During 2003 according to figures from Mintel, 7 per cent of people* took short getaways and with two bank holidays approaching fast, May is the perfect time to arrange that break.

There is one thing however, that is as important as taking your passport – travel insurance. Many people believe that because they are only going away for a short time that the risk of something happening to them is also reduced.

Because of its close proximity, many trips are taken in Europe. However, statistics from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office show that 20 per cent of people travelling to European destinations don’t take out any kind travel insurance.