UK families splash nearly £5,000 a year on holidays, a new study has found – more than double the average monthly salary.
From ice-creams to sun loungers and day trips to flights, families will take two holidays a year, which sees parents cough up £2,417 for each nine day-long vacation.
Researchers polling 2,000 mums and dads found they will spend £363.74 on flights, £439.57 on accommodation and £49.29 on toys for the beach or to take home with them during each break.
A further £193.97 will be splurged on day trips, £31.61 on souvenirs and £184.04 on car hire, taxis and public transport.
The research was commissioned by Expedia to launch their Add-on Advantage, which is a new feature giving travellers access to discounts for thousands of hotels after booking a flight, car or package on the site.
Aaron Price, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing at Brand Expedia, said: “We understand how important holidays are to a family.
“They give us the opportunity to spend quality time together and make new memories with our loved ones, which can sometimes be quite rare.
“Going away shouldn’t have to cost the earth and the Add-on Advantage aims ease the financial strain, whilst giving travellers more flexibility and the time to book the best holiday for them.”
Breakdown of the cost of a family holiday:
Flights £363.74
Accommodation £439.57
Activities £225.67
Day trips/excursions £193.97
Meals out £220.34
Car hire £128.20
Insurance £122.46
Ice-cream £31.22
Souvenirs £31.61
Snacks £40.02
Hats £22.52
Suncream £26.34
Towels £22.41
Alcoholic drinks £47.50
Soft drinks £43.04
Food (self-catered) £59.45
Toys for the beach £25.12
Toys to take home £24.17
Toiletries £29.24
Clothes £48.74
Swimwear £32.71
Sun loungers £23.33
Umbrellas £21.51
Public transport such as busses or trains £27.78
Taxis £28.06
Gifts for friends/family back home £30.02
Postcards £20.58
Magazines/books £22.40
Body boards £20.71
Inflatables £23.11
Snorkelling equipment £21.55
