Families team up to split half term holiday costs
2009 was the year of the ‘stay-cation’ and 2010 looks set to be the year of the ‘share-cation’ with budget-stretched families sharing their holidays with friends and relations.
Research released by Post Office Travel Insurance revealed that two-thirds (62 per cent) of families already do or would consider sharing their holiday with another family. One in three parents (33 per cent) would also allow family friends to take their children away without them and 36 per cent of parents said they would be happy to take their children’s friends on holiday with them. Prime reasons for holidaying with others are to split costs (33 per cent), spend time with loved ones (60 per cent) and keep the children entertained (60 per cent).
With 50 per cent of people planning or considering a break this half term and 34 per cent admitting cost was a factor in their decision, it seems that families are increasingly looking for ways to save money.
However, holidaying with friends and their families is not without its problems as one in five (19 per cent) parents surveyed said they would be worried about splitting the costs of activities, food and accommodation. Nearly a third (30 per cent) of people also worry about disciplining other people’s children.
Top 5 concerns about taking a share-cation:
Other people’s children behaving badly - 45 per cent
Differing opinions on holiday activities - 43 per cent
My own children behaving badly - 39 per cent
Disciplining other people’s children - 30 per cent
Differing opinions on food preferences - 29 per cent
Rachel Croft, Head of Post Office Travel Insurance, said: "With budgets being stretched and many of us time poor, taking a group holiday can be a good way to save money and spend time with loved ones.
"However, if you are planning to take a share-cation, it’s important to ensure everyone is clear on the responsibilities for organising the holiday. Travel insurance is vital to protect you against any medical costs, unexpected holiday cancellation and personal belongings; failure to have it could result in hefty bills and disputes with the people you are travelling with.
"It is also common for children to travel on their parent’s passports, so if your child is going away with another family then it’s essential to ensure you allow enough time to get your child’s own passport produced."
Jean Broke-Smith, etiquette expert from Channel 4’s The Family and Ladette to Lady, said: "Because our holidays are the one time of year when we can get away and truly relax, we all have our own idea of the things we want to do when we’re away. Adding another family into the mix means you have more people’s preferences to consider. It’s therefore important to set ground rules before you go on issues such as activities, dining options and bed times for children."
Top tips on how to enjoy a stress free share-cation from Jean Broke-Smith:
Before booking the holiday make sure you are all happy with the choice, if you don’t voice your concerns early on then you’re bound to resent it when you get there
Try to discuss activities you would like to do before you go so you can agree days you can spend together and arrange some alone time for each family if you want to do different things
Agree in advance on bed times for children, even if you usually have different patterns it could cause trouble if one set of children of a similar age have to go to bed earlier than others
Splitting costs can be a big issue, even amongst friends, so be clear about your budgets and preferences before you go
Remember that it’s your child’s holiday too so if you are away with another family, try to choose a family with children of a similar age that you know get on with your children. Nothing will ruin your holiday like bickering kids!
Post Office Travel Insurance policies offer a Kids Go Free option for dependent children under the age of 18. This is only valid if the child is going on holiday with a parent, grandparent, guardian, aunt or uncle who is a Post Office Travel Insurance policy holder. You can also apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and renew or apply for a passport using the Check & Send service at the Post Office. See postoffice.co.uk for details.