Friday, August 29, 2025

REVEALED: ALMOST HALF OF BRITS WANT THEIR ASHES SCATTERED OVERSEAS - THESE ARE THE MOST POPULAR SPOTS

When you lose a loved one, it's common for their ashes to be scattered somewhere meaningful to them or their family.And new data has revealed four in ten Brits (44%) want their ashes to be scattered abroad.
Meanwhile, 75% expressed they would like to be cremated rather than buried in the traditional coffin funeral service.
With rising funeral costs, people seem to be making alternative choices regarding where they want to be laid to rest.
Research by MoneySuperMarket revealed the most popular locations where Brits would like their ashes to be scattered.
The number one destination was in the UK, but many would prefer overseas.
Southern Europe placed second, followed by the tropical Caribbean in third, while Northern Europe came fourth.
The United States was the fifth most popular destination, while Australia came sixth and the Middle East seventh.
East Asia ranked eighth, followed by Africa and South Africa.
Meanwhile, 17% of the 1,000 Brits surveyed said they would like to be scattered on a beach, while 17% said the sea or lake.
Some 14% would like a memorial garden or churchyard, while 13% went for a countryside walk or park.
While 11% said they would like to be scattered at their favourite holiday spot.
However, those hoping to be scattered abroad must be aware of some restrictions in certain areas.
For example, in Spain it is prohibited to scatter ashes in public spaces and the sea.
While in the US those scattering ashes at sea must ensure they are more than three nautical miles offshore and national parks in the country require special permits.
Similarly, Iceland requires individuals to get a permit and contact the District Commissioner of North East Iceland.
Alicia Hempsted, travel insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, shared her advice for travellers hoping to navigate heading overseas with a loved one's ashes.
She said: 'The documents you require will depend on the country you are travelling to, as well as its customs and regulations.
'Typically, you will need a certificate of death, plus a certificate letter from the crematorium to confirm the contents of the urn.'
Alice also advised checking customs rules and contacting the airline, if flying to the destination.  
'Typically, ashes are required to be carried in your hand luggage. For peace of mind, contact the airline you are planning to fly with, as policies can vary,' she added.
Packaging the ashes safely is another consideration when travelling, and ensuring it 'passes the relevant security protocols,' Alice explained.
She said: 'A sealed, non-metallic container will help to ensure the ashes can be scanned properly by security.'
Alicia added: 'If you're transporting cremains to be scattered abroad, be aware that travel insurance doesn't provide cover to compensate you if they are lost or stolen during your trip.
'However, insurance may cover damage or loss of an urn or transport vessel.'
It is recommended to check the specific destination country's regulations regarding scattering ashes there.
Most airlines also have guidelines on their website, such as TUI which asks passengers to present a death certificate at check-in as well as at customs.
The airline also outlines how to ensure the airport security check goes as smoothly as possible when carrying ashes.

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