Danger of sacrificing safety for holiday savings highlighted by poll

A growing number of holidaymakers are thinking less about their safety abroad and are re-focusing on price when planning a holiday, new research reveals.

This was particularly the case for those with an underlying health condition, according to the study taken a year on from the removal of Covid travel restrictions.

Among those with underlying health conditions, the proportion considering safety as an important factor in their holiday choices has fallen sharply in 12 months – down from 58% in 2021 to 37% now.

Meanwhile, the number of people now prioritising price and value for money has risen from 39% to 57%, the pol of 2,100 people for AllClear Travel Insurance found.

Other factors that have overtaken safety in the list of priorities among vulnerable travellers included convenience (42%), and wellbeing (42%). 

Safety was the only decision-making factor that had fallen in importance as all others rose.

Price, quality and convenience were seen as the most important factors in people’s holiday choices nationwide. 

Travellers aged 35 to 55 were the most likely to prioritise getting the best deal/bargain in their holiday choices (62%), while those over 55 were most likely to prioritise convenience (52%).

AllClear chief executive Chris Rolland said: “It is understandable that travellers are looking to save money during these difficult times, but sacrificing safety for savings is a dangerous idea.

“Safety needs to sit among people’s primary considerations when planning a holiday this summer, alongside cost and destination.

“For older people, or those with underlying health conditions, some wrongly assume they either can’t head abroad, or make do with cover that is not fit for purpose. 

“Cutting corners, or worse going without, is a false economy that could result in medical emergency bills stretching into the tens of thousands of pounds or more.”