AllClear’s poll found that the number of people compounding the risk of extreme experiences with a lack of travel insurance is growing, up from 71% last year. The number of people with medical conditions who are keen to enjoy an activity or adventure holiday abroad sat above the national average (71%) and well above the figure for people aged over 55 (46%). 

Many people with medical conditions are keen to ‘seize the moment’ and turn their holiday into an adventure, but with adrenaline and enjoyment comes the risk of expensive  medical costs abroad. With wildfires and global unrest affecting holidays this year, travelling without insurance is already risky, but rising medical costs in many overseas countries can mean that the sums associated with medical attention or repatriation can be eye-watering, making travel insurance which includes good medical cover essential. 

Among the  holiday experiences chosen by those who are likely to cut corners with their travel insurance, animal experiences such as swimming with dolphins (chosen by 28% of those surveyed) and safari (18%) were favourites, alongside cross-country road trips (30%) and cross-continental rail journeys (14%). Extreme sports such as water skiing (12%) and bungee jumping (10%) were also popular.

At a time when 55% of brits are opting for short-haul holidays, many might assume that people who risk travelling without insurance might be doing so because they feel they are taking relatively ‘low-risk’ trips (which they feel they can quickly return from if needed), but AllClear’s latest data shows that in reality, those who roll the dice by travelling without insurance often compound that risk by choosing to engage with activities that could potentially jeopardise their physical safety.

Garry Nelson, Head of Corporate Affairs at AllClear Travel Insurance comments: “ People understandably want to get as much value out of their holiday as possible, but sacrificing comprehensive medical travel insurance should not be seen as a cost-saving measure – especially for those more likely to have higher risk holidays abroad. 

“Travel insurance is a vital safety net . People tend to only realise the value of comprehensive travel cover when something goes wrong. AllClear understands the need to cut holiday costs where you can, but not where it counts. Saving money on the wrong things can end up costing you more in the long run: without the protection of travel insurance, the significant and rising cost of medical treatment in some countries abroad could cost people their home. It is also vital to check your policy to see exactly what experiences are covered ”

Whether it is the lush, mountainous archipelago of the Ionian Islands; the world-class art, culinary experiences and artisan culture of Florence – or the pearly white beaches and clear water of Thailand’s beaches – InsureandGo asked a nationally representative sample of 2,000 adults if they had taken holiday inspiration from the books they love.

Of the 54% of people who said they have chosen a holiday destination inspired by a setting of a novel, Alex Garland’s The Beach and The Da Vinci Code, by Dan Brown came top of the list, with 18% of survey respondents saying it inspired a trip to Thailand or Paris. Women are slightly more likely to be inspired by Alex Garland’s Thai adventure (19% vs 18%), while men narrowly favoured Dan Brown’s Paris-set thriller (19% vs 17%).

Overall, Italy emerged as the literary travel winners, with three of the nation’s top ten  influential travel-inspired books being set in Italy – Pompeii, A Room with A View and The Talented Mr Ripley.

The trend was strongest in London, where 73% of residents said the novels they enjoyed went on to influence subsequent holiday choices. The top holiday-inspiring reads in the capital were: The Da Vinci Code (19%) The Beach(18%), The Talented Mr Ripley (16%) The Summer I Turned Pretty (16%) and Chocolat (14%). Other UK regions where books played a major role influencing holiday choices included; the North West (58%), the West Midlands (57%) and the South West (55%). Books had the least influence on holiday choices for people living in Wales (46%).

The Top 10 holiday destinations inspired by books

1. The Beach – Thailand (18%) and The Da Vinci Code – Paris, France (18%)
2. Pompeii – Italy (16%)
3. Chocolat – France (14%)
4. A Room With A View – Florence, Italy (13%)
5. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin – Greece (13%)
6. The Talented Mr Ripley – Italy (12%)
7. The Summer I Turned Pretty – USA (12%)
8. Life of Pi – India (10%)
9. Normal People – Ireland (9%)
10. My Family and other Animals – Corfu (9%)

The InsureandGo study found that the influence of books on travel decisions was strong across all age-groups. Nationally 48% of the over 45s cited holidays inspired by books (their top choice novel being The Beach) – and this rose to 72% among the under 25 age group, whose top choice book was Pompeii.

