Kids' holiday suitcases worth £220 - nearly two thirds of children take own luggage on holiday

British children* are packing an average £220 worth of toys, gadgets and clothes into their suitcases when they go on holiday with their parents, reveals research commissioned by Churchill Travel Insurance**.

The ‘Trunki trend’ has led to nearly one in ten (eight per cent) children packing over £500 worth of possessions in their own suitcases when going on family holidays in past twelve months.

Almost two thirds (60 per cent) of children took their own luggage with them on their most recent holiday.

Nearly half (47 per cent) of kids going on holiday packed a portable games console in their suitcase, with other popular gadgets including iPods (25 per cent), smartphones (22 per cent) and digital cameras (21 per cent). However, 43 per cent still also took more traditional toys away with them. The majority even insisted on packing their own clothes (63 per cent) and toiletries (50 per cent) in their personal suitcase.

Annette Fox, spokesperson for Churchill Travel Insurance, commented: "Kids now have so many gadgets that they are taking their own suitcases on holiday with them. Remember that if you child is taking valuable items away with them make sure their luggage is locked securely in transit, or keep valuable possessions in your hand luggage during the flight. Make a list of all the items packed and their value, just in case the worst happens and you need to make a lost luggage claim."

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

For further information please contact:

Matt Owen
Churchill Press Office
Tel: 020 8285 8795 / 07717 360 444
Email: Matthew.j.owen@rbs.co.uk

Notes to editors:

* A child is defined as someone under the age of 16.

** 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 – 2ndFebruary 2012. Results for children’s suitcases are based on 303 children travelling with their own suitcase/bag in the last twelve months. Surveys were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. 

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