American Express Travel Insurance Researches the Most Common Pre-Travel Arguments

NCD News: American Express Travel Insurance - 05.07.08

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American Express Travel Insurance Researches the Most Common Pre-Travel Arguments: It's common for travellers to have a few disagreements before going off together on holiday. People may have different concepts of what constitutes a "good holiday," including destinations, accommodations, and itineraries. In a July press release, American Express UK revealed some interesting facts about holidaymakers' rows prior to even leaving the airport. Some of the findings confirm popular preconceptions. Men, for instance, tend to launch into rows because of the packing habits of female co-travellers. Also, 40% of pre-departure rows involve getting to the airport on time.

A summary of common pre-departure conflicts is drawn directly from the press release below:

Top five holiday planning rows:
How much is being packed into suitcases 48%
Getting to the airport on time 40%
Whether we can afford to go on holiday 29%
What dates we're booking for the break 17%
The quality and type of accommodation booked 17%

Terminal arguments:
Needing the toilet on the way to the airport 17%
Finding a place to park 13%
Finding the right check-in desk 13%
Getting into the wrong check-in queue 10%
Losing a family member/ holiday companion at the airport 4%

Surprisingly, though, the "cranky old travelling couple" appears to be somewhat of a myth. Travellers over 55 had the least number of arguments prior to departure (averaging only 3.1), whereas young travellers averaged 4 arguments before jetting off. This could be because age brings maturity and calm, but it could also be due to the fact that older travellers may be better organized prior to departure. Dashing off to the Continent for a weekend might seem exciting to a young couple or group of college students, but even a brief trip across the Channel requires careful financial and insurance preparation.

Many travellers prefer the convenience of credit cards while abroad: they are easy to replace, and there is no risk of loss as there is with carrying foreign currency. Further, there is no need to worry about keeping an eye on local currency rates. Credit cards have their own drawbacks, though: they are not taken in some establishments - especially outside the EU or in more rural areas. Other establishments may charge additional fees (beyond what the card issuer may charge) for using a credit card especially for small purchases.

When there is difficulty making payments for services there is both holiday stress and embarrassment - and a row started before travel departure can then reignite abroad. American Express Traveller Cheques Director Kirstie Bayley therefore advises travellers to take a proper "mixed travel wallet" of cash, cards and travellers cheques. The cheques in particular are as good as cash, but far safer - since they can be replaced whilst on holiday. They may also be easier to use at establishments that are reluctant to accept credit cards.

At all events, to reduce rows before and during a holiday it is important to make sure that all financial arrangements for travel are in place before the trip begins. That will help you take all the stress out of the holiday and make it a truly pleasing journey. †