Parents counting summer holiday costs

The school holidays have only just started, but parents are already totting up the cost of childcare and entertainment this summer, a recent study has found.

The research by Travelodge surveyed 5000 British families and found that parents will spend an average of £351 on childcare, £504 on days out and £665 on transport and food over the six week break. 73 per cent of parents say they are having sleepless nights as they worry about how to keep their children occupied over the summer.

The report also found that over half (53 per cent) of parents planning a break this summer will do so in the UK, while 17 per cent of parents with a child under 18 will not be taking a holiday at all.

The study follows last week’s poll findings by charity Family Action, which said that many children will be ‘stuck at home’ this summer due to families having to cut back on days out and holidays.

For those planning a break in the UK this summer, the coast is the most popular staycation spot, with 46 per cent of families planning to go to the seaside during the break – popular destinations include Cornwall, Devon and Blackpool. If you’re on a tight budget these holidays, take a look at the Pitchup.com offers pages for all the latest deals, or filter your search for budget and backpacker sites.