25 Years of Go Walkabout: Resilience, Retirement, and of course, Travel!

A Milestone Worth Celebrating

Last month, the Go Walkabout team came together to mark a very special milestone — our 25th anniversary in business! What began as a passion for travel and insurance has grown into one of the UK’s leading independent travel insurance providers. 

To celebrate, we hosted a luncheon that brought together familiar faces, new team members, and long-time supporters of the business. This party also doubled up as Harold Lawrence’s, our founder, well-deserved recognition of service in the industry, as he steps into the next chapter of retirement.

This celebration was a chance to reflect, reconnect, and look forward to the future.

Resilience Over The Last 5 Years

It’s no secret that the past five years have tested the travel industry like never before. 

From the global disruption of a pandemic to extreme weather closing borders, 2019 to the present day has been a difficult period. Here are just some of the events that have impacted international travel:

• 2019 – BREXIT. Not only did we face new travel rules, but working with European underwriters was no longer available for UK travel insurers. We had to find an alternative overnight.
• 2020 – Covid Pandemic. Borders closed, flights grounded, and international travel shut down. The pandemic is the most significant disruptor to global travel in modern history.
• 2021 – Travel Corridors and Traffic Light System. More uncertainty with travel rules changing in a heartbeat. 
• 2022 – Airport Staff Shortage. Major travel delays were experienced for UK travellers as we saw tourism pick back up without the infrastructure in place.
• 2022 – Russian Invasion of Ukraine. Airspace closures and heightened geopolitical tensions globally.
• 2023 – Extreme Weather. Wildfires in Greece and Canada, flooding in Europe and Asia, all increasingly disrupting travel plans and raising concerns about safety and sustainability.
• 2024 – The Rise of AI. Travel planning and user experience take a shift.
• 2024/2025 – Europe’s Entry/Exit System. The EES will be a new biometric border system, impacting UK and non-EU travellers.

Looking back at these events, we do have to ask ourselves, how did we survive?

Our team never gave up. Go Walkabout has battled through pandemics, wildfires, and global unrest to support those needing travel insurance. 

Through it all, we have remained focused on supporting our customers. Go Walkabout has adapted to the evolving landscape, coming out stronger, more agile, and more committed than ever in providing one way travel insurance, cruise cover for over 60s, and peace of mind for working holiday adventures.

Bon Voyage, Harold!

Founder Harold Lawrence opened our celebrations with a heartfelt speech, taking us on a journey through his impressive 62-year career in the insurance industry.

From his early days working in general insurance to launching Go Walkabout in 1999, Harold shared the challenges, achievements, and ethos that helped shape the company into what it is today. 

Harold’s dedication and vision continue to guide Go Walkbout, even as the company moves into its next chapter. We wish him a happy retirement as he enters the next chapter of his life. Never know, he may even be after a quote for his own silver surfer travel adventures!

Inspiration From Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent

We were honoured to be joined by esteemed travel journalist Simon Calder, who generously shared a few words about the changing landscape of travel and the vital role that travel insurance plays in modern adventures.

His tales of hitchhiking, broken bones, and risky moments sent shivers down our spine! However, take this as a lesson – travel insurance is an essential for global adventures. 

‘No one wants travel insurance, but everyone needs it’ – Harold Lawrence.

Simon’s recent article in The Independent highlights the importance of finding the right cover, particularly for those heading off on gap years, backpacking trips, or adrenaline-fuelled pursuits.

The Future of Go Walkabout & Travel

As Harold steps down, Go Walkabout will continue to be guided by the current directors, Mark Brunger and  Andy Ferguson, who are looking forward and ready to embark on the road ahead.

While continuing to offer exceptional customer service and a personal touch remains at the heart of Go Walkabout, we are also focused on embracing the digital world. 

Stay tuned for new ways to interact with us online, get your quotes, and get the essentials nailed down for your travel.

From streamlining the online experience to exploring new ways of connecting with customers, the next chapter will blend innovation with the human approach that has always set us apart.

A Warm Thank You To All

Co-director Andy Ferguson closed the celebrations with a warm thank you to everyone who attended and who has supported Go Walkabout over the years. 

Whether you’ve been with us from the early days or recently discovered our services, we are incredibly grateful to have you along for the ride.

Here’s to the Next 25 Years

As we celebrate this proud milestone, we look back with gratitude and forward with excitement. Thank you for being part of our journey — here’s to many more adventures ahead!