A quarter of holidaymakers ditch suitcases for overnight bags

Nearly a quarter (22 per cent) of holidaymakers now ditch their suitcases and opt to travel light by just taking an overnight bag with them on holiday, reveals research commissioned by Churchill Travel Insurance*.

The days of coveting celebrities’ matching monogrammed suitcases may well be over, as it seems that endless check-in queues, additional flight charges for luggage and perhaps a desire to get away as quickly as possible is driving more Brits to just grab a bag of essentials and go.

One in eight (12 per cent) summer sun holidaymakers cram their beach towels, sun lotion and swimwear into an overnight holdall rather than the traditional suitcase, and this rises to 22 per cent of travellers to skiing and winter sports destinations.

Despite packing smaller, this doesn’t necessarily mean lighter however. The majority of ‘hand luggage holidaymakers’ still packed a digital camera (60 per cent), clothes and shoes worth up to £500 (44 per cent) and their cosmetics and toiletries (35 per cent) into their overnight bag. A further quarter (26 per cent) even packed their laptop/ iPad and one in ten (9 per cent) took their Kindle/ e-Reader.

Annette Fox, spokesperson for Churchill Travel Insurance, commented: "Holidaymakers seem to have tired of packing everything but the kitchen sink when they go abroad and are now travelling lighter. However, do check any airline hand baggage restrictions before you travel to make sure you don’t have to leave anything at airport security.

"Whether you’re taking a suitcase or an overnight bag, make sure you take an inventory of everything you pack and its value, and make a note of the registration number of electrical items in case you do need to make a claim for any lost of stolen possessions while you’re away."

For those who do take a suitcase, Churchill Travel Insurance provides £200 towards replacement items if your luggage is delayed. Single items are insured for up to £300 under Churchill’s standard travel insurance, although you can call Churchill to raise the single item limit to £750 if you have an annual policy. Items worth more than this should be added to householders’ Home Insurance Personal Possessions Cover.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

* Churchill Travel Insurance commissioned Opinium Research to interview a random sample of 2,015 adults aged 18+ who have been on holiday in the past 12 months via online omnibus 31st January – 2nd February 2012. Surveys were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults.

For further information please contact:

Rachel Watkinson
Churchill Press Office
Tel: 0208 313 5741
Email: rachel.watkinson@rbs.co.uk

Churchill

Founded in 1989, Churchill is now one of the UK's leading providers of general insurance, offering car, home, travel and pet insurance cover over the phone or on-line.

Churchill general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales no 1179980. U K Insurance Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Churchill and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc, which is wholly owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group.

Customers can find out more about Churchill products or get a quote by calling 0800 200300 or visiting www.churchill.com.