Garry Nelson, Head of Corporate Affairs at InsureandGo comments: ‘’Books have always had the power to transport us to another place, but increasingly they are inspiring people to experience those destinations for themselves. What’s striking is that novels continue to influence travel decisions in an age dominated by social media and streaming services. 

“A great book can be the beginning of a great holiday. Whether it’s a beach in Thailand, a piazza in Florence or the streets of Paris, stories have a unique ability to turn destinations into must-visit locations. As travellers bring those literary adventures to life, it’s important not to overlook the practical side of planning too. At InsureandGo we aim to make it easy for people to get the cover that best fits their needs. Having appropriate travel insurance in place means if the unexpected happens, your holiday story can remain one with a happy ending.”

InsureandGo is one of the best-known names in travel insurance in the UK.  Based in Southend-on-Sea with over 100 staff it is a multi, award-winning travel insurance company. InsureandGo has  were awarded the prestigious ‘Best Buy’ status by Which? for 3 years running, most recently in May 2026. InsureandGo has supported 27 million travellers with travel insurance policies and specialises in value for money products.

As schools break up for the summer and another heatwave grips Britain, the great British staycation is continuing to lose ground.

New tracking research from AllClear Travel Insurance reveals that UK holidays have fallen dramatically in popularity over the past two years, while millions more Britons are choosing short-haul breaks to Europe instead.

The figures challenge the long-held belief that hot UK summers encourage more people to holiday at home. Instead, travellers appear to be opting for destinations better equipped for prolonged high temperatures, with reliable sunshine, air-conditioned hotels, restaurants and public transport – and infrastructure better designed to cope with summer heat.

The findings come as millions of families prepare to head away for the school summer holidays, with one of the busiest travel periods of the year now underway.

The AllClear research found that 91% of UK adults plan to take a holiday this year, virtually unchanged from previous years (90% in 2024 and 89% in 2023), underlining the resilience of the travel market despite ongoing economic uncertainty.

However, where people are choosing to holiday is changing significantly.

The proportion planning a UK staycation has fallen from 59% in 2024 to just 45% this year—a drop of almost a quarter in just two years. Meanwhile, short-haul European holidays have climbed from 44% last year to 51% this summer, while long-haul travel has edged down slightly.

The trend is particularly pronounced among older travellers. Among over-55s, staycations have dropped from 56% to 45% in two years, while short-haul European breaks have increased from 44% to 49%. Among those with pre-existing medical conditions, UK holidays have fallen from 61% to 46%, while European trips have risen from 39% to 48%.

Spain remains Britain’s favourite European destination this summer, chosen by 40% of those heading to Europe, followed by Italy (22%), France (21%), Greece (18%), Portugal (16%), the Mediterranean islands (14%), Turkey (12%), Germany (11%), the Netherlands (8%) and Switzerland (7%).

The research also highlights changing holiday tastes.

Traditional beach holidays have fallen in popularity over the past year, dropping from 44% to 37%, while Airbnb-style accommodation has also declined from 18% to 12%.

Instead, holidaymakers are increasingly choosing hotel and pool holidays (24%), city breaks (26%), villa or private house holidays (13%) and romantic breaks (13%), suggesting travellers are looking for comfort, convenience and a broader range of experiences.

The emotional reasons for taking a holiday are also becoming more important.

Four in ten (40%) say the main reason for travelling abroad this year is to de-stress and switch off mentally. Meanwhile, more than one in five (22%) say they want a break from the economic gloom in the UK, up from 18% last year, while the same proportion say they are using their holiday to step back from hectic lives and reflect on.

