Britons sharing the same fears as Kiwi backpackers when it comes to journeying overseas could always buy
cheap travel insurance to help set their mind at ease.
Southern Cross Travel Insurance reports that nearly a quarter of New Zealanders think the world is a much more dangerous place in which to travel than it has been in the past, with nearly 80 per cent concerned about the spread of terrorism.
Fears about general international crime levels and drugs complete the top three with 58 per cent and 29 per cent respectively, while more people are worried about pirates than climate change.
Craig Morrison, chief executive of the company, said: "Media coverage of cargo and passenger ships being attacked off the African coast saw 11 per cent of respondents giving piracy as a reason why the world's now a more dangerous place."
People concerned about the risks of heading overseas could buy
worldwide travel insurance to get some peace of mind.
Pirate attacks off the coast of Somalia have been particularly high-profile in recent months following the kidnap and subsequent rescue of a US crew.
Downunder - the market leaders in online
backpacker travel insurance.