Half a million British people lose their passports each year, according to research recently released by Halifax Travel Insurance.

"Losing your passport abroad is a guaranteed nightmare and we always advise taking several photocopies of the back page with you, just in case something happens to it," cautioned Halifax Travel Insurance’s Paul Birkhead.

A report by Money News on the research suggests that more than 1.7 million days of delayed return trips are lost while travellers wait for their documents to be replaced. The report further suggests that an estimated average of £131 per person in additional accommodation and rescheduled flights is lost by each person who travels. This adds up to £389 million each year, Money News indicates.

Halifax Travel Insurance recommends that individuals staying in hotels use the safe made available to them, and that travellers be discreet with their documents in public.

Money News also pointed to recent Tesco statement which suggested that travellers obtain written confirmation from their airline, train or ferry company with specific details on the nature and duration of any delay that they are subjected to while on holiday.