The summer months are upon us and the school holidays are in full swing.
But for many parents, the sunny season - meant to be a time of fun and activity - can be a financial headache.
The kids are out of the classroom and need looking after, while a vacation abroad appears to provide the perfect getaway from the stresses and strain of everyday life in Britain
Yet a holiday overseas can cost an arm and a leg - something non-too advisable in this current climate of ongoing economic tension.
Indeed, research carried out by R3 has revealed over two million Brits have been left facing debts in an effort to reach sunnier climes.
The insolvency trade body discovered 2,329,500 people have had to borrow on average more than £1,000 to venture abroad - and will have to spend around seven months paying it back.
Frances Coulson, vice-president of the organisation, stated: "That people are prepared to take on a substantial amount of debt for such a long period of time in order to afford a holiday is worrying."
So, the significant financial risk begs the question: "Why vacation overseas?"
Well, many individuals feel they have to take a break each year to escape the humdrum of working life, or view it as a reward for all the hard work they have put in over the past 12 months.
There's no arguing with that - but couldn't a more cost-effective resolution be found closer to home?
The staycation appears to be the answer, with tourists resisting the allure of the Mediterranean sunshine and instead exploring the charms of the British countryside.
Sharron Livingston, editor of thetravelmagazine.net, explained: "We've discovered Britain
And getting to grips with the great outdoors could provide families with an action-packed adventure with a difference.
Jon Dale, spokesperson for The Camping and Caravanning Club, noted regions in Scotland, as well as in the Lake and Peak Districts, are proving particularly popular among people who are "active and want to get out and about more".
The industry figure claimed there are many reasons vacationers may opt for a camping trip above an excursion to a foreign country.
He observed: "The continuing poor exchange rates, concerns about the environment and travel safety, are meaning people are going back to basics again."
And these sentiments were echoed by editor of Caravan Times Marcus Dubois, who stated it is now considered a fashionable option to plan a domestic getaway.
"Families especially can save a great deal of money down the line," he pointed out.
Mr Dubois advised: "A night in a hotel or B&B can cost anything between £35 to £100 per person, where a night on a caravan site can be anything from £2.50 to £10."
So to avoid the financial woe involved with jetting off across the continent, people desperate to be relieved of their day-to-day living should look into taking in some of the idyllic destinations to be found dotted around the UK.
A caravan site could enable a family to pack up and leave their home behind, yet take their domestic comforts with them, while a camping trip could be ideal for those wishing to return to nature.
And each of the getaways would be surprisingly fun, without being frighteningly expensive.
No comments:
Post a Comment