Family Holidays Still Matter to UK Parents, Even Once Kids Are Grown

There was a time when turning 18 meant swapping the family beach trip for a rucksack and a budget flight with friends. These days, plenty of British households are doing things differently. The summer getaway is not something young people grow out of, and many parents are happy to keep it going and pay for it too.

Research into travel habits shows that time away together is still a firm priority for families across the UK. Here is what it found, and a few practical ideas for making a big group trip run smoothly.

Why family holidays keep going into adulthood

Most parents see a trip with their children as a fixture in the calendar, and the majority head overseas with them every single year. What stands out is how long the habit lasts. The vast majority of parents with grown-up children say they still travel abroad together after the kids have left school.

The guest list is growing as well. Around half of parents are glad to bring along their children’s partners or close friends. The classic four-person holiday turns into something livelier, often with several generations around one dinner table.

The bank of mum and dad is still open

British parents turn out to be generous when it comes to paying. Most of those who cover trips for their adult children pick up the bill for a lot more than flights, including accommodation, meals out and days out.

Asked when the funding might stop, over half said they would keep paying until their children are properly financially stable. About a fifth said they would never stop. Many also help with trips their children take without them, such as school cultural visits, breaks with friends or holidays with other relatives.

The ups and downs of travelling as a group

Nobody pretends it is all smooth sailing. The pinch points change as children get older:

• Young children: keeping sleep routines on track, finding a bit of quiet time for the adults, and keeping little ones busy all day long.
• Teenagers: balancing a growing wish for independence with time together as a family, and the odd grumpy morning.

Even so, most families agree that a proper break away from everyday distractions is worth a few squabbles by the pool.

Sorting the practical bits early

A travel insurance expert offers some sensible advice for anyone planning a group trip. A single family policy is usually cheaper than buying separate quotes, and it means you only go through the process once. One policy can cover up to two adults and eight children.

It is also worth checking that your cover actually matches the kind of trip you are taking. A cruise, for example, needs specialist cover. If you are packing tablets or other gadgets to keep the children entertained, add them to the policy in case they are lost or damaged.

If friends or partners are joining you, group travel insurance can cover up to ten people, and they do not all have to live at the same address.

A few quick tips for smoother trips

• Agree early who is paying for what, so there are no awkward moments at the restaurant.
• Build in time apart, especially for teenagers and young adults.
• Check the small print of your insurance before you book, not at the airport.

Whether it is toddlers digging in the sand or grown-up children raising a glass at dinner, the message is the same. The great British tradition of family holidays is alive and well, and it seems to be getting bigger every year.