Going on holiday can be hazardous to your health

BRINGING back souvenirs from the annual summer holiday is one of the great pleasures of the traditional family break.

But it seems thousands of Scots return home with more than just a local trinket, as they are more prone to holiday injuries than anyone else in the UK.

And many Scots are so accident-prone that thousands end up injured before they have even boarded their flights – due to badly-packed luggage.

New figures show around 15million UK holidaymakers will injure themselves with their luggage this summer while travelling abroad.

And according to the survey, holidaymakers from Aberdeen are the most likely in the UK to suffer an injury from a suitcase followed by those from Edinburgh. But while many injuries are caused by other passengers, one in five holiday- makers admits to packing so much they cannot carry their bags. And a third admit to lugging around cases with broken wheels, according to suitcase manufacturer Rolling Luggage.

The survey also reveals that women are 30 per cent more likely to suffer a luggage-related injury from an overpacked suitcase.

And the results can be very painful, ruining many a holiday – with back and neck pains the two most common injuries endured by tourists. Other common injuries include sprained shoulders, pulled muscles and stubbed toes.

Waseem Malik Khawar, of Rolling Luggage said: ‘Travelling with heavy bags and suitcases through busy airports and train stations can be demanding on passengers, but taking a little time to ensure you’re well-prepared can help avoid a huge amount of stress, and even injuries.’

Yet many tourists do not take out adequate holiday insurance and can be faced with massive medical bills if they suffer injuries abroad. Hazards that may not be covered range from bungee jumping to sky-diving or taking a ride on a giant inflatable banana towed behind a speedboat.

But at least lost luggage will be covered, so long as you were flying on a European airline, or departed from a European airport.

Holidaymakers can claim around £1,000 for lost luggage from the airline but, with the typical family travelling with luggage worth around £3,000, this won’t cover everything that’s been lost.

And many firms also refuse to pay out for valuable items such as computers and mobile phones packed in the hold instead of being carried as hand luggage.