Figures from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade figures show that deaths overseas jumped up from 994 in 2007 to 1038 in 2008-09.  This is a massive leap from 2004-05 when 642 travellers died abroad.

An increase in the number of Aussies arrested overseas has also increased, topping 1000 in 2008-09.

The latest figures reveal Thailand, The US, Indonesia and China were the most common destinations where Australians were finding themselves on the wrong side of the law.

The safest place for Australians to travel was New Zealand, with only 22 deaths amongst almost 1 million visitors

Thailand was the fifth most popular travel destination with 378,000 visitors, but recorded 105 deaths, the highest of all countries.

The number of Australians convicted overseas has also increased, up by 60 to 223 over the past 4 years.

Australian’s are advised by smartraveller.com.au that if they cannot afford to purchase travel insurance, they can’t afford to travel.