As Google searches for travel-related queries have soared in recent months, a travel expert is stepping in to answer the internet’s most pressing questions.

Approximately 3.7 million people have queried Google about travel insurance in the past few months alone. Brits are also turning to the search engine to find out ‘what are the best days to book flights?’, ‘when to renew passport’ and even ‘how and what to pack for a holiday?’. Luckily, Jane Bolton, Travel Expert at bespoke ski holiday operator Erna Low, has provided answers to the internet’s burning questions.

‘Do I need travel insurance?’ (34,000 monthly UK searches)

Recent data revealed that almost half (44%) of people confessed to never purchasing travel insurance, despite travel companies strongly recommending it and offering it as an add-on when booking flights. Google searches for ‘travel insurance’ remain consistently high with 3.7 million queries in June 2025 alone.

Travel insurance can cover trip cancellation, emergency medical coverage, baggage loss and travel delays. Not only does it provide financial assistance, but it also offers peace of mind, knowing that you are protected against various travel-related issues. Jane shares: “Having travel insurance for a trip is essential to ensure you are covered right from the get-go. In the unfortunate event that something goes wrong, insurance means you will not be out of pocket in a different country.

“For a single trip, travel insurance can be as cheap as £8, depending on your age and level of cover, annual policies range from around £30-£50. It is a small price to pay now to save money in the event of a future problem.”

The travel expert warns holidaymakers not to get stung by their travel insurance and recommends scrutinising the terms and conditions thoroughly to prevent it being voided.

Jane warns: “Your travel insurance can become invalid for any of the following reasons: not declaring all your medical conditions, buying your insurance after going through customs, taking part in activities or sports you’re not covered for and leaving your belongings unattended. It is essential to check you are covered before going away to avoid unexpected issues and costs down the line.”

‘What are the best days to book flights on?’ (62,000 monthly UK searches)

When securing flights, it’s always advisable to plan as far ahead as possible to lock in the finest deals and most affordable fares. Airlines launch flights on a rolling basis, with long-haul flights generally available for booking 10 to 12 months ahead and short-haul carriers 6 to 11 months in advance.

In January 2025, there were 12,000 monthly UK searches for ‘how far in advance can I book my flights’, suggesting Brits were planning ahead for their summer holidays.

While there is no set rule for when the best day to book flights is, there is research that suggests, historically Tuesday and Wednesday are the cheapest days to book flights (5%-10% less). This is because airlines release deals on Monday evenings and competitors match them by Tuesday.

Jane says: “Booking in advance is your best shot at getting cheaper flights. Some airlines do offer last minute deals, so if you are a short notice traveller, keep an eye out for these. As a general rule, book domestic flights one to three months in advance and international flights two to eight months in advance. Make sure to book early in the morning to beat the daily updates and avoid increased demand. Enable your alerts to get updated prices throughout the dates and widen your search, looking at nearby airports as well.”

‘What liquids can I take on a plane?’ (50,000 monthly UK searches)

Searches for ‘liquids on an airplane’ are consistently high and have surged by 25% in recent months, driven by changes to UK airport security rules. The longstanding 100ml liquid limit is gradually being phased out as airports roll out new CT scanners, allowing passengers to carry up to two litres in their hand luggage without removing items at security.

Birmingham and Edinburgh airports were the first UK airports to abandon the rules with other airports steadily rolling out the new scanners.

Jane explains: “There’s a lot of confusion over the amount of liquids you can travel with in your hand luggage due to the introduction of upgraded security scanners. To avoid delays or having liquids taken from you, it is recommended to check your departure airport’s security rules prior to travelling.

“Check the rules of the airport you will be arriving in for extra certainty so that you are not caught out on your way home. European airports are following suit, introducing the new technology with two terminals at Milan airport having already installed the scanners and following the new two litre rules.”

‘When do I need to renew my passport?’ (35,000 monthly UK searches)

There’s masses of confusion surrounding when passports should be renewed and the search volume shows just that. Since departing the EU, Brits have been caught out by expired or soon to be expired passports, sometimes at the eleventh hour.

UK passports remain valid for ten years for adults and five years for children, however many countries demand at least six months validity from your date of arrival.

Jane recommends: “Make sure to check your passport at least six months before you plan to travel to avoid needing a renewal in peak times. If you’re unsure of entry requirements, check the country’s travel advice for full disclosure. In the past, UK travellers could enter EU countries with passports issued up to ten years before their travel date.

“Now, if you are travelling to a country within the EU, your UK passport must have been issued less than ten years before the date you plan to enter and be valid at least three months after the date you plan to leave. If your passport doesn’t meet the requirements, you will likely be refused entry.”

Standard passport renewals cost £94.50 when processed online and usually take approximately three weeks. Fast-track and premium options are also available, though experts suggest allowing ample time before your departure date.

‘How and what to pack for my holiday?’ (94,000 UK monthly searches)

Successful packing requires careful organisation and forward planning. Consider your planned activities to determine essential clothing items.

For toiletries, choose travel-sized products to maximise space on your outbound journey. Pack just enough for your trip duration, then leave these items behind to create extra room for souvenirs on your return.

Jane recommends: “Packing cubes are great when travelling. It’s an easy way to organise your clothes and maximise the space in your suitcase. It is also worth checking the airlines baggage policies to see what the allowances are, specifically hand luggage policies as these often differ between airlines.”