Will you be jetting off with your children?
A holiday is the perfect time for some family bonding, but not according to the kids. They'd rather go away with their friends.
British children have spoken up when it comes to where they want to go in 2012, how much they think a family holiday to Spain costs and most importantly, who they really want to go away with.
The findings based on a survey of British children aged between five and nine years old by comparison website TravelSupermarket.com, revealed that a third of UK children under nine would prefer to go away with their best friends over their parents on a holiday to a Disney resort. Other popular dream holiday destinations for today’s youngsters include America, Spain, Australia, LEGOLAND and ‘Nanna’s house’.
With one in 10 British families expected to flock to Spain this summer, going to the beach is unequivocally the ‘best part’ of a holiday for a quarter of British kids, followed by spending time with their family.
When it comes to the cost of a family holiday to Spain, opinions varied between the ages, a quarter of four and five year olds believe that a family of four could get there for just £50 while 13 per cent of British children believe it would cost closer to £10,000.
Theo Templeton, age 9 from Hawarden estimated a family holiday would cost in the region of £10,000 while his little sister, Izzy (age 7) thought closer to £100. James Roberts, age six from the Wirral told interviewers a trip to Spain would cost £9.50.
Geography fared a little bit better for children under nine, 72 per cent of which named Australia as the destination furthest away from their homes however one in 10 British kids believe you can get to Australia in as little as three hours. A solid 50 per cent answered correctly and said around 24 hours.
Amelia Williams, age six from St Helens said: “I think it takes 80 hours to get to Australia.”
While most children have only ever travelled with their parents, given the chance the majority would rather go away with their best friends over Mum and Dad. Grandparents came a close second with one in five British children preferring to holiday with them.
Rachel Basnett, age nine from Hawarden said if she could go away with anyone, she would go away with pop group, One Direction. Connor Harte, age seven from North Wales said: “Steven Gerrard. So he can teach me football.”
This research also found that for a quarter of British children, the biggest influencer when it comes to holiday destinations is television, while just 10 per cent say they’re influenced by a friend at school who has been to a particular holiday destination.
Bob Atkinson, travel expert at TravelSupermarket said: “Holidays are important to children and help give them a sense of adventure. Not only do they offer quality family time, but they also help create memories that could last forever.”
Bob Atkinson’s top tips for travelling with children in 2012:
1. Involve the kids in the holiday planning process to help build excitement. Show them maps, photographs and explains what they will see and do while on holiday
2. Encourage the kids to pack their own suitcases, this not only instills independence it also frees up Mum and Dad's packing time
3. Pack a few toys, snacks and favourite books in your hand luggage to help curb boredom on the flight or in the car, and don't forget to pick up a few bottles of water or juice after you check in
4. Purchase a few disposable cameras to give the kids while your away so they can take their own photos without the risk of breaking or losing the family camera
5. Encourage your kids to keep a travel journal and write postcards for the family and friends back home while you're away
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