Travel expert says common mistake while booking holiday can end up costing people thousands

The idea of booking a break in the sun is much more serene than the reality of it. You're trawling through hundreds of destinations and hotel options, all while having to decide on dates which work for everyone involved.

You end up needing another holiday to recover from the mental exhaustion of simply arranging the first one, as there are that many things swirling around your head that you need to worry about.

But even if you're in the pits of holiday booking hell, there is one extremely important aspect of your trip that should never slip your mind - as travel experts have warned that this common mistake can end up costing people thousands.

Although you might be trying to get away on the cheap and are cutting corners where you can, not purchasing travel insurance is a huge no-no according to mini-break boffins at Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI).

They warned that it could end up costing you a lot more in the long run if you don't get cover before you head abroad and end up running into trouble while your away.

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The insurance firm's CEO, Jo McCauley, explained that there has been an uptick in Gen Z travellers ditching insurance as they head off on an adventure, which she described as a 'concerning trend'.

She told news.com.au that recent research conducted by the company found that 'twice as many Gen Zs are saying they won’t be purchasing travel insurance this year compared to Baby Boomers'.

There's a reason they say we should listen to our elders - they've been there, ended up needing to lean on their travel insurance and are wearing the t-shirt with pride.

"Travelling without travel insurance simply isn’t worth the risk," McCauley added.

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The travel expert said young holidaymakers who do take out travel insurance most often claim for lost or stolen baggage, personal belongings, medical or evacuation costs and changes to their travel plans.

Having to potentially seek medical attention abroad is arguably one of the most important reasons for getting insured, as McCauley explained fees can reach ridiculous amounts.

"We’ve seen medical bills in the hundreds of thousands of dollars for simple injuries like a broken bone," she added.

"It’s a cliche but, it’s true - if you can’t afford travel insurance then you can’t afford to travel."

It might seem like an inconvenience and an unnecessary expense to some people, but you can't put a price on the peace of mind of knowing that you're protected while off on your travels.