Are Holidays a Privilege or a Right?
As families across the country grapple with the decision of whether to take vacations during term time, I find myself increasingly questioning the implications of these choices. The potential for savings exceeding £1,000 for a family of five compared to the exorbitant prices during school holidays is a compelling reason to consider this option, despite the looming threat of fines. Families have diverse reasons for traveling during school terms, from children who experience anxiety in crowded settings to family health issues abroad, or even parents working in industries like aviation where holiday schedules are restricted. My own dilemma is primarily financial.
Recently, I was thrilled to learn that a consortium of schools in Southampton is contemplating an innovative approach to school scheduling: extending the school day to provide an additional week off during the October half term. Councillor Sally Goodfellow, a governor at Shirley Warren Primary School for nearly a decade, shares my enthusiasm. She states, “This could allow families to travel during term time when holiday prices are significantly lower. I understand the importance of attendance, especially in the eyes of Ofsted. Parents are often resigned to taking the fine in exchange for a more affordable holiday.” Goodfellow believes this change could also mitigate seasonal illnesses among staff and students. I’m hopeful that if this initiative proves successful, it could serve as a model for other regions.
Scotland is already ahead with its staggered holiday system, and I wish to see the rest of the UK follow suit, much like France, which is divided into three holiday zones, and Germany, where the holiday schedule varies by state to avoid skyrocketing prices when school breaks commence. I am particularly relieved that airport authorities in the UK do not question parents traveling with children during term time, a practice that sometimes occurs in Germany.
Rising Unauthorised Absences
With the cost of travel from our island soaring, it is no wonder that unauthorised absences are on the rise, much to the dismay of the Government. In the previous academic year, councils issued 443,322 fines for unauthorised holidays, marking a 22% increase from 398,800 in the year prior. Changes to absence regulations in August now impose a fine of £80 per day for parents whose children miss more than five days within a rolling ten-week period.
Paul Whiteman, the general secretary of the NAHT, a school leaders’ union, argues that these fines do not serve as a meaningful deterrent due to the high costs of holiday travel. “Fines are contentious,” he states, “and many school leaders feel they are too blunt a tool. It may be time for the Government to explore alternative solutions, possibly through collaboration with travel companies to address holiday pricing.”
For families like that of Bryony Lewis from Hampshire, founder of the parenting gift brand T and Belle, cost is only one of several considerations. She plans to visit Center Parcs in May with her two children, Theo, age eight, and Isabelle, age six, along with her elderly parents. The cost for a three-bedroom lodge from Monday to Friday is £699 during term time, a stark contrast to the £1,849 price tag if they were to wait for the half-term break.
- Bryony’s Perspective: “My son has ADHD and struggles with sensory sensitivities in noisy and crowded places. Traveling during quieter periods helps him avoid overstimulation and return to school better prepared for learning,” she explains. They often travel during May and have previously visited locations like Lanzarote and Florida. “While the school office sends a stern ‘this is not authorised’ email, the teachers typically wish the children a wonderful holiday.”
- Skiing Adventures: Claire Gleave, founder of the maternity and breastfeeding sportswear brand Natal Active, is currently enjoying a skiing trip in Austria with her husband and three sons—ages 13, 12, and nine. The family has been skiing together since their eldest was three. This year, they saved £2,000 compared to half-term prices. “The slopes are less crowded, leading to shorter lift lines, and the weather in March is generally more favorable,” she notes. “We teach our kids ourselves, making it a wonderful family bonding experience.”
Strategies to Navigate Holiday Costs
For those who prefer not to break the rules or feel that it’s unfair to pull children from school during term time, there are strategies to avoid inflated prices once school is out. Deborah Shanahan, the deals and features editor at MoneySavingExpert.com, advises, “Examine your school’s calendar closely; you may discover dates that differ from the national norm due to inset days or local council decisions.” She also points out that holiday prices tend to drop significantly in the final weeks of August, as many families rush to leave as soon as school ends.
Ryan Pearson, the UK and Ireland Regional Manager at Booking.com, suggests being flexible with travel dates to uncover cheaper flight options a few days before or after peak travel times. “Don’t assume your nearest major airport offers the best deals,” he advises. “Regional airports can sometimes have more affordable fares and shorter security lines.”
Shanahan also highlights the availability of free child places offered by some travel agencies. “While these deals can be attractive, always compare them to other nearby dates without free child places to ensure you’re getting the best deal.”
Michelle Murray, an agent for Travel Counsellors, emphasizes the importance of early bookings, ideally 11 months in advance, to lock in the most affordable fares. “We offer flexible deposit options that can adjust if needed before full payment,” she explains. Additionally, she recommends considering long-haul travel, which can sometimes offer better value. “Trips to destinations like Mexico, Bali, or Vietnam often provide a more economical experience compared to European travel, allowing for multi-centre trips that feel more enriching.”
As I reflect on the past winter, I dream of planning a holiday that doesn’t come with the stress of high prices. Living in beautiful East Sussex, a seaside staycation would be ideal if only we could guarantee sunny weather—our last attempt two years ago was marred by constant rain. For now, I’ll continue to explore options and hunt for deals, and while I wouldn’t consider pulling my children out during September as they transition back to school, if I stumble upon a bargain in July just before term ends, I’ll be sure to seize the opportunity for a getaway.
