It’s January and you are back in full swing after some well-deserved downtime over the festive period. No doubt you need something to look forward to and your thoughts have turned to your 2020 travel plans. Below, we’re sharing our top travel trends to look out for this year.
1. Sustainable Travelling
We are more conscious of the impact that our travel habits have on the environment. According to a 2019 report, over 55% of travellers are more determined to make sustainable travel choices than they were a year ago. Responsible travellers are giving more thought to how often and where they fly, with many turning to trains and less-travelled destinations. Emission-free flying is on the horizon, with Rolls-Royce launching a test flight of its electric plane in 2020.
Climate change is affecting weather patterns, causing more frequent wildfires, stronger hurricanes, greater snowfall and storms. Thomas Carroll Private Clients will ensure your travel insurance includes travel disruption to protect you if adverse weather conditions cause you to cut your holiday short.
2. A New Take on Cruises
This year, Virgin Voyages will be introduced to the world. Designed to appeal to “young at heart people that want a good time” according to Richard Branson, the cruise ships boast modern interior, karaoke studios, a tattoo parlour and a vinyl record shop.
Going on a cruise? Our experienced personal insurance team will ensure you are covered in case of missed port departures, cabin confinement due to illness and more.
3. Grandparents on Board
A recent report found that 7 in 10 families have taken a ‘multi-generational holiday’. It’s predicted that we will see a rise in grandparents travelling with their kids and grandkids in 2020. With schedules getting increasingly hectic, this new trend is for busy families who want to make the most of their time together.
Travel insurance can get more expensive and harder to find as you get older. This is because you’re more likely to fall ill while abroad or suffer from poor health and pre-existing medical conditions. Some policies have age restrictions, meaning you can be turned away even if you are perfectly healthy. Thomas Carroll Private Clients specialise in tailored travel insurance for the over-50s and those with medical conditions, so you can rest assured that you will be looked after whilst enjoying precious family time.
4. Popularity of Airbnb
Online lodging booking platform, Airbnb has experienced staggering growth since its launch in 2008. It has over 650,000 hosts worldwide and it’s projected that the number of Airbnb users in Europe alone will reach 24 million in 2020.
Airbnb offers something for every budget, from houses and mansions to the more unique setting, such as houseboats and RVs. The company is also increasingly listing hotels on its platform. If you are planning on listing your home or holiday home on Airbnb, check that your buildings and contents insurance covers you for this.
5. Action-Packed Holidays
If you think your annual leave is precious and it’s important to maximise your time away, you’re not alone. Booking.com found that 62% of people want a destination that offers all of their favourite activities and sights near each other. Travellers are seeking adventure and pushing the boundaries of traditional holidaying to truly experience their destination of choice.
If you’re planning an action-packed holiday, make sure your insurer is aware as having the wrong cover can invalidate your entire policy. Some activities, such as skiing off-piste without a guide, triathlons and even certain charity work is not covered under standard travel insurance. It’s also important to ensure your sports equipment, such as golf clubs or skis are covered in case they get lost, stolen or damaged. If you’ve got a winter sports holiday coming up, read our travel advice.
6. In for the Long Haul
With more people planning to retire earlier, we will see a rise in money-saving schemes as people consider spending their free time travelling. A recent study found that 19% of retirees plan on travelling for several months and 52% of travellers agree that you can have a gap year at any age.
If you’re considering backpacking or long-term travelling, our specialist team can find you cover to help your trip go off without a hitch. As your property will be unoccupied for an extended amount of time, check that your home insurance covers you as some policies have restrictions.
7. Embracing Tech
People are increasingly turning to technology to book travel plans. A recent report found that 58% of people prefer apps to search for flights. The new decade will see more artificial intelligence supporting our holiday research, such as tailored accommodation suggestions. Did you know that you can book your travel insurance online with Thomas Carroll? Click here to get a quote.
Need Travel Insurance Advice?
If you have any questions, please contact our experienced insurance broking team today on 02920 853759 or email rachel.thomas@thomas-carroll.co.uk.
