XL holidays
An increasing number of Brits are opting for ‘XL family holidays' with one in four families jetting off abroad in the company of at least six relatives - the most likely additions being the grandparents, according to new research.
The study by esure travel insurance polled 2,000 families looking to holiday this year. The research reveals that over half of holidaymakers polled (57 per cent) believe they will save almost £400 by holidaying with more than just the nuclear family.
But cost isn't the only reason for an XL holiday - as four in ten holidaymakers say it's the only time they have real quality time with their extended families - with 42 per cent of those surveyed revealing they don't get to see each other much during the rest of the year.
More than a third (34 per cent) of those polled admit they are simply too busy to make time for their extended family members on a regular basis.
Nikki Sellers, Head of Travel insurance at esure, said: "We are seeing a surge in the number of people who want to go away with grandparents and other family members such as siblings and their children.
"Going away on holiday with several family members can have numerous benefits - there are plenty of people to have fun with, it can work out cheaper booking a villa for everyone and couples also get the chance to enjoy each other's company knowing their children are being entertained."
The study shows that interestingly, six in ten couples use their XL holiday as a way of getting some one-on-one time with each other. In fact, over a quarter of holidaymakers (26 per cent) revealed that one of the reasons they take the grandparents on holiday is so they have babysitters on tap and a quarter say the extended family holiday really is the only chance they can have a romantic night out with their loved one.
Other reasons for booking XL holidays include landmarks such as an anniversary or birthday (40 per cent), or the grandparents offering to pay for the entire holiday (21 per cent).
But 76 per cent of adults acknowledge a big family holiday is a great way for the grandparents to bond with their grandchildren and 59 per cent are fairly sure the grandparents wouldn't even want to go on holiday with their own children if they didn't have offspring.
Nikki Sellers further commented: "Going on a XL family holiday comes with many benefits and to make sure the trip is one to remember for all the right reasons, it's important to take out travel insurance cover as soon as you book your trip to make sure you're fully covered. esure travel insurance comes with the added benefit that kids can travel for free(2)."
Most common foreign destinations for the 2011 XL holidays are Spain, France, Italy and Greece with holidaymakers estimating their big XL holiday will cost the whole family around £2,500 in total.
Meanwhile, two fifths (43 per cent) of holidaymakers will opt for an extended family holiday in the United Kingdom finding it easier to organise everyone on home soil.