Garry Nelson, Head of Corporate Affairs at AllClear Travel Insurance comments: “The first day of the school summer holidays has traditionally marked the start of the great British staycation. But our findings suggest that trend is continuing to reverse.

“Holiday demand remains incredibly resilient, but we’re seeing a clear shift towards European destinations and away from UK breaks.

“While Britain is experiencing another heatwave, many travellers appear to be deciding that if they’re going to spend a week in 30-degree temperatures, they’d rather do it somewhere that’s built for it. Across much of southern Europe, hotels, restaurants, public transport and attractions are designed to cope with prolonged summer heat, with air conditioning and shaded spaces now part of everyday life. The UK simply isn’t equipped in the same way.

 “As more holidaymakers head overseas in search of guaranteed sunshine, it’s worth remembering that extreme heat can put additional strain on the body, especially for those with existing medical conditions. Before you travel, make sure you accurately declare your medical history when arranging travel insurance. It’s a simple step that helps ensure you’re properly covered should you need medical assistance while you’re away.” 

This July York Early Music Festival celebrates its 50th edition and to mark this special occasion has commissioned the majestic York Fanfare, Flourish at 50 to be played during the opening weekend.

To create the York Fanfare the festival joined forces with Yorkshire composer Sam Meredith and all female German ensemble [hanse] Pfeyffery to create this magnificent piece of music to mark the occasion.

The York Fanfare is written by Wakefield- born Sam Meredith. A finalist in the 2023 NCEM Young Composers Award, Sam was selected from a strong line up of applicants, all alumni from the Young Composers Award, to be this year’s Commission Composer for the York Early Music Festival. 

Last year, Sam completed his MA in Opera-Making and Writing at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. His work has been performed at the Barbican and the annual Bauhaus Festival in London under the tutelage of John Harle, who has commissioned him to write pieces for big band, large ensemble and most recently a duet for saxophone and piano. He has sung and toured with the Idrisi Ensemble and was proud to appear in the choir for Alan Bennett’s film The Choral, directed by Nicholas Hytner.

Performing the fanfare are this year’s artists in residence [hanse] Pfeyffery, a Renaissance wind band specialising in improvised and rediscovered music from around 1500 played on shawms, cornetto, dulcian, slide trumpet and trombone. 

The ensemble were finalists in the 2024 York International Young Artists Competition when they won the Cambridge Early Music Prize.  

The York Fanfare will open this year’s festival on Friday 3 July outside The Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall at the University of York at 6.20pm before the opening concert by I Fagiolini, and also outside York Minster before the concert by The Sixteen on Saturday 4 July at 6.45pm, 7.00pm, and 7.15pm.

There will be an opportunity to catch them one last time on The Early Music Show live from the NCEM on BBC Radio 3 on Sunday 5 July at 5pm. 

They will also perform Serenade for Isabella: The Casanatense Chansonnier at the York Early Music Friends Coffee Concert on 4 July. Hosted by the Friends and open to everyone, the concert features works from the Casanatense Chansonnier, written as a wedding gift for Isabella d’Este in Ferrara in 1492.

Composer of the York Fanfare, Sam Meredith said: 

“In this piece, I wanted to emulate the rousing and awe-inducing nature of
a ‘traditional’ fanfare, whilst also creating a sense of playfulness, joy and
celebration, more in the spirit of folk and dance music. The often syncopated landscape that emerged, first during the compositional process and then through working with [hanse] Pfeyfferey, is hopefully an exciting and an energetic tribute to the National Centre. For Early Music who commissioned this fanfare to introduce the 50th Early Music Festival in York.” 

Dr Christopher Fox, who has been involved in selecting and mentoring the young composers for the NCEM Award since 2011, said:

“Every year I am amazed at the imagination and skill of the composers who create music for the Award scheme.  The workshop day at which eight young composers develop their work with a professional ensemble is always very exciting. It’s also been a delight to see so many of the NCEM composers, like Sam Meredith, go on to make a name for themselves. The NCEM alumni are a fantastic bank of compositional talent.”

