Sheilas Wheels

13th August, 2010

EXCESS BAGGAGE

The average holidaymaker crams their suitcase with #3,000 worth of clothes, gadgets and toiletries - almost three times the cost of their holiday, it emerged yesterday (Thurs).

Researchers found the typical traveller takes #325 of clothes, #119 of shoes, flip-flops and wedges and #75 of accessories such as scarves, sarongs and hats.

Holidaymakers also pack sunglasses to the value of #94, jewellery to the tune of #236 and electrical equipment worth #750.

The incredible haul totals #3,174.65 - almost three times the #1,342 cost of an average package holiday.

Worryingly, the study also found one in five holidaymakers don't take out travel insurance to cover lost or stolen luggage.

Yesterday Jacky Brown at Sheilas' Wheels travel insurance, which polled 3,000 people said: ''The majority of folk don't give a second thought to the value of the goods they are packing into their suitcase and hand luggage, but in reality the contents are worth thousands.

''And when it comes to the crunch, most holidaymakers don't even use half of the items they take with them.

''Brits need to learn to pack light - not only would this reduce any implications of excess baggage fees, but it would also soften the blow if the luggage did go missing.''

The study found people take cameras worth #231.03, camcorders worth #281.03 and shavers totalling #104.71.

In addition, they pack entertainment such as mp3 players, CD players, laptops, and mobile phones with a collective total of #1,207.61.

Personal hygiene sets them back another #189.25 as they pack their suitcase full of toiletries, hairdryers and straighteners.

Items such as baby equipment and food and snacks cost a further #258.62.

The suitcase and hand luggage itself costs another #51.23 - taking the total value of holiday luggage to just over #3,000.

And 34 per cent of Brits have been forced to buy another bag or suitcase on holiday to accommodate their new purchases to bring home.

Jacky Brown added: ''For peace of mind, it's vital for holidaymakers to make sure they've got travel insurance and double check what they are covered for, as while you can't plan for every eventuality, you can make sure you have done everything you can before leaving the UK.''

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