A leading British travel insurer has issued a warning to potential travellers to plan ahead when booking a trip abroad this summer. According to research conducted by Esure, many tourists don't fully understand what the potential weather conditions will be like in their destinations at particular times of year, amongst other worrying facts.

The insurer found that nearly 80% of Brits do not know the times of the hurricane season in different parts of America before travelling. According to the company, this will leave many people unaware that their 'bargain' summer break could well turn in to a disaster. The findings were replicated when travellers were asked about the times of the monsoon season in Asian travel hotspots, with 87% professing ignorance.

Because of the credit-crunch many British tourists are being particularly lured by the prospect of seemingly cheap package tours abroad, but booking before learning about what to expect could well create disappointment. The risk is especially great for those who forgo their travel insurance.

Travel insurance needed to cover unforeseen mishaps

It is essential to get cover when travelling abroad and this is particularly true in countries, which have potentially more extreme weather conditions. Buying travel insurance beforehand will take much of the risk out of medical worries or lost or stolen property.

Mike Pickard from esure summed up his advice for any potential traveller this summer:

“Booking early to get a bargain and having a holiday to look forward to in summer is engrained in the British psyche. At a time when pennies are being counted more than ever, it's important that Brits don't feel rushed into making a booking because of the price tag and do their homework beforehand.”

It is also worthwhile taking out a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which will allow you reduced cost treatment in the public medical system of any European country you visit.

“Checking out the weather, making sure passports are valid, ensuring that visas are obtained if required, and not forgetting to take out insurance at the booking stage in case personal circumstances change between booking that bargain holiday and actually going on it in summer, are all crucial.” Added Pickard.

Booking late

There was also news from Co-operative Travel Insurance, which seemed to suggest that many people are booking holidays late this year because of concerns about their own financial security. According to their survey of 850 customers, 57% of people were planning to book holidays this year in March or later.

“Like a lot of people in the UK at the moment, many of our customers have concerns over the economy and job security, and this is making it difficult for them to plan holidays in the short term. Many of the larger tour operators have reduced their capacity for 2009 - on top of massive reductions last season - which means there are less holidays available.” Commented Trevor Davis from the Co-op.