New research from InsureandGo reveals that despite the geo-political tensions, 68% of UK adults are still planning a holiday abroad this summer – but the World Cup is shaping when people plan to go away. Nationally, 40% of survey respondents told InsureandGo they would be moving their usual summer holiday dates – with 19% of respondents saying they will holiday abroad earlier than usual this summer in order to be back in the UK for the world cup matches starting. In contrast, 21% of adults said they will be pushing back their usual summer holiday dates to later in the summer, after the World Cup is over.

Almost one in five respondents (19%) intend to enjoy the world cup matches abroad whilst having a holiday in the sun – with Spain emerging at the top choice holiday destination that promised a great party atmosphere to follow the World Cup matches (21%). 

Top 10 overseas countries people would like to go visit to enjoy the party atmosphere of watching the FIFA World Cup matches this summer

·      Around the UK, people in the North West (24%) and London (23%) were most likely to be drawn to watching the World Cup matches abroad, in countries that they regarded to have a good party atmosphere.  

·      People living in the South East (44%) and East (44%) were most likely to change their usual summer holiday dates to be clear to watch the games at home with family and friends. 

·      People living in the North East are most likely to be having an early holiday abroad in May or early June so they could be home for the World Cup starting on 11 June. In contrast, people from the South East are most likely to push back this year’s summer holiday to August, when the World Cup is over.

Garry Nelson, former professional footballer and Head of Corporate Affairs for InsureandGo comments: “The World Cup promises to give a lot of people a real boost this summer – a time for positivity as the games bring people and communities together. Our new data suggests the World Cup will give a much needed boost to the travel industry, after widespread concern over the impact of the Gulf War on travel confidence. 

Despite the tensions in the world, two in three adults want to have their summer holiday abroad this year. Many are moving plans so they can enjoy the games at home, whether at an outdoor screening, down the pub with friends or at home with family. And for those heading off abroad to enjoy the party atmosphere, we encourage everyone to remember the importance of having travel insurance. At InsureandGo we offer a wide range of options and we make it easy for people to  get the cover that’s right for them so they can go without the doubt.”

·      Two thirds of people are considering holidays to cooler countries or at a temperate time of year

As temperatures soar in London, new research from InsureandGo reveals that three in four holidaymakers (75%) think some European holiday hotspots abroad will soon be too hot to visit within the next five years – leading many to consider travelling to cooler countries or, for those that can, to take their two weeks in the sun at a different time of year. 

In recent years there has been growing public concern over extreme heat and wildfires during the summer months. In the week when the UK has been hit by an extreme heatwave, InsureandGo asked a nationally representative sample of 2,034 adults which, if any, European countries they thought would be too hot to visit in five years’ time. 

Too hot to visit by 2030 Top 10 countries

1.     Greece – 32%

2.     Turkey – 32%

3.     Spain – 31%

4.     Cyprus – 25%

5.     Portugal – 17%

6.     Italy – 17%

7.     Malta – 16%

8.     UK – 14%

9.     France – 6%

10.  Croatia – 6%

With many favourite holiday destinations potentially becoming too hot to visit during the peak summer holiday period, InsureandGo asked survey respondents what remedial steps they would take with their holiday planning. Nationally, 24% of adults said they would stick with peak summer months but would consider visiting cooler countries. In addition, 27% said they would look to go on holiday at a cooler time of year in spring or early autumn – with 12% switching to winter holidays. The remaining 37% of respondents said they would stick to summer for their holiday but take steps to be prepared for the hot weather.

Garry Nelson, Head of Corporate Affairs at InsureandGo comments: “Europe has been hit by extreme heat for a number of years now during the summer months – and climate change could see different travel trends in the future, as more people consider countries that have cooler climates. Whilst many people are considering changing their usual holiday plans, it is noteworthy that people’s determination to have a family holiday abroad endures unchanged. What may change is a rise in the percentage of people that move dates to early or late summer – and those that are considering countries with more temperate climates.

