Don't forget to pack the grandparents
The over 50’s market accounts for no less than 40% of all consumer expenditure in UK, so it’s no surprise to hear that over half (56%) of grandparents will overspend when on holiday with their grandchildren, says a new report published by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, in partnership with YouGov UK.
Despite this, over three quarters (77%) of grandparents questioned said that they are not planning a family holiday with their grandchildren this year. So the message is loud and clear, parents and grandkids, don’t forget to pack your grandparents!
The report, which investigates grandparents’ holiday spending trends and the real reasons why grandparents go away with the family, reveals that when grandparents aren’t spending, they are the ones taking care of the grandchildren. Nearly a fifth (17%) of grandparents admitted that the main reason for going away with their grandchildren was to help with childcare, rather than spending quality time with the family. It found that grandparents with newborn grandchildren to three years old are most likely to go away and help with childcare, saving parents time and money, providing peace of mind.
When 1,000 UK grandparents were asked, if money was no option, to choose their holiday of a lifetime, nearly a fifth chose theme parks over all the other family holidays, even over Lapland! The choice was between visiting Santa in Lapland, swimming with dolphins, safari, cruise, theme parks or a luxury beach holiday, showing that theme parks bring a variety of fun to cater for all of the family. Many UK grandparents agreed they treasure family holidays with the grandkids and nearly half (44%) admitted they would prefer to go on a once in a lifetime holiday with their family rather than two or three mini breaks throughout the year with friends.
But family holidays can also be too much for some grandparents, one in ten who carried out the survey said quite firmly they wouldn’t want to go away with their grandchildren as they find it too stressful and too much hassle! The findings show that it may be in their best interests to go away with family, as grandparents agreed they are more adventurous when on holiday with grandchildren (17%).
The research also looked at the older generation’s working status and found that around half of retirees, full time workers and the unemployed grandparents will overspend on holiday, however it’s the part time workers who took the title of holiday spenders, with over two thirds (64%) admitting that they will part with their pennies and overspend when on holiday with their grandchildren.
When looking at the statistics nationally, the report reveals how grandparents’ attitudes to holidays and holiday spend fairs all over the country. If your grandparents are Welsh, don’t expect to go away with them anytime soon as they topped the grumpy grandparents chart with 27% believing going away with the grandchildren is too stressful and too much of a hassle. On the other side of the UK, only 5% of the grandparents in Norwich said going away with the grandchildren is too stressful, so here’s hoping your grandparents live on the east coast.
The research was conducted this summer and was carried out by YouGov UK, commissioned by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment venues in Florida include:
SeaWorld Orlando is the world’s premier marine mammal adventure park. From diving with sharks to getting a soaking from Shamu (the killer whale), visitors can enjoy up-close animal encounters and extraordinary behind-the-scenes experiences ranging from getting a kiss from the park’s charming Beluga whales to learning about SeaWorld’s essential rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
As well as its world-class rollercoasters and eclectic shows, the beautifully landscaped Busch Gardens Tampa is also home to over 2,000 animals and a range of remarkable up-close behind-the-scenes tours. Busch Gardens is just over an hour away from Orlando and for those not wishing to drive, a door-to-door shuttle is available daily from SeaWorld and other convenient Orlando locations.
Discovery Cove is an all inclusive sandy tropical oasis offering the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with dolphins, giant rays and stunning tropical fish. Discovery Cove only hosts a small number of guests each day and advance booking is essential.
Aquatica is a one-of-a-kind waterpark from SeaWorld, which immerses guests in the playfulness of the sea and boasts some of the world’s most unique water rides and animal encounters. Aquatica’s awesome signature ride – Dolphin Plunge – shoots riders through a spectacular Commerson’s dolphin habitat.
The best value ticket for visiting SeaWorld Parks is the Discovery Cove Ultimate Package and the 3-Park Ticket.
The Discovery Cove Ultimate Package includes a one day reservation at Discovery Cove (with 30 minute dolphin swim experience, all meals, snacks and beverages) plus 14 day unlimited entry to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens AND Aquatica – offering customers more savings and flexibility for their Florida holiday. Prices start from just £160 per person.
The 3-Park Ticket offers 14 days unlimited entry to SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica AND Busch Gardens Tampa. Prices start from £87 per person.
For more information and bookings go to seaworldparks.co.uk.
