A new report jointly produced by the government and a travel agents group has revealed a decline in the number of people taking out travel insurance compared to the same time last year.

The study was conducted by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Association of British Travel Agents to follow the upcoming trends in travel for 2009. The compilers found that there was a 'significant decrease' in the number of people taking out annual travel insurance policies compared to 2007.

The people behind the report recommended that people who are deciding not to renew their annual policies should definitely make sure that they take out single-trip cover for each holiday they take.

Francis Tuke from ABTA gave some tips for potential travellers this winter:

“Over the past few years we have seen travellers becoming more adventurous and travelling further afield and this will continue in 2009...But when travelling to these destinations, it is very important to check Foreign Office advice and ensure you make sure you see a health professional who will recommend what vaccinations you may need and what precautions you should take.”