Parents hit with holiday premiums

Parents planning to jet off abroad for the half term break will be hit with premiums of up to 80 per cent according to a study conducted by Abbey Credit Cards. And although those parents choosing to stay in the UK will pay less, they will also face highly inflated costs, the research found.

Despite the Pound having weakened considerably against the Euro in recent months, Spain remains true to its reputation of offering some of the best value family breaks. During the half-term break, British parents will pay an average of £348 for each family member for a break at a four star hotel (half-board), compared to £439 for similar standards of hotel in Cyprus and £553 per family member for a break in the Algarve.

Callum Gibson, Head of Abbey Credit Cards, commented: "For many families money is tighter than ever this year, so every penny counts. There are a number of ways to keep costs down on foreign holidays such as booking in advance to get the best deal, shopping around for the best price on foreign currency, taking a credit card on holidays that saves you money on foreign exchange fees and putting your holiday on a zero per cent credit card where appropriate."

In Scotland, where local education authorities set their own terms and school holidays and breaks commence earlier than in the South, parents will pay almost a uniform amount for seven night breaks leaving any time in May. During the summer holidays, Scottish parents will pay less than their London and Newcastle counterparts for a seven night, half-board break in a four star hotel in Spain (£497), compared to £608 paid by London parents and £597 by mums and dads in Newcastle.

Those parents who are optimistic about the British weather this year can expect to pay around £239 for a four night break at Pontins during half-term, more than double the price of the week prior (19 May). Those opting for the more upmarket Centreparcs in the Sherwood Forest can expect to pay £799 for a two bedroom accommodation during the half-term break compared to £479 for four bedroom accommodation during the week prior.