Research has found that the cost of a holiday during term time is as much as 46% less than in the school holidays, leading many parents to take their children out of school. It was found that three out of ten parents are planning to take their children on holiday during term time this year, despite the fact that they can incur a fine if caught.
Fines for parents taking their children out of school were introduced in 2004, but since then the number of parents risking the fine has actually increased. In 2004, 7% of parents allowed their children to miss school for a holiday. This figure has risen to 21% in 2012. The fine currently stands at £60 for parents, which rises to £120 if it is not paid within 28 days. But given that savings of more than £800 can be made on a trip to Spain, many parents are willing to run the risk of being caught.
“The difference in price for taking a trip during the school holidays and during term-time is huge,” said Selwyn Fernandes, Managing Director of LV= travel insurance, which carried out the research. “It is not surprising that so many parents are willing to risk a fine of £60 when they can save ten times that by holidaying outside of the peak season.”
More than half of parents admit to taking their child out of school for a holiday in the past, with one in three saying they feel forced to do so as they simply cannot afford to go during the school holidays.
Travel insurance is another expense associated with holidays. But a travel insurance policy can save you money in the long run should you have an accident or be the victim of crime.
Date Created: 01/05/2012
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