Nearly half of Brits aged 18 to 24 are making or considering bookings for a summer getaway this August, according to research commissioned by ABTA, the travel industry's trade body. This makes August the most popular month for this age group to head abroad, but many will be travelling without their parents for the first time.
Travel bosses have warned that these young travellers might not realise what they are signing up for. Some could find their holidays disrupted by very real risks if they aren't prepared to travel alone for the first time, as many are leaving the fundamentals until the very last minute.
Last-minute bookings leave little time for preparation
According to the research, nearly half of those planning their summer getaway only plan to book within four weeks of travelling, leaving barely any time to secure other essentials like travel insurance. To help young people make their first parent-free trip a success, ABTA has issued a checklist to ensure they have all the essentials in place before jetting off.
Topping the list has nothing to do with passports, insurance or travel bookings but rather a vital health and safety warning. Young travellers were warned to drink responsibly while abroad and stay alert to the possibility of drink spiking and methanol poisoning, particularly if they are going to areas where either has been previously reported.
ABTA's safety checklist for young travellers
Even if their drinks aren't tampered with, travellers having alcohol are also urged to be extra careful around balconies, swimming pools and the sea. ABTA's guidance for young travellers includes:
- Check your passport
- Take out appropriate travel insurance
- Tell a parent, family member or trusted friend about your travel plans
- Look after your friends on nights out by sharing locations using apps such as Find My Friends and downloading offline maps
- Drink responsibly
- 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
The experts recommended double-checking that your travel insurance covers all the activities you plan to take part in or the areas you expect to spend time in. It's also important to check if your passport is valid for the country you're travelling to, as some may have different criteria, such as having three or six months before the expiry date.
ABTA director urges preparation for a memorable trip
Graeme Buck, director of communications at ABTA, noted: "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."
The poll of 2,000 UK adults was conducted on behalf of ABTA by The Nursery Research and Planning in May this year.
