: "It’s understandable that modern travellers want to be able to stay in touch and be able to record memories of the people and places they see.
"However, with all these technological treasures in their bags it has never been more important for backpackers to ensure they are fully insured so that they can explore with peace of mind."