As the peak summer holiday season begins, Irish holidaymakers set for foreign shores are being urged to check they're covered for any disruption which might be caused to their trips as a result of power outages and anti-tourist protests. This follows the power outages in Spain, Portugal and France in late April and local unrest in some Mediterranean tourist hotspots, where anti-tourism sentiment is showing no sign of waning.

Experts at Peopl Insurance (Peopl.ie), a nationwide provider of travel insurance, are advising those travelling overseas this summer to be aware of any conditions and restrictions to their travel cover in the event that a protest or power outage disrupts or delays their holiday plans. In the wake of a recent escalation in foreign conflicts, Peopl Insurance is also urging people to understand any restrictions in their cover in the event their holiday is disrupted by war or armed conflicts.

Dominic Lumsden, spokesman for Peopl Insurance, said:

"Recent years have seen an increase in anti-tourist sentiment in some European tourist hotspots, with locals in some popular resorts protesting against mass tourism. With more anti-tourist protests expected in parts of the Mediterranean this summer, Irish holidaymakers could face travel disruption and delays.

The Department of Foreign Affairs recently advised those travelling to Spain to be prepared to adjust their travel plans at short notice if necessary as a result of protests and public gatherings. Irish people with holiday plans for such destinations should ensure they're adequately covered before they travel. This may involve getting a travel disruption add-on as not all standard policies cover loss or damage which arises on foot of civil protests.

Similarly, the recent power blackouts in Spain, Portugal and France led to widespread travel delays and flight cancellations, with some tourist hotspots experiencing further, albeit localised, power outages since. If this continues, power outages could become the next big headache for holidaymakers.

Furthermore, recent foreign conflicts, including the military activity in India and Pakistan, led to flight cancellations and diversions. In circumstances such as these, it's worth being aware of your air passenger rights as well as where you stand under your travel insurance. Most travel insurance policies offer delayed departure cover, which may offer some protection in this regard, but it's important to check the small print on your policy."

Strikes and Extreme Weather

Peopl is also urging holidaymakers to ensure they are adequately covered for strikes and extreme weather events.

"Strikes - including air traffic control - already caused travel disruption across Europe in April. As strikes often occur throughout the peak holiday months, this is a risk that Irish holidaymakers always need to be mindful of. Some travel insurance policies will cover you if you have to abandon your holiday, if you miss your flight or if your holiday is delayed as a result of an unexpected work stoppage or strike. But other travel insurers don't cover strikes, and with some policies, the cover is more restricted than others. So, it is very important to check the small print of a travel insurance policy before you buy.

Holidaymakers should also be mindful of the increased frequency of extreme weather events - such as wildfires and floods, as well the risk of natural disasters - such as earthquakes or volcanoes, as these could all play havoc with their holiday. Losses arising directly or indirectly from adverse weather conditions or natural disasters may or may not be covered by your travel insurance.

It's very important therefore that you check your travel insurance policy to find out if you will be covered if wildfires disrupt your holiday or indeed any other extreme weather events or natural disasters - such as, for example, if you have to be evacuated, or have to change plans, or are even injured. Again, you need to check the small print ...