Put holiday insurance on your list of travel essentials

Tourists who forget to pack basics such as sunscreen and flip flops face forking out a fortune to replace them abroad, according to a new study. And those who overlook the need for travel insurance will find they can't buy it overseas at any price.

Travel insurance must be taken out for the duration of a trip and must be bought in the UK, though it is possible to buy a policy right up to the time of departure.

Researchers from credit card company Visa Europe found other essentials frequently left behind by holidaymakers could cost more than twice as much when bought abroad, even in destinations where the cost of living is low.

Though many are attracted to Bulgaria for its low prices, toiletries over there can cost four times more than in the UK. A tube of Colgate toothpaste will set you back £2.20 compared to £1.30 at home.

A basket of 16 holiday items, including flip flops, beach towels and sunglasses, cost £507 in the UK but £711 in Turkey and £686 in Greece.

Not all countries are more expensive for holiday basics, however. Colgate toothpaste costs just 18p in India and Havaianas flip flops which cost £20 in the UK are half the price in Australia. Just remember to ask for 'thongs'!

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