One in five (21%) holidaymakers planning to go to Greece this summer are considering changing destination amid growing anxiety over the country’s debt crisis.
A poll of almost 550 consumers by travel insurer Holidaysafe.co.uk found that they are taking steps to ensure their holidays go without a hitch if the situation worsens over the coming months.
The findings came as reports suggested that the European Central Bank will hold an emergency meeting of its governing council tomorrow (Friday) to discuss the deteriorating situation for Greek banks.
The ECB warned that Greek banks may be forced to remain closed on Monday due to panicking savers withdrawing an estimated €2 billion in three days.
Tourists travelling to Greece have been warned to take cash in case of emergencies. Two million Britons visit the country each year.
An emergency meeting of eurozone leaders will be held on Monday after finance ministers failed to make a breakthrough in resolving the issue yesterday.
Greece has less than two weeks to strike a deal with its creditors or face defaulting on an existing loan.
Currency remains a big issue for travellers, with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advising travellers heading to Greece to make sure they have “enough money to cover emergencies and any unexpected delays”.
Holidaymakers have become wary of Europe’s economic climate, with more than 61% of respondents stating that warnings about Greece potentially exiting the euro have inspired them to carry more cash while on holiday.
Travellers carry an average of £400 worth of cash with them on holiday although some carrying more than £2,000 worth of euros, Holidaysafe’s findings reveal.
The vast majority use credit cards either as a primary or secondary way to make payments when abroad, with 80% preferring the security of using them.
But 29% admitted to not checking the cash limits of their travel insurance policy, meaning that they could potentially find themselves out of pocket if they take more than their limit with them and need to make a claim for lost cash.
Twenty eight per cent 28% of holidaymakers take travel money in the form of currency cards, which allows currency to be loaded onto a pre-paid card that is usable in the same way as a credit card.
Amber Howard, brand manager of Holidaysafe.co.uk, said: “When setting off for the summer holidays most people want to spend their time enjoying themselves and leaving their worries behind.
“We understand that there may be some concerns particularly about travelling to Greece, as well as the rest of the eurozone and we would advise holidaymakers to follow the FCO’s advice and take cash with them in case they need to pay for emergencies or delays.
“Holidaysafe.co.uk advises that you check the limits on your travel insurance policy to see how much cash is covered and also make sure you store it securely in a locked safe or keep it on your person.
“If you are planning on taking large amounts of cash you may need to consider taking out a travel insurance policy with a higher level of cover for cash.”