Kent holidaymakers are being urged not to cut corners when it comes to travel insurance.

According to research by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), Brits abroad are continuing to get into trouble due to lack of planning, or fears about funds.

More than 65 per cent of holidaymakers surveyed in Kent admitted they will be spending less on foreign holiday preparations, such as travel insurance, due to the credit crunch.

The survey found:-

Foreign Office Minister Meg Munn said: "Helping British nationals in distress overseas is one of our most important tasks but many of the problems faced by holidaymakers are preventable.

"By carrying out some simple research on the laws, customs and health requirements of a country in advance, many people could prevent their holidays being ruined."

Incident figures from the FCO reveal that:-