In July 2005, a travel trends survey done by Britain's ICM interviewed more than 600 parents with children aged 18 or under to gauge their travel concerns.
In July 2005, a travel trends survey done by Britain's ICM interviewed more than 600 parents with children aged 18 or under to gauge their travel concerns.
ICM found that only 30% of parents leave for their vacation feeling well prepared, yet children's safety remains a major concern:
70% worry about accidents and injuries
66% are concerned about illness
31% say they've experienced an accident or an illness while on holiday
24% say they have experienced loss or theft of property while on holiday
British families found many aspects of trip preparation to be stressful:
21% say travel safety precautions are the most stressful part
24% say packing for the family is a major cause of stress
18% find traveling to the airport stressful
13% of parents say organizing travel insurance should be a priority
10% say travel insurance is as important as cleaning their house before departure
With over four million UK families taking more than one trip abroad each year, the Post Office travel group urges parents to ensure they are fully prepared for family travel by reviewing the following checklist:
Before You Go Checklist
* Before you go abroad, check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website or call +44-(0)20-7008-0232 / 0233 for travel advice. (American families can check the Department of State site at http://travel.state.gov.
* Book with a travel company that's registered with ABTA or ATOL or, in the case of American tour operators, USTOA or ASTA.
* Get adequate insurance and ensure the whole family is overed
* Take enough money and a mix of different payment methods
* Make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of six months and that you have any visas you may need
* Stay healthy – check what vaccinations you and your family need with your doctor and pediatrician
* Obtain a valid E111 if you're traveling in the European Economic Area or verify proper health insurance for travel elsewhere
Source: Post Office Travel Services
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