“For those Brits sticking to their summer holiday plans and visiting hot countries, it is important they take the right steps to keep themselves safe abroad. Comprehensive Travel insurance is a vital part of the equation here. At InsureandGo we aim to make it easy for people to get the cover that best fits their needs, so when it comes to enjoying a cherished holiday, they can go without the doubt.”

For more information on InsureandGo visit https://www.insureandgo.com

These findings come at a time when UK adults remain resilient about travelling abroad this summer – with Southern Europe and the Med remaining the top choice summer holiday region (30%) for the fifth consecutive summer. 

What has changed is the perceived importance attached to safety when abroad.  Nationally, 38% of survey respondents said their health and safety on holiday is now of prime importance abroad this summer, up from 25% this time last year.

The AllClear data also revealed a three-year peak in the percentage of adults with medical conditions that now say they would be happy to pay a higher premium for their travel cover if they could be sure their medical conditions would be covered – rising from 23% to 35% over the last 12-months. 

This upweighted consumer focus on safety and quality travel insurance products comes at a time when AllClear products have been recognised as a Which? Best Buy for the 3rd year running! All 3 products Gold, Gold Plus and Platinum have been recognised as Which? Best Buy for 2026.

Commenting on the new research findings, Garry Nelson, Head of Corporate Affairs at AllClear Travel Insurance comments: “We see from our latest data that people still very much want to travel abroad this summer. That said, the conflict and tensions in various parts of the world have understandably triggered a mindset-change with many holidaymakers now placing far greater emphasis on being safe abroad. For some, this may mean spending more time researching safe holiday destinations, for others it may mean focusing more on premium resorts – but, for everyone, now is a time to focus on making sure they have quality, comprehensive travel cover before they travel abroad.

“For some years, we’ve noticed a worrying rise in the percentage of people with medical conditions that are not disclosing all their medical conditions when buying travel cover. Despite the current focus on safety, our research tells us  that there are still 31% of people who say they would be tempted to not fully disclose medical information to save money on their travel insurance policy. Some people admit to being economic with the truth on how long they plan to travel for, whilst others say they knowingly under-estimate the value of the belongings in their suitcase. Of greatest concern, 26% of people with medical conditions say they knowingly fail to declare medical information in order to get a cheaper policy premium. But in the current climate of consumers putting safety first, we encourage all holiday makers, especially those with medical conditions, to declare all their medical conditions when choosing the travel cover that best meets their needs.”

Reflecting on the Best Buy awards, Chris Rolland, CEO of AllClear Travel Insurance adds: “On behalf of the team, I am delighted that AllClear has been awarded Best Buys by Which? for the 3rd year in a row. In a travel insurance market so often driven by price, the quality of product we offer and our empathetic customer service are important – especially at times of uncertainty when more people are giving more thought to the travel insurance products they can trust.”

The AllClear research also asked people about the holiday destinations they thought would be the safest to visit this summer. For many of the destinations listed, a significant percentage of respondents thought they would be able to pay the medical bills themselves if they were to have an accident or fall ill while on holiday in that country.

For 25 years, award-winning AllClear Travel Insurance has helped cover more than 3.5m people, with customers across the UK and Australia. AllClear is passionate about enabling people to obtain specialist travel insurance whatever their pre-existing medical conditions or age. Discover more at: www.allcleartravel.co.uk 

If you’re planning your trip and want to explore the very best options, check out Tourist shows in Copenhagen at https://www.copenhagen.show/

Why Tourist Shows in Copenhagen Are So Popular

Copenhagen has built a reputation as a cultural hotspot thanks to its mix of traditional arts and modern entertainment. The city is home to historic venues, innovative performance spaces, and internationally recognised productions.

