According to research carried out by GfK NOP during the period 12-14th May 2006 over 4 million people have canceled their holidays in the last three years.

The research, carried out on behalf of Sainsbury's travel insurance revealed every year many would be tourists are forced to cancel their long awaited annual vacation due to unforeseen circumstances.

Unfortunately since around 13% (1) of holiday makers fail to take out holiday insurance many will be unable to recoup the cost of these canceled pre-paid holidays. To make matters worse many leave purchasing holiday insurance until closer to the departure date and are therefore not covered for this pre-trip problem.

The Sainsbury's travel insurance report highlights the top reasons why people cancel their annual vacations. Top of the list being sickness of a relative/friend closely followed be sickness to the policy holder themselves. Other reasons included for canceling a holiday are work related issues, natural disasters, relationship breakdowns, wedding, Christening's, funerals and the fear or occurrence of a terrorist attack.

Sainsbury's Bank travel insurance has been voted a Best Buy for the last six years. They offer single trip travel insurance, multi-trip travel insurance and family travel insurance.

Good travel insurance cover not only covers the insured against the possibility of having to cancel a trip but also offers insurance cover against many other possible problems. When considering the purchase of a travel insurance policy you should check to see if cover is offered for the following;- Cancellation, curtailment, medical and repatriation expenses, hospital benefit, personal accident, baggage, delayed baggage, personal cash, loss of passport or documents, missed departure, travel delay, mugging, legal expenses, personal liability and loss of hotel facilities. Depending on the type of trip you are planning, you may wish to check if your provider can offer optional extras such as; - sports equipment, avalanche closure, winter sports cover or even a wedding cover extension.

The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office's "Know Before You Go" campaign was started to do all it can to help British travelers stay safe on holiday. Before you go overseas, check out the FCO website. It is packed with essential travel advice and tips, and up-to-date country-specific information alternatively call 0845 850 2829 (assuming caller is in the UK).

(1) According to research by TNS during 11-13th November 2005.