For some, autumn is a magical time of year. The transition from warm to cold weather has begun and the days are becoming noticeably shorter. The shades of the flora and fauna are changing, so that the lush greens of the trees and grasses are giving way to rich browns and auburns, and the vibrant summer colours are disappearing; instead being enveloped by the imminently approaching winter.

For others however, the thought of autumn is not quite so magical, especially when the weather promises to be drab, grey and freezing for the next few months. Coupled with hectic work schedules and the stress of having to start thinking about Christmas shopping, it can drive many to thoughts of exotic, far away places - anything to prolong the summer and avoid acknowledging that it will be months before it comes around again.

Therefore, autumn can be viewed as the perfect time to get away. Not only can you choose to visit somewhere exquisitely hot, but you can also avoid the heinous crowds that plague the beaches and cities of popular tourist destinations in the height of summer.

Additionally, due to the fact you are travelling out of peak times, things like flights and hotels can be significantly cheaper, as can the restaurants and excursions in the places you are visiting.

Before rushing off though, it is vital to carefully plan your trip, in order to ensure you make the most of your time away without having to worry. After all, the whole purpose of a holiday is to leave your stress behind and focus on enjoying free time.

Arguably, travel insurance is the most important aspect to consider. It is an unfortunate fact, that even in the quieter periods, holiday destinations are hotspots for thieves on the look out for unsuspecting tourists, knowing full well that they usually have cash on their person and carry around expensive items like mobile phones and cameras.

It can be bad enough having your digital camera stolen, for example, with all its irreplaceable images and memories that may be stored on it. Even worse though, is having it stolen and not having the appropriate insurance to cover the cost. At least if you had taken out a policy prior to going away, you could be comforted by the fact you wouldn’t lose out financially.

It is for this reason that it is highly recommended to search for a travel insurance policy that will cover you for such instances. Equally important, however, is ensuring you have a policy that will cover you for any sickness or ill-health, since health care in other countries can be expensive.

By shopping around, it is possible to find a travel insurance policy, which can be tailored to fit around your specific holiday requirements. Although insurance can be purchased from many companies, it is wise to do some research since insurance bought directly from travel operators can often be less inclusive than the packages offered directly by insurance companies.