Visitors can expect:

• High-quality productions and performances
• English-friendly shows for international audiences
• Unique cultural experiences rooted in Danish traditions
• A lively atmosphere, especially in the evenings

From grand theatres to intimate comedy venues, the city offers a diverse entertainment scene that attracts tourists from across the world.

Types of Tourist Shows in Copenhagen

1. Theatre, Opera, and Classical Performances

Copenhagen is famous for its rich theatrical heritage. The Royal Danish Theatre and the Copenhagen Opera House host world-class productions, including ballet, opera, and drama. These venues are not only cultural landmarks but also offer guided tours that let visitors explore their historic interiors.

Expect stunning performances, elaborate costumes, and unforgettable storytelling that reflects Denmark’s artistic traditions.

2. Comedy Shows and Interactive Experiences

One of the most unique aspects of Tourist shows in Copenhagen is the rise of English-language comedy performances. Shows like “How to Become Danish in One Hour” have become hugely popular with visitors, offering humour combined with cultural insight.

These performances are perfect for tourists who want to:

• Learn about Danish culture in a fun way
• Enjoy interactive and engaging entertainment
• Experience something different from traditional theatre

For more comedy and live entertainment options, visit https://www.copenhagen.show/

3. Dinner Shows and Live Entertainment

If you’re looking for a full evening experience, Copenhagen offers dinner shows that combine food, music, and performance. Venues like Wallmans provide a lively mix of singing, dancing, and theatrical acts alongside a gourmet meal, creating a memorable night out.

These shows are especially popular with tourists because they:

• Offer great value for a full evening of entertainment
• Provide a social and immersive experience
• Blend multiple performance styles into one event

4. Concerts and Music Performances

Music lovers will find plenty to enjoy in Copenhagen. The city hosts everything from classical concerts to modern live music events. Venues like VEGA attract international artists and thousands of visitors each year, making it a key hub for live entertainment.

You can also enjoy:

• Jazz performances in intimate venues
• Open-air concerts during summer
• Candlelight concerts and themed music events

5. Shows at Tivoli Gardens

No guide to Tourist shows in Copenhagen would be complete without mentioning Tivoli Gardens. This iconic attraction offers a packed programme of live shows, concerts, and seasonal performances throughout the year.

From family-friendly entertainment to spectacular evening shows, Tivoli is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience Copenhagen’s entertainment scene in one place.

Where to Find the Best Tourist Shows in Copenhagen

Copenhagen’s entertainment venues are spread across the city, but some of the most popular areas include:

• City Centre (Indre By): Home to theatres, comedy venues, and cultural institutions
• Vesterbro: Known for music venues and nightlife
• Nyhavn: Offers a lively atmosphere with nearby entertainment options
• Tivoli Gardens: A central hub for shows and performances

The city’s nightlife is particularly vibrant, with bars, clubs, and live entertainment running late into the night, making it ideal for tourists looking for evening activities.

When to Experience Tourist Shows in Copenhagen

Copenhagen hosts shows all year round, but certain periods stand out:

• Summer: Outdoor performances, festivals, and concerts
• Winter: Cosy indoor shows and festive performances
• Spring & Autumn: A mix of theatre, comedy, and cultural events

Major events and festivals also bring additional shows to the city, making it worth checking the event calendar before your visit.

Tips for Enjoying Tourist Shows in Copenhagen

To make the most of your experience:

• Book tickets in advance, especially for popular shows
• Look for English-language performances if you don’t speak Danish
• Combine shows with dining or sightseeing for a full experience
• Check venue locations to plan your evening efficiently

Final Thoughts

Copenhagen offers one of the most diverse and exciting entertainment scenes in Europe. Whether you’re interested in theatre, comedy, music, or immersive experiences, Tourist shows in Copenhagen deliver unforgettable moments for every visitor.

From historic venues to modern performances, the city perfectly blends tradition with innovation—making it a must-visit destination for culture lovers.

To discover the latest events, comedy nights, and must-see performances, explore https://www.copenhagen.show/