UK holidaymakers splash out on shopping abroad

UK holidaymakers are being urged to consider overseas purchases when planning travel insurance.

Almost half of women in the UK (46 per cent) admitted to needing an extra bag on holiday to carry back their overseas purchases, according to Barclays General Insurance.

The survey also discovered the more popular items included shoes, clothes, ipods and cameras.

According to the survey, return suitcases increased in value by around £170 on return to the UK - with the average cost of an outbound case £1,307 for women and £1,004 for men.

After examining the results, Barclays is now urging shoppers to be aware of the value new purchases add to their suitcase on their homebound journey.

Adrian Grace, managing director of Barclays Insurance, commented: "Many of us succumb to that splurging feeling whilst we?re on holiday but it?s surprising that many people plan for the mass holiday spending by taking extra luggage with them. However, holidaymakers need to understand that they should have comprehensive and up-to-date travel insurance to cover their pre and post-shopping luggage and remember, keep receipts of any spending in case you need to claim."

Holidaymakers who do not take their purchases into consideration could be significantly out of pocket if their luggage is lost.