A new study has suggested that many Britons are increasingly choosing to take sole responsibility for booking their holidays and are becoming less reliant on travel agents.

Statistics from financial services company M&S Money have suggested that half of all holidaymakers in the UK are now choosing to plan their vacations without expert assistance, using internet-based travel services to create their itineraries. With two-thirds of the population now said to enjoy high-speed broadband services, the company suggests that while more people are looking to achieve cost savings online, many are failing to take out an adequate travel insurance policy to cover them during their trip.

The firm asserts that 35 per cent of independent travellers experienced delays or cancellations during the course of their last holiday. Of those, 21 per cent found that they were not covered under the terms of their insurance. As a result of failing to take out sufficient cover, tourists may find that they have to cover the costs of replacement flights. Such additional costs could in turn have a knock-on effect for other areas of financial responsibility such as food and utility costs or credit card and personal loan repayments.

In terms of reasons for travel, M&S reports that people most commonly holidayed abroad to see friends and family, which accounted for 17 per cent of all trips taken by those included in the study. The group asserts that this reduced the need for all-inclusive tailored holiday packages and increased the likelihood that people would choose to simply book a series of flights individually. However, by doing so holidaymakers may find that there is no-one to turn to for support in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as delays or cancellations.

The group points out the problems associated with independent travel arrangements with the example of the recent problems experienced during the launch of the new Terminal 5 building at Heathrow, in which thousands of customers experienced delays and had trouble with their luggage. Furthermore, many independent travellers without adequate cover found that if they were unable to board a replacement flight operated by another company, then the costs of travelling on a subsequent service would have to be met out of their own pocket.

M&S also illustrated instances where those with independently booked travel cover would not be covered for incidents such as missed departure, curtailment or reimbursement for unused accommodation costs arising from a failure to reach the holiday destination.

For those who want to ensure that they travel with robust insurance protection but are already struggling to meet other vacation costs, taking out a cheap personal loan may be of assistance in providing the financial breathing space to ensure that dream holidays go smoothly. Indeed, a number of respondents were indicated as being unwilling to meet the costs of extra cover, with 12 per cent stating that they had not taken out a travel insurance policy the last time they went abroad.

Elsewhere, price comparison service moneysupermarket has recently urged those travelling abroad by car to check the terms of the car insurance to establish the extent of cover that is available while overseas.

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