BRITS embarking on their summer getaways are spending more on designer holiday accessories than the cost of their trip - according to a leading survey. The study by insurancebookers.com showed people are now striving to get the best deal for their holiday only to follow in the footsteps of celebrities and spend huge amounts on the latest designer accessories to take away with them. Results found that the average person spends GBP 450 on a package holiday but then forks out almost GBP 500 on things to take. Once packed, the average suitcase containing clothes, jewellery, sunglasses, mobile phone and camera is worth a whopping GBP 1,200. The most expensive item bought by women for their holiday are sunglasses - with some spending up to GBP 300 for the latest eye wear.Men are also following suit by not leaving their latest gadgets at home, packing iPods, digital cameras and portable DVD players to take with them.

Sixty four per cent of female respondents admitted styling their holiday wardrobe on a celebrity, with Victoria Beckham's image being the most popular. The footballer's wife has lead the way during the winter sports season, endlessly pictured wearing her Gucci and Channel wrap sunglasses on the ski slopes.And others who have seen Colleen McLoughlin rarely photographed travelling without her Louis Vuitton luggage are following suit by spending hundreds on designer cases. Four out of ten women, when asked how much they spend on holiday items said the bill for new items amounted to more than £600 and 30 per cent of men admitted spending more than £700. As well as forking out for the latest gear back home, more travellers are also opting to buy the latest fashions when they get to their destination, saving them hundreds of pounds.