Families set to spend over £600 million on days out this half-term

Parents will spend £86 per family on days out this October half-term according to research from American Express.

With day trips topping the list of how parents will keep their kids entertained and 50 per cent already planning outings, the half-term days out bill could reach £665 million.
 
Budgeting for days out and the high costs involved top parents' half-term worry list (34 per cent) and, as such over half of parents (51 per cent) have made the decision to keep this year's spending on a par with last year. Almost a third (30 per cent) anticipate that their half-term bill for entertaining the children will rise by an average of £105. Adding to the financial strain is the fact that Christmas is getting closer, which has led to 28 per cent keeping tight purse strings this October holiday.
 
Half-term means family time for British parents with the focus on quality time together. Almost half (46 per cent) of parents look forward to the half-term break for the time it gives them with their family. To extend the family feel, four in 10 (43 per cent) plan to use the break to catch up with relatives and 34 per cent to see friends.
 
With all this planned activity, rewards points are the half-term saviours, as parents are using points they have accumulated on credit and charge cards, or with retailers, to stretch their money further. More than a third (35 per cent) of families actively save up rewards points to contribute towards half-term costs.
 
Nicholas Stefanovitz, Vice President of Consumer Card Acquisition UK at American Express, said:  "Entertaining the kids this half term doesn't need to be a financial burden. For those who have credit or charge cards that earn rewards, it's worth checking your current balance, as your rewards balance could help pay towards activities or family meals this half term. For parents who don't have rewards cards, it is the ideal time to sign up to start earning points now that can then be used to help reduce costs of the upcoming Christmas holidays."
 
American Express has a range of Credit and Charge Cards that offer benefits including Cashback, Avios points, Nectar points and Membership Rewards that can be put towards leisure, travel and retail treats. For more information or to apply for an American Express Credit Card, visit americanexpress.com/uk.