Holiday Buzz explains how new regulations and higher fines for unauthorised school absence could drive up holiday prices
Prices on either side of half-term holidays are set to surge causing ‘Peak Creep’
The government has implemented new rules and higher fines, after 400,000 penalty notices were reportedly handed out to parents in England for unauthorised school absences during the 2022/23. The updates National Framework for Penalty Notices, aimed at addressing the issue of families taking term-time holidays to save money, was introduced this September (implemented on 19 August), and sees fines increase by £20 from £60 to £80 per parent, for a child’s absence.
How could these regulations impact family booking patterns?
In light of recent changes to school holiday regulations and the increased fines for non-attendance, families looking to save money without being fined may opt to overlap with official school breaks to minimise the number of school days their child misses in order to avoid breaching the new threshold for fines which is ten sessions (the equivalent of 5 school days) in a period of 10 weeks. Parents found to have broken the rules could stand to receive a fine of up to £2500 and a community order or sentence of up to 3 months with a Parenting Order.
Whilst the rules are certainly putting the fear of god into parents accustomed to removing children during term time, the truth is that many families are now exploring viable options to circumvent these substantial penalties while still managing to arrange cost-effective trips overseas. A family who made a recent booking through Holidaybuzz has acknowledged they will be bending the new regulations by returning a day after the school term commences. They justified this decision by highlighting the significant savings of nearly £800 on their stay at the five-star Sheraton in Fuerteventura this January.
Commenting spokesperson Jason Waldron says: “While Holidaybuzz does not support the practice of taking children out of school for holidays, we do recognise the reasons why some families may choose to do so during these periods since prices can nearly double during peak season.
For travellers who don’t need to travel during school holidays
As a good percentage of our customers don’t have children, historically we have recommended travellers who don’t need to travel during school holidays consider their travel dates carefully to avoid school holidays and thus unnecessary price hikes. We are now anticipating a significant rise of ‘Peak creep,’ a new phenomenon whereby the cost of holidays may increase on either side of the half term – so we’re now advising these customers to also avoid the weeks immediately before and after the school holidays.
For families who need to travel during school holidays to avoid fines
“For our families who don’t want to break the rules but are on a budget – we’d recommend reconsidering how you holiday to save those all-important pounds. We’re very set in our ways as a nation, often opting for the traditional seven night break. The reality is a shorter, five-night break which avoids peak flight travel dates (weekends) could save hundreds of pounds. For example a five day trip to Lisbon could cost as little as £235 travelling during school holidays, if you avoid the demand for flights on Saturday and Sunday and instead choose to depart on Monday. Small changes could result in large savings, even when travelling during the school holidays.”
“Other tips include booking early as airlines frequently provide their most affordable fares for flights booked several months ahead of time. Also, think about opting for a destination whose low season coincides with a UK school holiday. For example, the Caribbean in August or for October half term can offer exceptional value because it’s the destination’s low season.
“Also, don’t assume DIY holidays will be cheaper. Before the pandemic, there was a noticeable trend towards self-packaged trips that often came with lower costs. However, the current landscape has shifted, and travel agents and deal sites not only provide competitive pricing but also offer invaluable support amidst challenges such as air traffic control strikes or flight cancellations. Booking a package has become a wise choice, frequently ensuring the most advantageous deals for travellers.”
Holiday Buzz’s current top long haul deals showcasing the benefit of using a deals provider are:
7 nights room only to Barbados departing on 7th October from London Gatwick to The Time Out Hotel, a Tripadvisor Choice award winner, starts at £759
7 nights room only to St Lucia departing on 9th October from London Heathrow to Village Beach Cottages starts at £1099
Waldron concludes “By following these tips, you can make travel more affordable and accessible. Happy travels!”
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