Slips and trips revealed as the most common holiday accidents for British holidaymakers

A holiday getaway can quickly take a turn for the worse, and not for the reasons many may expect, as slips and trips are revealed as the leading cause for holiday accidents, in new research from law firm Slater and Gordon.

The national survey found that holiday adventures or activities pose less risk than simple, everyday hazards, such as uneven pavements or wet flooring, with one in three respondents experiencing slips or trips during their travels abroad.

Despite 70% of respondents feeling much more relaxed abroad, the law firm is reminding holidaymakers to keep aware of the potential overlooked risks that can happen to anyone.

While many associate injuries with adventurous activities, the data tells a different story. A third of respondents believe hiking trails (32%), followed by the sea at 31% present the most dangers. However, incidents are more frequently linked to common hazards than just isolated activities.

For holiday injury hotspots, nearly a quarter of respondents had accidents occur poolside (22%). Amongst injured holidaymakers, 23% blame wet or slippery surfaces, and one in seven blame uneven flooring for their injuries.

Overall, almost one in five Brits have been injured on a holiday abroad (19%), with a further 6% of unfortunate individuals reporting multiple injuries.

The consequences can significantly disrupt trips. Many respondents recounted requiring medical treatment abroad (40%), nearly one in three lose holiday days and more than a quarter (26%) end up hospitalised.

Without the right preparations, such as travel insurance or a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) card, this can carry a financial burden where severe injuries may cost thousands of pounds to treat.

Stephen Goodman, Practice Development Leader at Slater and Gordon, advises travellers to take the following steps to protect themselves and strengthen any potential claim:

• Report issues immediately to hotel staff or the tour operator reps,
• Collect evidence, including photos or videos of the accident scene or hazards,
• Obtain contact details for witnesses
• Seek medical attention and keep receipts and medical reports,
• Keep all booking documentation, records of complaints and correspondence,
• Seek legal advice early to strengthen any potential claim and to check if your booking meets the legal definition of a package under the 2018 regulations
• Seek legal advice before accepting vouchers or goodwill gestures, as these can affect your right to full compensation.

“The key is evidence and documentation is critical. Reporting the incident immediately, gathering photographs and obtaining medical evidence can make a significant difference. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. These steps can make all the difference in securing compensation,” said Stephen.