Travel is one of the most exciting activities you can take part in, offering you the ability to explore exciting new places, meet new people from all walks of life, and enjoy all sorts of memorable activities. From the cobblestoned streets of ancient cities like Rome and Athens, to the glittering lights of Paris, to sun-drenched vacation hotspots like the Canary Islands, there is something for everyone. Whether your idea of fun involves sipping an espresso (or wine!) on a Parisian terrace, dolphin-watching in Malta, or even scuba-diving in Tahiti, travel is a world of boundless fun and adventure. While travel is popular across all age demographics, it is particularly popular amongst Gen Z and Millennials; the former are willing to cut spending across other domains, to support increasing travel habits.
However, while exploring the world is undoubtably an incredibly exciting activity with so many amazing benefits, it is not without travel risks. From well-known setbacks like flight delays and cancellations, to more serious risks like injury, it is important to think not only of how exciting travel is – but also to be aware of risks, and how to mitigate them. One highly important thing you can do is have quality, reliable travel insurance. While this does not remove the risks you can face when travelling, like injury during an activity, it can help provide cover and aftercare. This means you can travel with a sense of peace, knowing you have done what you can to provide the best protection for yourself. Having reliable travel insurance means you can also mitigate many of the common travel issues that travellers face, like baggage delays. At Gigasure, we know all too well how things can quickly offset your amazing travel plans; we offer flexible, fully customisable insurance plans that take your unique travel needs into account.
In this post, we will be going over some of the major travel risks and shortfalls you could face when travelling; and how insurance can help. Travelling is even more exciting when you are prepared, safe, and ready!
What do we mean by travel risks?
There are many travel risks, which can range dramatically in severity. Some risks, while annoying, are not dangerous and are manageable: think flight delays. Others, like travelling with a preexisting illness or injury during an activity, can be more severe. We will start with the more common, manageable travel risks before delving into others.
Travel Disruptions
A common travel disruption you may face is flight delays and cancellations (shock, horror!) which, if you have been travelling long enough, will likely be something you have already faced. These can range from short delays of 30 minutes to an hour, to longer delays of 2 hours or more. Often, these are due to factors outside of people’s control, like weather conditions. While these sorts of delays are outside of your control, it is helpful to regularly check your flight status in the days and hours leading up to your flight. Regularly checking flight updates can help you prepare and adjust as needed. If a flight is delayed by a significant amount of time, staying updated can prevent inconveniences like arriving far earlier than your flight departs.
Another vital thing to consider is whether your travel destination is safe to fly to. Countries and specific locations can be dangerous to travel to for various reasons. Some of these dangers are due to natural causes, such as adverse weather conditions: examples include floods and wildfires. Other dangers can include disease outbreaks, civil unrest, and war. A good way to determine if your destination is safe and appropriate to travel to is to check websites like the FCDO, which publishes location-specific travel advice.
Personal Belongings Related Risks
Other common travel risks that can disrupt your exciting travel plans include those related to personal belongings you travel with. Baggage delays can happen for various reasons, from weather conditions, ticketing errors, or transfer mishandling (your baggage does not even make it onto your flight). The latter is particularly a risk on layover flights, when your baggage is supposed to be transferred onto an interconnecting flight. Baggage delays can be daunting, leaving you worried and wondering if your property has been lost or damaged. In addition, it can take a long time for airlines to retrieve baggage. If you had your necessities packed in delayed or lost baggage, like toothbrushes and other essential toiletries, you cannot reasonably wait for it to be retrieved.
Lost luggage is an even bigger risk as that means that the airline could not locate your bag and return it to you. In this situation, you would have to make a claim for lost personal belonging (if personal belongings are covered in your travel insurance policy) and the reimbursed value of it will be based on what is covered in your policy and the plan you have selected. It is incredibly important that you ensure that you have the necessary cover for your personal belongings, especially if you are travelling with high-value items. Recent research by Gigasure revealed that the average cost of the belongings a child travels with for a week abroad equates to an average of £3,911.79. That’s a lot of money to travel with uninsured, so always make sure you have checked what your insurance policy covers in the event of item loss.
