A heavyweight backpack essential

Travelling isn't what it used to be, it's much better! Some people dream of paradisiacal beaches and coconuts in hand, while others are backpacking and eager to take on the world. The truth is that with so many options these days - from glamping to scenic trains - anyone can put together their ideal getaway. And of course, with so many travellers dreaming and booking, it's no wonder that tourism is one of the most powerful sectors on the planet. According to Statista data, it is estimated that by 2025, the sector's revenues will reach almost 956 billion dollarsThe annual growth rate is estimated at almost el 4%which will lead to tourism moving no less than 1.11 trillion in 2029. So, apart from being a pleasure, travelling is also an unstoppable economic engine.

But with so much travelling, so many plans and so much luggage to pack, if there's one thing you can't leave out of your suitcase - apart from your passport and external battery - it's that great little back-up that many people forget about until they need it. And we're not talking about a neck pillow, but something that can get you out of trouble when you're thousands of miles away from home: a good travel insurance such as the one offered by IATI Seguros.

Pablo Barreda, the travelling soul behind What to see on your tripsums it up nicely: "Travelling without insurance is like parachuting without checking to see if it opens.". And if anyone knows about this, he does. Having travelled to more than 60 countries, it is quite clear to him that there are many ways to save during a trip, but this is not one of them.

Why trust what Paul recommends?

Because he's been at it for years. Literally. Since 2017, he's been keeping a close eye on the best options on the market and testing what he recommends. And one of the great discoveries has been a company that, more than just covering you, takes care of you. We are talking about IATI Insurance. Here are a few reasons why, according to him (and many other travellers), this option is top:

• Very extensive medical coverageeven in serious cases. The EUR 5 million in medical care is no joke.
• 24-hour assistance in Spanishwherever you are.
• No cash advance. They manage everything for you. So you can just focus on healing or further exploration.
• No franchise. What you see is what you get.
• Support even in adventure sports. Because not everyone is satisfied with a walk on the beach.
• App with medical chatThe clinic offers specialities such as gynaecology and paediatrics (if you are travelling with your family).
• Option to claim for delayed or cancelled flightsthanks to extra coverage that fights for your compensation.
• Excellent opinions on Trustpilot (4.4/5). And that's in a sector where people tend to write only if they've had a problem.

But is it really worth it?

No doubt about it! And not only because of what it covers you, but also because you can get a iati discount code from 5% for being a reader of What to see on your trip. 

And if you are still not convinced, here are some real cases of travellers who have used this service. Without going any further, Joan Pérez, who suffered a brutal fever in Turkey, was treated in a private hospital recommended by the insurance company, without having to pay a single euro. 

Of course, there are also not so good assessments, as in everything, but the important thing is how one responds to that. And in this case, post-disaster care and transparency are real strengths..

And now, if you're wondering where to take the plunge with complete peace of mind?

Here are some ideas that combine adventure, culture and that little bit of unexpected events where having a good back-up helps you sleep soundly.

• For example, if you have in mind touring Thailand's templesIf you're in Bangkok, try all the curries in the world and get around in a tuk tuk like a local, this is sure to be your best travel companion. Don't lose sight of the fact that healthcare in Asia tends to be very expensive if you need private care, and believe me, there's nothing exotic about a digestion attack in Bangkok.
• Are you more attracted to the hiking in IcelandBetween waterfalls, volcanoes and aurora borealis? Then don't even think about it. A slip on one of these black stone and ice routes can happen, but don't let it catch you without cover.
• Yours is the South of America, with a trip through Peru, Bolivia or Colombia? In such cases, insurance is not only important for medical reasons, but also for possible cancellations of internal flights, strikes or delays in connections. It happened to Pablo once before at the airport in Cusco, and since then he even takes it with him on trips within Spain.
• Closer? Well, this insurance also comes in handy for a European getaway. Whether it's a gastro in Rome, a sprain in Prague or a lost suitcase in Berlin. Nothing serious, but if you have coverage that solves it immediately, so much the better, right?
• And if you're a backpacker, surfboarder or skier, you'll be pleased to know that it also covers adventure sports. Sea surfing in Fuerteventura, skiing in the Alps o hiking in Picos de EuropaYou can put the pedal to the metal without fear of a scare.

In short, wherever you go, this insurance will always be with you. And hey, if you also get the 5% discount for reading What to see on your tripWhat more could you ask for? 

And how is it recruited?

It couldn't be easier. From Pablo's websiteYou choose dates, destination, type of coverage, and voilà!!!!. The discount is automatically applied. If you're travelling in a group or family, you can get even bigger discounts.

So now you know, when you prepare your next getaway, whether to Machu Picchu or to the highlands of your province, don't leave without this invisible shield that can make the difference between a bad time and a bad memory.