Outfits ready? Check. Speakers packed? Check. Travel insurance sorted? Errrrr……

New research* shows that taking a clean pair of pants and packing a full kit of make-up are among some of the most important travel preparations cited by UK students when planning a trip abroad. However, only one in five (21%) students consider travel insurance a priority.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is warning students planning a trip abroad this year to take out travel insurance before they go to avoid costly bills if things do go wrong.

Lynda St Cooke from the FCO ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign said: “Checking out sun bathing potential and making sure you have the right clothes for your trip are all part of the fun of going away but taking out a travel insurance policy should be top of your list.  You never know what might happen when you’re abroad and an emergency overseas can be extremely expensive – it’s important to find a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for all activities you plan to do while you’re away.”

When asked if they research the local laws and customs of their destination before departure, 22% of students surveyed said they never check these before travelling abroad.

Lynda St Cooke said: “Understanding the local culture can prevent you from accidently offending people or even breaking local laws. Reading up on your destination needn’t take a long time and could save you ending up in a cell with not a cocktail or swimming pool in sight!”

Students should visit http://www.fco.gov.uk/gapyear for travel preparation tips and advice.