August has become the busiest month of the year for UK travellers aged 18 to 24, with nearly half of that age group either booking or considering an overseas trip this month, according to research commissioned by ABTA, the travel trade body. That compares with less than a third of the wider adult population.
For many young holidaymakers, this will be their first trip abroad without the safety net of family. Travel chiefs are warning them to think carefully before they go, as the milestone comes with real risks if they are not properly prepared.
Last-minute bookings leave little time for essentials
ABTA found August has overtaken both July and June as the peak getaway month for this age group, even though today's young adults are no longer tied to school summer holidays. Worryingly, almost half of those planning a trip this summer intend to book within just four weeks of setting off, leaving little time to arrange essentials such as travel insurance.
ABTA has issued a checklist of advice for young travellers and their parents to help ensure the trip is remembered for the right reasons.
Key safety warnings for nights out and activities
Top of the list is a warning about the dangers of nights out on the continent. Holidaymakers are urged to drink responsibly and stay alert to the risk of drink spiking and methanol poisoning, a danger linked to bootleg alcohol in some resorts. Young travellers are also told to take extra care around balconies, swimming pools and the sea, particularly after drinking, following a string of tragic incidents involving British tourists abroad in recent years.
ABTA is urging holidaymakers to check their passport is valid well before departure and to take out travel insurance that properly covers planned activities, such as watersports or moped hire. Youngsters are also advised to think twice before hiring a moped or quad bike, and to book excursions only through reputable providers.
Practical tips and official advice
Other tips include telling a parent or trusted friend exactly where they are staying and keeping in touch throughout the trip, using phone apps to share locations with friends on nights out, and downloading offline maps in case of poor signal.
Graeme Buck, director of communications at ABTA, said: "For many young people heading abroad this month, it could be their first holiday without parents or family. It's an exciting milestone, and taking a little time to prepare before travelling can help make it memorable for all the right reasons.
"Checking things like passport validity and travel insurance, as well as exploring how to stay safe and look after themselves and their friends, should be an important part of the holiday prep. Booking with an ABTA member can also provide valuable guidance before departure and support should anything unexpected happen while away."
Mr Buck also urged holidaymakers to check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's travel advice before and during their trip. The survey of 2,000 UK adults was carried out for ABTA by The Nursery Research and Planning in May this year.
ABTA's advice for young travellers
- Check your passport and take out appropriate travel insurance making sure it covers any activities that you plan to take part in while away.
- Tell a parent, family member or trusted friend about your travel plans, including where you're staying, and keep in touch while away.
- Look after your friends on nights out by sharing locations using apps such as Find My Friends and downloading offline maps.
- Drink responsibly and be aware of the risks of drink spiking and methanol poisoning.
- Take care around balconies, swimming pools and the sea, particularly after drinking alcohol.
- Book excursions and activities through reputable providers and think twice before hiring mopeds or quad bikes.
- Follow Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice before and during travel.
