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We’re all going on a cost conscious holiday

27th March 2013 Print

The notion of a staycation is proving less popular for Brits this Easter, as more than double the number of families prepare to head abroad this holiday (45 per cent) compared to last year (18 per cent), new research from the American Express research reveals.
 
While the average family of four is budgeting nearly £1,400 for their Easter holiday, the majority (85 per cent) plan to cut expenditure when they get to their destination. In addition, 91 per cent of those holidaymakers who are flying to their destinations this Easter are looking to reduce journey costs. Cost-conscious parents are planning on saving the pennies by pre-booking airport parking (34 per cent) or asking a friend or family member to take them to the airport (27 per cent), while over a quarter of families are planning to take their own food and drink on the plane (28 per cent) rather than making an in-flight purchase.
 
The top five family cost cutting strategies while on holiday:

1. Taking picnics instead of eating out
2. Cutting back on meals in restaurants
3. Not buying souvenirs
4. Looking out for free/discounted tickets for day trips
5. Not sending postcards
 
Another key way families are getting savvy this Easter is by using points they have accumulated on reward schemes.  With 41 per cent of parents surveyed saying they are members of rewards schemes, just under three quarters of these say they do cash in their rewards to help with their holiday costs.
 
This Easter, over a third of holidaymakers (37 per cent) who are members of a rewards programme have used their rewards to help pay for or upgrade their flights, while just under a quarter (24 per cent) of those parents polled say they have been able to exchange reward scheme points for day trips and experiences to make their most out of their holidays without further impacting their wallet.
 
Heather Laverne, Vice President of Consumer Cards UK, said "Last year many people stayed at home, in part because of the excitement over the Diamond Jubilee and a great summer of sport. However as our latest research shows, families are keen to pack their bags this Easter, but are keeping finances in check and saving money wherever possible.
 
We're seeing many families making the most of their rewards programmes to help stretch their holiday budgets this year and create memorable experiences without incurring extra cost. For example our American Express Cardmembers regularly use their Membership Rewards® points to book and upgrade flights, hotel accommodation and car hire. Some also take advantage of airport VIP lounge access as part of their membership. In addition to saving money, using loyalty points wisely can make for a more enjoyable and stress free holiday."