At Gigasure, we are proud to offer GigaShield, a real-time flight and baggage delay benefit. Through GigaShield Baggage Delay, we provide you with a prompt cash payment when you enter your airline Property Irregularity Number (PIR) into the Gigasure app, if your airline baggage does not arrive.
The GigaShield Baggage Delay benefit is added automatically if you buy a Gigasure travel policy that includes Travel and Baggage Delay cover and can be unlocked easily by entering your flight details in the Gigasure app before you travel. You then receive an automatic payment straight to your bank account to help meet the cost of essential purchases while the airline searches for your baggage. This means you can cover your need for basic items. Below is an example of how the process works:
- You register your flight details on the Gigasure app before your trip.
- Gigasure tracks the status of your flight.
- If there have been any issues relating to flight or baggage delay, you enter your Property Irregularity Number (PIR), which is also done through the app.
- You can choose between a payment to meet the cost of essential purchases, or access to a VIP lounge while you wait.
Security Risks While Travelling
Beyond travel disruptions and environmental factors, security-related risks are an important consideration for travellers. These include both physical and digital threats that can vary depending on the destination.
Geopolitical instability
Travelling to regions with political unrest, protests, or even armed conflict can significantly endanger your safety. Countries may experience sudden changes in security situations, which is why checking resources like Smart Traveller for up-to-date advisories is critical. Avoid areas flagged as high-risk and consider rescheduling trips if tensions escalate.
Crime in destination countries
Pickpocketing, scams, and theft are unfortunately common in tourist-heavy areas. Be cautious in crowded places, avoid displaying valuables, and use anti-theft bags when exploring unfamiliar cities. Hotel room safes or front desk storage can also offer an extra layer of protection.
Cyber threats
In today’s digital age, cyber safety is just as important. Public Wi-Fi networks, especially those in airports or cafes, can leave you vulnerable to hacking or data theft. Avoid logging into bank accounts or making online purchases using unsecured networks. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help protect your digital footprint abroad and always be cautious when booking via unfamiliar travel websites.
Destination-specific Risks
Health Risks
When it comes to destination-specific risks, it’s crucial to consider the unique challenges that different locations pose. For example, travelling to regions with higher medical risks, such as tropical destinations, may expose you to diseases like malaria or dengue fever. In these cases, preventive measures like vaccinations and insect repellents are important, but even with these precautions, unexpected illnesses can still occur. Having travel insurance can cover medical emergencies, including evacuation if needed, so you’re not left financially vulnerable if you fall ill in a destination with limited healthcare facilities.
Nature-related Risks
Additionally, certain destinations may have specific environmental risks, such as natural disasters. Earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods can all affect your travel plans, and in some cases, they can be life-threatening. For example, travelling to Central America during hurricane season or to Asia during the monsoon season; so many things can go wrong. It’s essential to assess travel risks, and to be aware of the typical issues in the region you are visiting and how to prepare for them if needed. It is also important to think about whether it is worth travelling to a particular location, and whether that trip can be postponed for a safer time. This is particularly important if you are ‘set-jetting’, which is increasingly popular amongst younger people interested in exploring filming locations of their favourite films and TV programmes. While very exciting, many of these locations can be difficult to access or are in far-flung locations. In some cases, travel insurance may even cover the cost of emergency evacuation if the hurricane significantly impacts your safety.
Travelling during monsoon, wildfire, or dry seasons requires extra planning. Research weather norms for your travel window and pack accordingly. Consider travel insurance policies that cover trip changes due to severe weather events.
If you find yourself amid a natural disaster, it’s crucial to stay calm and follow these steps:
- Stay Informed: Listen to local authorities through the radio, news, or apps for updates and evacuation orders.
- Follow Safety Protocols: For hurricanes, move to an interior room away from windows. In the case of earthquakes, drop, cover, and hold on. For floods, move to higher ground if possible.
- Contact Your Embassy or Consulate: Let them know you’re safe and ask for any emergency evacuation procedures or support.
- Reach Out to Your Insurance Provider: Notify them of your situation, and check whether you’re eligible for evacuation coverage or other emergency assistance.
- Stay in Touch with Family and Friends: Keep your loved ones informed of your whereabouts and safety.
