Family holidays: Recession hits middle class getaways

By Kelly Rose Bradford , May 13, 2011

Filed under: Mums

PA

Cash-strapped middle class families can no longer afford to go on holiday, new figures reveal.

The Department for Work and Pensions' annual survey of families and poverty found that one in 14 of Britain's wealthiest families say they don't have enough money to take a holiday, with more than one in three middle-income families saying lack of funds means they will not get to go away with their family this year.

The report shows that 36 per cent of families said last year that they wanted a week's holiday away from home but could not afford it, whilst four years ago 31 per cent of families made the same claims.

Does this ring true for you? Are you unable to take a holiday this year despite being in work? Or do you consider holidays luxuries which people can do without in the current economic climate?

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Tags: beach, day trips, days out, family breaks, family holidays, fun-and-activities, government cuts, holiday, recession, seasdie

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searsmartham

I think that holidays are definitely luxuries, but what is wrong with that? Especially with the state of the economic climate it is more important than ever to make sure that we are taking some time to relax and recooperate. There are so many deals and discounts around that I think there are ways around expensive holidays, if you're not fussy! As Coombemillfarm mentions, spending time with the family is very important. We've been going there for years and recently we have had to make changes, such as eating in and cooking more meals at home, and spending time on the beach, going for walks is free anyway! Coombemillfarm is the sort of place that you can stay there all day while the children play with the other children there, they spend the whole week with the animals and playing in the many play areas. Everytime we go there seems to be something new; from a new play area, or play tractor, to a new animal - it keeps my children interested! When we first came, we spent more time taking days out whereas in recent years the balance has changed - taking the family to Creally (a local adventure play park) costs over £50 for my family of 5 which we couldn't afford to do anymore! So we're lucky that our chosen holiday is somewhere that you can spend the whole week, whilst spending very little money!

May 24 2011 at 2:54 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

coombemillfarm

We have a great family farm holiday in Cornwall and have seen the effects of the recession the last 2 years but are still more than full at busy times like school holidays. I do think that we have survived better than many by keep investing in the things that matter to our guests, from the properties to activities for the children on the farm. http://www.coombemill.com/ We are currently almost for the school summer holidays but still have a few spaces left for June and early July and September. We see people cutting back by eating out less, visiting expensive attractions less and spending more quality time with the family in our beautiful grounds. The towns and roads do feel quieter but people are still visiting us for a holiday.

May 13 2011 at 5:08 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply