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Families more important than cost for holidays, Haven survey reveals

Spending time with families and convenience are more important than cost when it comes to holidays, according to a survey by Haven Holidays.

Almost half the families who holiday in the UK do so because it is less stressful than taking the children abroad.

Only around one in ten parents say they have been put off holidays abroad by the high value of the Euro, which has hit the spending power of sterling in European resorts.

The survey, carried out in May after weeks of flight disruptions caused by the volcanic ash and strikes, revealed that 12.6% of holidaymakers said they were fed up with airport delays and strikes.

But only 11% of respondents cited the high value of the Euro as a deterrent from taking holidays abroad.

More important was the convenience factor with 46% saying they had chosen a UK holiday because travelling with children was easier at home than abroad.

The report also revealed:

• Only 27% said they were holidaying in the UK because it was cheaper than going abroad
• 49% chose the UK to enjoy a seaside holiday
• 61% enjoy the flexibility of a self-catering holidays
• And, in a boost for the green lobby, almost one in 20 families say they take their holidays in the UK to reduce their carbon footprint

Standard of accommodation was also an important factor for families with almost 59% of those taking part in the survey said they had selected a holiday at a Haven Holiday Park because of the standard of accommodation.

Asked what made a holiday great, unsurprisingly spending time with family and friends scored highly (55%) family-friendly entertainment and leisure activities (51%) and a relaxed environment (46%).

In total 62% said they were familiar with Haven and wanted to return to enjoy the activities and explore the local area.

One holidaymaker who regularly opts for one of Haven Holidays’ three Parks close to the Dorset resort of Weymouth said: “It is so much easier to go on holiday in the UK. My kids really look forward to staying with Haven and I just don’t think you would get the same entertainment abroad.”

The survey of just under 1,000 people also confirmed holidays are a great time to enjoy the great outdoors too, with a whopping 93% saying they spend more time outside and a huge 94% revealing they spend less time watching TV.

In addition 54% said they enjoyed more sports and fitness activities on holiday and 41% admitted indulging in more shopping for pleasure. A further 49% had the time to pursue crafts and hobbies.

And in a real vote of confidence for Haven, who have 35 family Holiday Parks around the UK, 90% of the families surveyed said they would be happy to come back for another Haven Holiday.