Extreme day trip trend - insurers warn not to forget cover
With extreme day trips becoming a significant trend amongst holidaymakers, experts are urging travellers not to overlook insurance, even for a one-day getaway.
Travel insurance experts at Tiger.co.uk say the risks of travel disruptions and emergencies are just as real on a one-day trip as on a longer holiday, and having the right insurance could protect your trip and your finances.
Extreme day trips involve squeezing in a quick getaway to explore a new city or country for just a handful of hours before returning home on the same day.
This travel trend has grown rapidly in popularity, with a dedicated Facebook community of over 327,000 members actively sharing tips and experiences.
The most popular destinations for this type of travel from UK airports are Dublin, Amsterdam, Malaga, Alicante and Palma, with prices starting from £28.*
Major UK airlines have also started offering specialised extreme day trip options to cater to travellers seeking quick getaways.
While this approach allows busy Brits to maximise travel opportunities within a limited time, reducing both costs and the need to take out additional annual leave, it’s important to remember that unexpected issues like flight delays, medical emergencies or stolen belongings can still happen.
Even a small delay can derail a tightly packed one-day itinerary, and without the right insurance, a minor disruption could leave travellers out of pocket.
It’s also important to read the fine print when booking insurance, as some insurance providers may not cover trips that are less than 24 hours or don’t have an overnight stay.
Ian Wilson, Managing Director and travel insurance expert at Tiger.co.uk said: “Extreme day trips have quickly grown into a mainstream travel trend, with more and more people sharing their one-day trips online and flight deals making it easier than ever to hop abroad for the day.
“Given the rising cost of hotels and accommodation this year as inflation continues to add pressure,** it’s not surprising that travellers are searching for new ways to cut out this hefty part of the travel expenses. Day tripping also helps avoid additional baggage costs and longer wait times at the airport, cutting out queues at baggage check-in and reclaim, for a more stress-free break.
“There’s also a growing trend in the UK to take more of these smaller trips or ‘microcations’ throughout the year instead of one bigger summer holiday*** – to help spread the cost and make the most out of annual leave.
“While extreme day trips can be a freeing way to see the world, it’s important not to assume that because the trip is short, you don’t need insurance.
“If extreme day trippers are planning multiple outings throughout the year, it’s worth comparing annual travel insurance policies, year-round coverage may prove cheaper and more comprehensive, so worth the extra homework to see if savings could be had.”
