Gramps and scamps swell holiday bookings

Wily Brits are adopting new ways to cut holiday costs this year, according to a leading holiday parks group - and the two top methods are "gramping" and "scamping".

Park Holidays UK, which says that bookings at its holiday parks are substantially up on last year's figures, has identified the trends from an analysis of reservation details.

Gramping, it reports, is when parents share the cost of a holiday with grandparents by booking a holiday home big enough accommodate three generations.

Scamping, by contrast, is when one mum and dad takes another parents' children with their own youngsters, creating a bunch of scamps and saving money for both families.

According to Park Holidays UK director Tony Clish, the new patterns suggest that parents remain determined to ensure that their children get the benefit of a UK holiday.

The group owns 25 holiday parks in the South of England, and provides holiday caravans and lodges to rent, plus pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents.

All types of accommodation, says Tony, have seen increases in demand from grampers and scampers:

"The big advantage of a holiday park for those on a budget is that spending can be kept to a minimum while you are away because the activities and entertainment are largely free.

"And if you are shouldering the cost with grandparents, or teaming up your children with their friends' parents, the cost can be very affordable - even in high season," said Tony.

He gives as an example the all-inclusive price of less than £100 a head for six people staying in August at one of the group's holiday parks on the Devon coast.

Holiday homes sleep up to eight people, and all children and adults receive entertainment and facility passes - so couples taking extra youngsters don't pay any more.

But it's not just cost-savers who are helping to make this an anticipated record year for park holidays in Britain, says Tony.

Uncertainty about flying abroad - prompted by strike threats, civil unrest, and the latest release of ash from an Icelandic volcano - are all adding to demand.

"Many people simply don't want all the stresses that going overseas now involves - especially in the run-up to the holiday when you're just awaiting the next bit of bad news," believes Tony.

"Staying in Britain is far less nail-biting, less expensive, and a lot more fun!" he added.

More information about the group's parks is available from: ParkHolidaysUK.com