Backpackers planning to be part of the historically high number of tourists heading overseas at the moment could buy
cheap travel insurance before leaving home.
Although the recession has affected the number of people willing to spend money on an overseas trip, the figures regarding foreign trip volumes remain historically high, according to Abta - the Travel Association.
The Office for National Statistics revealed that there has been a six per cent fall in the number of Britons travelling overseas in the past year, but Abta said that numbers remain more than 15 million above 1998 figures.
Sean Tipton, spokesman for Abta, said: "Historically speaking, we are seeing all time highs for the number of trips we are taking abroad but again, with the recession, [the decrease in the number of trips abroad] was bound to happen. It would have been a surprise if it hadn't."
He added that there has been an expansion in the late booking market due to increased financial concerns among would-be backpackers, many of whom may have bought
online travel insurance.
Over 30 per cent of people heading overseas this summer will only be going away for a week, rather than a fortnight, according to On the Beach.
Downunder - the market leaders in online
backpacker travel insurance.