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Four million holidays have been cancelled by British travellers over the last three years, new research claims.

The GfK NOP poll found the most common reason for calling a holiday was the sickness of a friend or close relation affecting 1.5m Britons due to head abroad.

Personal sickness stopped holidays for 855,000 people and 570,000 cancelled breaks due to work.

Funerals, natural disasters and relationships breaking down were all reasons to stop holidays for around a third of a million people.

With the high levels of holiday plans falling flat, prospective holidaymakers are being encouraged to ensure they don't leave buying travel insurance to the last minute.

Robert O'May, of Sainsbury's, which commission the survey, said: 'People make significant investments in their holidays, but can often overlook the fact that things can go wrong while they are away or that they may have to cancel them.

'This makes the fact that so many people travel abroad without insurance all the more alarming.

'People should also purchase their insurance soon after booking their holiday, this includes any short trips. This will provide them with financial protection if they have to cancel for unforeseen reasons, such as falling ill and being unable to travel.'

It is estimated over 100,000 travel insurance claims will be made this year in relation to cancellations.


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