A survey conducted by travel insurance specialist Columbus Direct has found some surprising statistics on which item Brits cannot do without on holiday.
The top three items that Britons insist on taking with them on holiday are smartphones (33%), books or an ebook reader (22%) and sunglasses (16%). Surprisingly, only 6% said that expensive gadgets including tablets or an iPad was their essential holiday companion and only .5% said they couldn’t do without their camera.
The indisputable fact that smartphones were the number 1 option and more important than sunglasses and swimwear combined illustrates a shift towards people using their phones as all-in-one tools with camera, video, and entertainment capabilities as well as communication functions.
The top 10 items Brits should tackle holiday:
1. Smartphone – 33%
2. Books / ebook reader – 22%
3. Sunglasses – 16%
4. Swimwear – 11%
5. Make-up – 7%
6. iPad or Tablet – 6%
7. Flip-flops – 2%
8. Suncream – .5%
9. Medication – 1%
10. Camera – .5%
Of course not everyone agreed with the pinnacle ten with some people telling us they couldn’t travel without their spouse, comfortable shoes and the conventional British must have… tea-bags.
Greg Lawson, Head of Retail at Columbus Direct, said: “Our customer survey has revealed some intriguing figures. In relation to taking gadgets on holiday, smartphones are the number 1 choice. For those individuals that do favor to take more valuable items reminiscent of iPads and tablets abroad, it is very important note that ordinary travel policies will only cover as much as a specific amount for gadgets so if additional cover is required travellers should check out options akin to a gadget policy add-on.”
“While all of us have different necessities we have to bring with us on holiday, the only essential is travel insurance documents. Whilst we wouldn’t expect this to be first thing people think about it is important to bring copies of your policy documents with you.
“Your policy will contain critical details about what to do in an emergency, including medical assistance numbers. It’s going to also list full details on what you’re and aren’t covered for. Here’s important to grasp before choosing to participate in an activity for which you’ll not be covered.”