When it comes to travel disasters the team at AA Travel Insurance has heard its fair share of horror stories.

In the first half of this year AA Travel Insurance has received 13 claims of personal items being stolen by monkeys, two cases of false teeth falling overboard after bouts of seasickness, and one set flushed down the toilet, but what’s most interesting is the number of claims coming through on domestic travel.

AA Traveller Marketing Manager Jodie Fitzgerald says domestic travel insurance is increasing in popularity with more than 100 claims on cancellation fees and lost deposits and almost 200 claims on lost luggage and personal effects during travel within New Zealand alone.

“Domestic travel and tourism is one of our biggest industries injecting $36.7 million a day into the economy, and as more people choose to travel within New Zealand, domestic travel insurance sales have also increased,” says Ms Fitzgerald.

In July year on year sales for AA travel insurance were up 112%, showing an increased demand for coverage including on local shores.

As for numbers of people travelling, recent AA Traveller research found more than 80% of respondents planned to go on a trip in New Zealand within the next 12 months.

“Our research also indicates that when it comes to domestic travel most people prefer a planned approach as opposed to opting for a turn up and hope for the best attitude,” says Ms Fitzgerald.

Almost 70% of people said they booked their accommodation a few weeks before travelling domestically and most actively looked up reviews for places to stay (75%), restaurants and cafes to dine at (60%) and Must Do’s (60%).

“Traditionally there has been a perception that New Zealand travellers tend not to be planners with a “she’ll be right” attitude, but the research shows most of us play it safe and book accommodation and activities in advance. The rise in people buying domestic travel insurance complements that mind set,” Ms Fitzgerald adds.

AA Traveller’s booking system on the AA Traveller website reflects this behaviour by streamlining the process, making it easier for people to book accommodation and activities, read reviews and even buy travel insurance.