Backpackers could find that
worldwide travel insurance could be a useful addition to new safety bands that are being used by adventure operators.
According to the Journal, the new safety band was originally designed as a way of keeping children safe by allowing parents to instantly communicate with youngsters who may have strayed.
Potential is now also being seen for the tourism sector, with operators looking at ways to use the technology to track backpackers on adventure tours in remote areas. Backpackers could buy
cheap travel insurance as a first safeguard.
Terry Munley, managing director of telecoms company DataSMS which invented the device, told the paper: "We want to sell this to councils, people who run retirement homes and companies that provide backpacker and group travel experiences such as skiing."
The Association of Chief Police Officers accredited the invention last year and Co-operative Travel has also arranged a deal.
DataSMS' invention could be particularly useful on ski slopes where a wrong turn can potentially result in life-threatening situations.
Going, going, gone. Downunder for
cheap travel insurance.