Playing hooky for holidays?

New research on behalf of Nationwide Building Society suggests that the inordinate cost differential between holidays in and out of school term time is driving parents to take their children out of school in order to obtain an affordable family break, as 37% of those surveyed admitted they had taken their children out of school to get a good deal on a holiday.
 
Under government advice, schools can fine parents for "unauthorised absence" during term time, but many parents are happy to pay the £50 fine, particularly when the savings they can make far outweigh the discretionary penalty.
 
The cost of a typical family summer holiday can range tremendously, often with choice of timing meaning the difference between being able to afford the time together or not. We compared costs for an average family of four, over a week, in the UK or in Europe. For those able to head off at the start of July, on a UK break to Center Parcs in Wiltshire, for example, the cost would be £1038, not including meals. For those not able to travel until the school holidays have started, beginning their trip on 29th July the price rose to £1928 on the same basis, a difference of £890.
 
For those looking for a bed and breakfast vacation in EuroDisney, on the same dates, prices ranged from £2262 in the first week of July to £2631 once the school holidays kick in, not including travel.  If a package deal to Spain is more your family's idea of holiday fun, our search revealed costs ranged from £1501 to £2558 over the same periods, an increase of over £1000 for those who wait for school holidays.

Graham Pilkington, Nationwide's Director of Banking, Insurance and Investments comments: "With the current challenging economic environment, it's no wonder that families are looking to shave their holiday costs, but there are other ways that they can save money.
 
"When first making holiday plans consider shopping around, comparing prices on comparison sites, and doing your homework to source benefits and offers that reward your loyalty.  For example, Nationwide's Simply Rewards is a rolling programme of spending discounts and one-off treats for Nationwide Visa debit and credit card customers who pay using their card, and currently includes discounts on major brands such as Marriott weekend dining experiences, Thomas Cook Holiday Club, APH airport parking and Hertz car hire.
 
"Main Nationwide FlexAccount customers can access free multi-trip travel insurance, and its Select credit card, which is available exclusively to customers with a Nationwide main current account - FlexPlus, FlexDirect and FlexAccount - offers unlimited commission free purchases abroad, 12.9% APR representative.  
 
"Whatever your plans, start saving as early as possible to make preparing for a holiday, in the UK or abroad, more achievable - and don't forget that, if you do take your children out of school to enjoy a clandestine family break, you will leave yourself with greater childcare costs during the school holidays when you need to be at work."