Activity-based Risks
Activity-based risks are sometimes overlooked because travellers assume they won’t find themselves in risky situations. However, many activities can pose significant risks. Whether you’re hiking in Madeira or skiing in the Swiss Alps, these activities, while a potential highlight of your trip, come with inherent risks. Injuries such as sprains, fractures, or even more severe accidents like altitude sickness or drowning can happen unexpectedly. Even experienced travellers or athletes can face risks, particularly when engaging in activities in unfamiliar environments. So, while for many travellers these sorts of high-octane activities are the highlight of their trips, it is incredibly important to be aware of the many high-risk situations they can lead to. Additionally, not all travel insurance policies cover every adventure sport available in a destination. It’s essential to carefully read your policy documents to ensure the activities you plan to participate in are covered. At Gigasure we know exciting activities are a must for many, but we also understand that one size does not fit all when it comes to insurance for activities. Through our app, you can customise your policy by boosting to Adventure Sports and Activities cover.
Another popular activity is enjoying a cruise. Cruises offer a unique and relaxing experience, but they also come with their own set of risks. From potential health issues like seasickness to more severe situations like onboard accidents (best keep the prosecco to a minimum!) or even weather-related cancellations, it's important to be aware of the challenges that can arise. Moreover, cruise itineraries often involve multiple stops in different countries, which means travellers could face unforeseen complications like missed connections or changes in local regulations. Not all standard travel insurance policies cover cruise-related issues, so it’s crucial to read your policy carefully and ensure you have the right coverage for things like medical emergencies at sea, trip cancellations, or interruptions. With the right protection, you can sit back and enjoy your cruise with peace of mind.
Unspoken Travel Risks: Culture and Communication
These sorts of risks are often overlooked but are still worth bearing in mind. Some risks are not dangerous per se, but can still lead to confusion or distress, particularly if you’re not prepared.
Cultural differences
Unfamiliar social norms, customs, and etiquette can lead to awkward or even offensive moments. In some countries, actions like public displays of affection, certain gestures, or dress codes might be frowned upon or even illegal. Before travelling, research local customs and adapt your behaviour out of respect and safety. For example, in the United Arab Emirates and other parts of the Middle East, public displays of affection (like kissing or hugging in public) can be considered inappropriate or even result in fines. Similarly, in countries like Thailand, it's considered disrespectful to touch someone’s head or point your feet at people or religious statues. Knowing these cultural nuances in advance can help you avoid unintentionally offending locals or getting into legal trouble.
Language barriers
Not being able to communicate effectively can impact everything from ordering food to seeking help in an emergency. Downloading offline translation apps like Google Translate, learning key local phrases, or carrying a phrasebook can help bridge the gap.
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance helps you stay financially protected against unforeseen travel issues, which can arise at any time and are often very expensive. As you now know from some of the risks we have explored above, most of these issues are outside of your control and can leave you in very challenging situations. Insurance coverage aims to alleviate these issues by minimising financial hardship, so you are in the best position you can be if they do arise. While it can be tempting to forgo travel insurance and hope that none of these issues arise, the costs and stress that can happen if they do often make coverage worth it. However, travel insurance policies are not all the same and do not always provide the coverage you need or want. It is therefore important to do your research before choosing your travel insurance policy. Read over it carefully and take special care to consider whether things like expensive personal belongings are covered in the event of loss.
Why choose Gigasure for Travel Insurance?
Gigasure offers customisation that lets you tailor your policy to suit your specific needs, including add-ons like Boosts that allow you to add adventure-related cover for activities you may undertake, such as kayaking. Plus, our easy-to-use app acts like your travel buddy, always by your side to help you view and amend your insurance details, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
While travel offers incredible experiences, it's important to be prepared for the risks that can arise along the way. With reliable travel insurance from providers like Gigasure, you can protect yourself from common setbacks like baggage delays or cancellations and have peace of mind when participating in adventurous activities. But remember that insurances policies are not a one-size-fits-all and it’s important to find one that provides the exact coverage, for the exact things you need. Having the right policy means you can focus on what matters: enjoying your travels!
