Australians under 30 are leading the way in adventurous travel. But research reveals many are missing key steps to protect themselves from financial and health risks abroad.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) recently partnered to research Australians' sentiments around travel, travel insurance, and Smartraveller. The research found that younger travellers aged 18-29 are more likely to travel uninsured, engage in risky behaviours and overlook critical travel advice.
- 23% of young travellers went overseas without any travel insurance.
- While 83% of all travellers were aware of methanol poisoning, 30% of young travellers who drank alcohol on their trip consumed drinks with unfamiliar labels and 17% drank from shared jugs or buckets.
- Two in five (43%) young travellers visited a destination they perceived to be risky. One in twenty (5%) travelled to a destination they would describe as very risky.
- Although 64% of young travellers were aware of the Smartraveller website, only 37% reviewed destination-specific travel advice before their last trip.
- Despite being more likely to travel to a Level 3 or Level 4 destination, two in five young travellers (58%) were not aware they may not be covered by travel insurance if travelling to these destinations.
Encouragingly, nine in ten (88%) travellers who were aware of Smartraveller said its advice influenced their choice of destination, and 83% said Smartraveller advice influenced their insurance decisions.
Don’t get influenced into taking risks
Almost half (45%) of all Australian travellers were willing to take risks in pursuit of unique or memorable experiences, with half (50%) of those under 30 saying they had seen dangerous destinations promoted in a positive way, specifically because they feel risky, by influencers or in the media.
Travelling somewhere uncommon or unsafe can seem thrilling. Especially if you’ve seen others do it and return safely. But visiting locations where Australia and other governments advise ‘Do not travel’ can put your life in serious danger. No amount of likes are worth the risks.
Our advice levels are important to follow. They’re put in place to protect your safety and wellbeing. If you do get into trouble, our ability to provide consular assistance in these places is extremely limited. In almost all cases, you also won’t be covered by travel insurance.
Take our advice seriously, avoid travelling to do not travel locations.
Read the full survey results.