Holiday Hotspots
It seems us Brits like nothing more than a holiday, be it at home or abroad. To support this statement, the results of last year’s Primary Times reader survey, conducted to understand how families prefer to spend their money and leisure time, interestingly revealed that 65 per cent of families took a  holiday overseas, whilst 88 per cent decided to take the family for a holiday in the UK.
So, it transpires the need for the family break remains important, firmly holding onto its prime position on the family wish list despite tough economic times. Of course, this is joyous news for children, who at primary school age, are at an ideally favourable stage in their lives to absorb the wonderment of travel and all the opportunities it brings. But what holiday options are available for families in 2011? And what is the best type of holiday for a family with young children? Let’s take a look...
A holiday with young children = A perfect time to bond
In comparison to travelling with a baby or toddler, where the ‘To Pack’ checklist is filled to the brim with endless essential items such as multiple bags of nappies, puffed out packets of baby wipes, hefty buggies and so forth, the following few primary school age years, seem a relative breeze. Not only is the packing lighter, but the children are at an age where they are used to learning, and are often wide-eyed and curiously eager to absorb the sights and sounds of any new location with hungry enthusiasm.
There will be limitations to taking a holiday with a school aged child, most notably, the dates when the trip can be taken. Those 52 weeks of free choice are suddenly whittled down to a limited 13 weeks; a time when other parents with young children book breaks, naturally pushing up demand, then prices.
With date restrictions aside, families are afforded the luxury of choosing the style of holiday they want and can actively ask the children for ideas on the nature and destination of the trip. With a total family input, the youngsters will have something to look forward to and can excitedly surf the web and scour through travel books to discover more about this new thrilling holiday location be it in the UK or abroad. As part of this discovery, you may wish to make loose plans that combine the needs of all members of the family. For example, it may help to plan a shopping trip for mum, a sporting day out for dad, and a visit to a theme park for the children. If you are holidaying in the UK, remember to take a look at www.primarytimes.net and click on the area you are visiting. Not only will you find out what’s on in the local area but you’ll also find plenty of family friendly ideas.
Booking an affordable family holiday...
Package holiday vs independent travel?
So, what works out to be the most preferable option for a family: a package holiday or an independent holiday – DIY style? If you are short on time, package holidays are certainly easier to book as the tour operator arranges the flights, transfers and accommodation. For the most affordable deals search for holidays sold in blocks of 7 and 14 day packages in the most popular destinations. Also, be mindful when you time your booking. Either, book as early as possible to get a good deal as many tour operators offer ‘kids go free’ promotions early in the season. Or grab a late booking, but do bear in mind your choice of destination is likely to be more limited.
If you are planning a trip away for an odd number of days, want to visit an exotic location off the beaten track, or want to slowly meander your way through a country, then a DIY break will work out more flexible and affordable. Naturally, this travel option requires more preparation and planning but, if finances allow, offers limitless freedom of choice – the world is your oyster!
Where to go? Home vs. Abroad...
Abroad...
With the blend of a weak pound and a sequence of wet summer’s in the UK, the appeal of a holiday in a hot destination has never been greater yet seemingly less affordable. If you don’t want to chance another wet school summer holiday in the UK it will help to look where the pound will stretch furthest overseas. The Post Office Holiday Costs Barometer predicts that Spain and Portugal will offer the best value in 2011. The report shows that currently, Portuguese prices are down by 49% and Spanish prices at are a three-year low. But do bear in mind that not all Eurozone countries will offer the same value for money as a holiday to Italy or France may be more costly, so it may be best to book a half or full board package deal if you are visiting either of these countries. Remember to surf the internet before you go, to discover if any of the region’s attractions provide money-saving discounts for advance booking.
UK....
Ok, we are due a very hot summer – could 2011 be the year of the heat wave in the UK? The beauty of taking a holiday in the UK is that even when it rains there is always something to do or somewhere to go. All-weather attractions abound in each corner of the country, making it a superb place for a family holiday.
Many UK based holiday villages and parks, hotels, camping sites and self catering cottages offer the best-value deals for the early birds who like to book well in advance. Sometimes there are late availability offers but you may need to be flexible in your choice of destination. Travel costs should, of course, be much lower than that of a foreign holiday and there won’t be any exchange rate dilemmas. Also, look out for the special deals that many child-only adventure holiday companies offer.
Some alternative options for an affordable family holiday...
Camping: Cheap, cheerful and communal; camping is a wonderful choice of holiday for cash-strapped families. Alternative forms of accommodation make the camping option more novel these days, with many campsites offering static caravans, tipi’s, yurts, log cabins and luxury chalets as an alternative to the traditional tent.
Farm holidays: Working farms provide a therapeutic escape from urban life, and within days the lure of the computer game and TV is replaced with wild adventures in the open countryside.
Adventure holidays: Adventure holidays provide families with the chance to explore new destinations and challenging activities in the safety of a group. This style of holiday is better suited to children who are aged 8 years +.
City breaks: Most cities have plenty of children’s events and activities during the school holidays and at weekends, making these destinations perfect for mini breaks.
Kirsty Woodgate |
