Gap year travel abroad is safer than in London, UK parents have claimed.
According to a survey by ACE Traveller Insurance of 1,118 parents with children embarking on
student travel in 2008, most claimed to be more concerned about their child traveling in London at night than abroad.
But Ges Lonsdale, European e-commerce business development manager for ACE traveller Insurance, has advised parents to be equally cautious when their child travels abroad.
He said: "It's a sad fact that theft and assault are common abroad and parents should not underestimate the need for gappers to protect themselves against all eventualities.
"The problems young travelers run into abroad are worsened by language barriers, a misunderstanding of the country's legal or medical system, and a lack of representation and advice."
More than half of parents surveyed were concerned about their child being attacked or mugged abroad, while 43 per cent stated that their son or daughter's naivety is likely to make them more of a target.
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