Term-time travel taboo

• 55 per cent of parents willing to take kids out of school to save money on holidays
• School absence penalties unknown by 43 per cent of parents
• Half (51 per cent) of parents of GCSE and A-level students willing to let them skip school for cheap holidays
   

More than half (55 per cent) of parents are willing to take their children out of school to save money on their holidays, regardless of the school's policy on absences, according to research from Direct Line travel insurance.

The Government's guidelines are that schools should charge £50 to parents if a child has an unauthorised absence, and schools are free to have additional policies and penalties, but many parents (43 per cent) say they don't know what the policy is at their child's school.

The age of children and the importance of their studies in later years had little effect on parents' willingness to take them on holiday during term-time, with half of the parents of 14-18 year olds (48 per cent) willing to take their children out of school during the crucial GCSE and A-level years.

Direct Line's research also showed some differences in the effect of the amount saved on the holiday. Of the parents willing to take their children out of school for a holiday, two-thirds (67 per cent) of the respondents who said they would consider taking their children on holiday during term time would do so for a saving of £500 or less, while one in six (17 per cent) would take their children on holiday during term-time for a saving of just £50.

Frances Browning, spokesperson for Direct Line, said:

"Parents may feel they have a tough choice: either pay over the odds to travel with the crowds during the school holidays, or take their children out of school to save hundreds or even thousands of pounds on a family holiday. If a school imposes fines for absences, the holiday savings might not be worth the cost, so we recommend that families look for other ways to save on their holidays.

"It's particularly surprising that parents are willing to take older children out of school for holidays, as GCSE and A-level studies are so important to their further education and career prospects."

Direct Line's tips to save on holiday costs

• Go for an all-inclusive holiday, so that your costs are relatively fixed and you don't have to worry about food and drink bills adding up while you're trying to relax
• Consider the entire cost of the holiday, such as local food and entertainment costs, rather than just going somewhere served by budget airlines or cheap flights
• Look for less popular destinations - these may still offer what you want, such as winter sun or family activities, but could have better deals to attract visitors
• Check prices from all UK airports - driving or taking the train to a different airport might be cheaper than flying from the nearest airport to your home
• Look at other holiday costs that you could reduce, such as travelling with only hand-luggage, taking public transport rather than parking at the airport, not buying new holiday clothes, and getting foreign currency without paying fees on your credit or debit card
• If staying in self-catering accommodation, shop at local markets to find low cost and interesting new ingredients to make your own meals
   

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Notes to editors

ICM conducted a nationally-representative online survey of 2,010 GB adults aged 18+ on behalf of Direct Line travel insurance on 12-14 October 2012. Surveys were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information at www.icmresearch.com

For further information please contact:

Erica Nelson
PR Manager
Direct Line
erica.nelson@rbs.co.uk
0208 313 5830
07919 218 045

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales no 1179980. U K Insurance Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0845 246 3761 or visiting