Half of parents choose their annual holiday based solely on whether their children would enjoy it, new research shows.
One in three parents allow their children to choose the family holiday, with two in ten going so far as letting their child have the final say on where they go every year, according to a poll for Thomas Cook.
The study found that 50% of 1,000 adults polled said that spending time with the family was most important – even if one in four said they did appreciate a bit of ‘me time’ away from the children when abroad.
By comparison, a survey of 1,000 children aged 4 to 16 found that 89% wanted to spend some or all of their parents.
Children still favour more traditional activities while abroad despite increasing use of iPads, gadgets and computer games, with one in three choosing ‘the swimming pool’ as the thing they most looked forward to about going on holiday.
More than half (60%) said their dream holiday would include unlimited access to a waterpark, with only 22% of children highlighting gadgets and computer games as being an essential part of their holiday.
Less than 10% of children said they miss computers and computer games while on holiday.
The top five family destinations this summer were identified as:
- Turkey
- Balearics
- Greece
- Tunisia
- Canaries
The results of the research came as the company released its programme for next summer, including five FamilyWORLD properties, Sunwing hotels developed exclusively for families willing to spend a bit more, as well as child friendly resorts and hotels.
Five new Aquamania resorts have been added, bringing the total to 43.
An early booking offer of ‘Kids for a Quid’ is available on selected family holidays next summer.
Thomas Cook UK and Ireland product and yield director Uli Sperl said: “As our research shows, the main priority for parents travelling with us is to spend quality time together while enjoying a great holiday abroad.
“As such, the family offering featured in our new product range for summer ‘14 has been designed to meet their needs, providing great value on safe, quality assured and exclusive holidays, which is a key element of our new strategy.”
Marketing, sales and e-commerce director Mike Hoban said: “With the summer season in full swing, families are already looking to book their holiday for next year and we’ve made sure that we’ve got our best offers and family deals on the table – allowing those who want the guarantee of knowing their holiday is fully booked and their budget sorted for the year ahead, as well as having something to look forward to.”