Britons popping overseas for a short break are being 'short-sighted' when it comes to taking out travel insurance and preparing for their trip, the Post Office claims.

It found that Scots were the best for taking out cover with 84 per cent insuring themselves before jetting off for the weekend. But people in London fared much worse with only around half deeming it necessary.

Nearly one in five "short breakers" claimed that travel insurance was just an additional expense when they were trying to keep costs to a minimum. A third of men were more likely to risk travelling insurance without insurance compared to 16 per cent of women.

People on weekend breaks will also leave less time to sort out the finer points of their holiday with 61 per cent making last minute preparations in the week before they travel. Nearly half of all "short breakers" said that they found packing a very stressful experience.

Hugh Stacey, head of travel services at the Post Office, said: "The advice from the Post Office is don’t be short-sighted when it comes to short breaks.

“Whether you are going away for a couple of days or a fortnight's holiday, you are just as susceptible to theft, loss or accidents. Make sure you avoid unwanted stress on holiday and enjoy your well-earned break by making sure you take out adequate travel insurance before you leave."