Women 'pack too much for holidays'

25/07/2011

By Steven Birch

Women pack a lot more clothing than they actually need for a two-week summer holiday, a survey has shown.

Co-operative Insurance found that on average women pack 18 tops, 12 pairs of shorts or skirts and six bikinis, despite only wearing around 12 tops, six pairs of shorts or skirts and three bikinis.

A total of 3,000 women were questioned for the poll, which revealed that the average value of the clothes in a woman's suitcase is £1,140.

With female travellers packing so many items it is especially important for them to secure travel insurance to make sure their prized possessions are covered for the break abroad.

Almost a quarter of those asked said packing made them feel stressed and 21 per cent said picking out clothes to wear on holiday was more stressful than going to work.

Lee Mooney, head of home and travel insurance at Co-operative Insurance, said: "It will come as no surprise to learn than many women are packing far more than they actually need.

"Given that most people also pack high-value items such as iPods and cameras, the value of a suitcase contents can be quite staggering."