Recent statistics unveiled by leading travel essentials provider Essential Travel show less backpackers set to travel following last year’s announcement of impending student fees.

Director of Essential Travel Stuart Bensusan comments: “Students who take a gap year will not be exempt from escalating university fees and all indications are that backpackers are certainly travelling less, with those that can still afford to travel perhaps skipping insurance as a way to save money.
“Deciding to take the risk and travel without insurance may seem an easy way to economise and we’ve seen fewer backpackers take out policies, but it’s an expensive business should they need to claim. 

“Backpackers tend to embark on activities such as bungee jumping, diving and sky diving which are obviously higher risk than your average package holiday so if anyone ought to have a decent insurance policy its independent travellers.

“Having insurance helps with medical assistance, replacing lost luggage - even more important when your whole life is on your back.
“When creating a travel budget, young people should always include travel insurance so they can truly enjoy their experience and ensure they select a policy that covers all activities they intend to embark on.”