More than a third (34%) of parents of children under 18 take child-free holidays, leaving their offspring with ex-partners or other family members, a new study shows.
Of those who currently holiday with their children, more than half (57%) said that given the chance they would go away without them.
The research by Thomson also reveals an increase in shared parenting between divorced and separated mothers and fathers, freeing up child-free time to holiday with friends or a new partner.
The rise of hands-on grandparenting is also easing the burden on parents, with more than half (52%) leaving their children with their own parents while they go on holiday.
A total of 43% said the reason they chose child-free holidays is to spend more quality time with their partners, and a further 34% saying they just needed a rest from family life.
Almost 55% said they enjoy the peace and quiet of an adults-only holiday, and nearly one in three confessed they simply do not like other people’s children.
Thomson is expanding its adults-only Couples collection with three additional properties following a claimed 46% increase in bookings in the last two years, fuelled by a surge in demand from parents taking holidays without their children.
The additions in time for next summer will bring the portfolio up to 55 hotels. They are in Djerba, Tunisia; Antalya, Turkey and Sorrento in Italy.
Product director Mark Hall said: “Family holidays are undoubtedly a great way to spend time together, but even the most dedicated of parents need time away from their children sometimes. An adults-only holiday can allow couples to reconnect with each other and have a well-deserved break.”