Want A Happy Holiday? Don’t Take The Kids!

As the summer holidays get underway, all thoughts lead to how to make the most of the summer break and return to work rested and revived. But for the parents out there this isn’t such an easy task. Demands for ice cream, safety concerns, and the dreaded “I’m booooored” whine will put plenty of them off taking a break because, in all honesty, a holiday with young children leaves you severely in need of a rest once you return. So much so that two in four parents questioned in a recent poll admitted that in order to enjoy a holiday, they would have to leave their children at home!

According to the report, published by parenting portal Families Online (www.familiesonline.co.uk) has surveyed hundreds of parents across the country (with kids up to the age of 12) about their summer holiday plans this year.  Despite enjoying spending time as a family, almost half of the parents polled (47%), admitted they would happily go on holiday without their young children if they had the appropriate childcare.  Stressful travelling procedures (31%) and dealing with young children on flights (38%) also topped the list as the major two turn-offs for taking a family holiday where you need to fly.  A further 11% reported a fear of flying.

Of the 85% of families that intend to take a holiday or break this summer, more than half (53%) are making the most of the British heat wave and will take their summer holiday in the UK this year, while nearly a third (32%) will still holiday abroad.  The lure of sun, sea and sand remains ever–enticing as beach holidays are the most popular type of holiday for 72% families this year. The most popular duration for family holidays is one week (55%) and 19% of parents said they would take between 11 nights and two weeks for a holiday this summer; 16% will go for a few days and 7% just for a weekend.

Cost is unsurprisingly the biggest reason that would stop families from taking a holiday this summer with 48% saying it affects their holiday plans. More than a third (36%) of parents also said that inflated holiday prices during the summer season mean they do take their children out of school for holidays during term time.  A further 36% said that although they hadn’t yet taken their child out of school for a holiday before, they would consider doing so during the next school year.

Parents also told Families Online that when it comes to eating on holiday, 41% would prefer to go out for dinner and experience the local culture, while 36% choose to book all-inclusive hotels for their family.  Just 15% would opt for self catering and 8% of British families say they try to stick with eating British food where possible while they are holidaying abroad; a final 1% would actually bring their own food from home.

Safety and tourism threats while travelling abroad on holiday are also a big concern for 21% of families this year with many saying it would affect their decision to take a holiday overseas.  Europe is the most popular destination for families travelling abroad this summer with nearly a third (31%) choosing European resorts.

When quizzed on holiday budgets for this summer, 21% of families with two or more children say they will spend over £2k on a break (with half of these spending anything up to £5,000 or more).  A further 19% will spend from £1k to £2k, and another 19% will spend between £500 and £1k on a holiday.  16% of families will spend between £300-£500 and 11% between £100-£200. A further 14% have no holiday budget this year.

Faye Mingo, Marketing Director at Families Online said: “Planning summer holidays can be stressful and expensive for parents.  Long flights, drawn out travel procedures and worries around safety and taking time out of school are all big considerations for families today.  It’s interesting to see how many are staying in the UK this year and making the most of the warm weather, equally some may be surprised at the number of parents who would happily holiday without their children given the opportunity.”

When it comes to booking holidays and choosing where to go, 70% of parents said it’s a joint decision, 29% of mums say they choose and only 1% of dads are in charge of booking holidays.

• Would you rather holiday without your children? Do other people’s kids ruin your chance to relax? Join the debate on our Facebook page or comment below!