More Parents Are Taking Their Kids Out Of School For Term Time Holidays Than Ever Before
More Parents Than Ever Before Take Kids Out Of School For Holidays
Amy Packham— The Huffington Post UK
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The rising cost of summer holidays at peak time is the main reason more parents than ever before are taking their children out of school for their family holiday in the summer.
According to research by the Nationwide Building Society, the number of mums and dads taking kids on these holidays has risen from three in ten last year, to four in ten.
The study of 2,000 parents of children aged between five and 16, also found that struggling to get time off work was another reason why parents take their children out.
Nationwide’s director of banking Graham Pilkington said: “Nationwide has calculated that parents could save hundreds of pounds when booking a holiday outside the traditional season.
"As a result, the number of fines handed out is soaring, although many are willing to take a small financial hit so as to avoid a significantly larger holiday cost.”
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The research found mid-term holidays are growing in popularity as more parents are locked into work timetables that don’t allow them to take time off during the school break.
Interestingly, 54% of parents struggle to get time off work during the school holidays now, compared to just 38% in 2012.
The researchers also looked at the difference in prices at popular family holiday destinations during term time and school holidays.
A holiday in Spain for seven nights for a family of two adults and two children went from £1,872 on 24 June to £3,136 on 5 August - a difference of £1,264.
And the price of a week at Centre Parcs, Wilts, soared by £820 from £1,028 to £1,848 over a similar period.
Those hopping over the Channel to Disneyland Paris pay £2,512 in August compared with £2,341 in June, a saving of £171.
Pilkington, added: “Difficulties getting time off work, added to the well-publicised price premium associated with going away during the school holidays, mean that more parents are resorting to holidaying during term time."
The research also found four in ten parents lie about why their children are not in school, with illness or a family problem the top excuses.
The number of fines issued has increased from 6% of parents penalised in 2013 to 25% last year.
Parents who pull their children out of lessons for a cheap holiday can face a maximum fine of £2,500, a community order or a three month prison sentence.
Most are fined £60, rising to £120 if not paid in 21 days.
Yet seven in ten teachers do not think parents should pay a penalty for term-time breaks and teaching union the NUT called for fines to be scrapped at its annual conference in Harrogate earlier this year.
Travel industry body ABTA called for staggered school holidays to ease yo-yo prices over the academic year.
"More people in the UK and across Europe want to take holidays in July and August, at Easter and at Christmas, therefore prices rise during these times, as there is increased demand for a limited number of hotel rooms and flight seats.
"The best way for families to ensure an affordable holiday, with the greatest choice, is to book early."
Holiday Hotels: The 9 Hottest Right Now
Mission Inn, Riverside, CA (01 of09)
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More than four million holiday lights sparkle at the historic Mission Inn come December, as part of Southern California’s traditional Festival of Lights. The hoopla includes more than 400 animatronic characters—plus a 12 Days of Christmas cocktail menu (including hot chocolate and a Partridge in a Pear Tree with Absolut Pears vodka), plus holiday packages for rooms ranging from budget to swanky.
The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV(02 of09)
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The Greenbrier must have been good this year—both Santa and Mrs. Claus are in residence. Its festive “60 Days of Holiday Cheer” now through New Year’s boasts Saturday tree lightings, gift-wrapping workshops, ice-skating, carolers and photos with Santa, of course. Even Queen Elsa from Frozen will be celebrating this year, The Nutcracker ballet will perform December 27 and 28, and wine tastings and a Gingerbread Ball dot the calendar.
High Line Hotel, New York City(03 of09)
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The High Line Hotel has history on its side during the holiday season – ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas was famously written on the property in the 19th century. The hotel sits on the site of the original Chelsea estate (in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan),which was once owned by Clement Clark Moore, who wrote the poem after being inspired by the charming chimney and fireplace – that are still there to this day. Check in for two nights from December 21 to 26 for special Christmas treats, including hot cider and a special turndown copy of the hotel’s pride-and-joy ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Hotel D'Angleterre, Copenhagen, Denmark (04 of09)
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If The Nutcracker defines Christmas for you, head straight to Hotel d’Angleterre, which is spreading holiday cheer this year via the Mouse King and Land of the Sweets. The hotel caters to children with all kinds of surprises and treats—and adults must try Danish glogg (mulled wine).
Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino, Aruba (05 of09)
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In the sun-soaked tropics, the Aruba Marriott Resort is ushering in the sweet scents of holiday with a 64-square-foot Sugar Village. Edible versions of 23 local landmarks will be spotlighted, including the Lighthouse and Alto Vista Chapel. The pastry chefs will be working overtime all month – kids can decorate their own gingerbread house to take home, as well as a small Christmas tree that can be brought up to their room during their stay. On Christmas Eve, Mrs. Claus will be on hand with loads of cookies and milk.
Caesars Palace, Las Vegas (06 of09)
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Las Vegas goes over the top for pretty much everything, and the holidays are no exception. The famous Caesars Palace fountains are transformed into an ice rink for December; go skating and then warm up with festive cocktails like the Ughly Red Sweater and Inner Elf. Seasonal spa treatments inside the hotel’s Qua spa include a Gingerbread and Marshmallow Melt scrub and Great Pumpkin Facial. And then there’s the power-shopping next door at the Forum Shops, where stores like Henri Bendel and Swarovski go all out with their window displays—plus the brand-new Linq across the street, which will explode with Christmas cheer.
Marriott Harbor Beach, Fort Lauderdale, FL (07 of09)
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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Harbor Beach Resort, thanks to a six-foot-by-12-foot candy creation for the hotel’s famous lobby display. The edible wonderland is made of 500 pounds of powdered sugar, 400 pints of chocolate, and 100 pounds of sugar accoutrements and candies. This year’s masterpiece will feature a Christmas-by-the-sea motif, since the stunning property overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.
Il Salviatino, Florence, Italy(08 of09)
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For a more modern take on the holidays, head to Il Salviatino in Florence for a funky 70s-themed holiday party that’s going off until early January, per Italian tradition. The celebrations include elaborate parties, five-star dinners – plus special promotions at the grand Italian hotel. The over-the-top parties are inspired by 70s classics like Saturday Night Fever, but the hotel’s Tuscan views and 15th century villa are timeless.
Palazzo Victoria, Verona Italy (09 of09)
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Like its sister property, Il Saviatino, Palazzo Victoria is throwing a 70s-worthy disco to ring in the holidays, now through early January. Historical Verona might seem like an odd place for an American Hustle-themed Christmas, but the Italians have a long-standing tradition of adding costumes and merriment to any celebration. Book now for special holiday rates, and to receive invites to cocktail parties and fancy feasts.