Majority of UK parents are stressed about affording family days out over the summer

17.07.2024
  • Seven in ten parents (69%) are stressed about organising affordable family days out, according to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles survey
  • With 80% of UK parents travelling by car for days out, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles provides tips and tricks for saving whilst on the road1
  • Study revealed that the average cost of a family day out is £93, amounting to upwards of £400 across the school holidays
  • While three quarters of respondents (77%) would like to go on fortnightly days out, high costs mean one in five (18%) have nothing planned over the holidays
  • Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has commissioned Jo Studholme, Parenting Expert, to share her top 10 tips for affordable activities with the kids.

Milton Keynes, UK, 16 July 2024 – Almost seven in ten UK parents (69%) are stressed about affording family days out during the summer holidays, in part caused by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, according to a new study by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.1

The survey reveals that more than three quarters of parents (77%) would like to take their children on excursions at least once a fortnight.1 But, as the crunch on household expenditure continues, many are left struggling to find affordable days out.

The survey of 1,000 UK parents highlights the key concerns for families today. Chief among these worries are the escalating costs of activities (52%), the challenge of discovering affordable day trips (50%), and the considerable effort required to plan engaging, educational outings for their children (32%).1

With the research also indicating that 80% of UK parents opt to travel by car when embarking on a family outing1, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles – whose range includes the Multivan, which boasts everything to keep the family entertained on the move, from seven seats to even a communal table – has teamed up with parenting expert, Jo Studholme, founder of the Parenting Expert blog, to offer parents some inspiration for low-cost days out with the family.

The research by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles puts the average UK family spend at £93 for a single day out, amounting to upwards of £400 for the average family across the summer holidays, while 1 in 10 (14%) are likely to spend over £600.1

As a result of the rising cost of activities, one in five (18%) respondents admit they have no family days out planned over the summer holidays.1

Jo Studholme, Parenting Expert, comments: “Family days out are more than just a way to entertain the kids. They offer a wealth of benefits that contribute to a child’s development and strengthen family bonds. By thinking outside the box and considering your family’s interests, you can create memorable and enriching days out without spending a fortune. The key is to get everyone involved in the planning process and embrace the adventure!”

Jo’s Top Tips for keeping costs low but smiles high during the summer holidays with children are:

  1. Embrace the great outdoors: nature is a treasure trove of free entertainment! Explore local parks, forests and beaches. Pack a picnic lunch, go on a scavenger hunt for interesting leaves or insects, or enjoy a simple game of frisbee.
  2. Get crafty: arts and crafts projects are a great way to unleash creativity without breaking the bank. Use recycled materials like cardboard boxes, egg cartons, or toilet paper rolls for building, decorating, or designing costumes. You could even create nature collages out of those leaves and twigs you’ve scavenged!
  3. Embrace the staycation: plan a staycation and explore your own city or town. Visit historical landmarks, local attractions with free admission days, or simply enjoy backyard camping.
  4. Get active: explore your local area on a family bike ride, plan a pit stop for a refreshing ice cream treat. Alternatively, local swimming pools offer a fantastic way to cool down and have fun on a hot day.
  5. Library adventures: libraries are a goldmine of free resources. Attend story time events, borrow books and audiobooks, or participate in some of the many educational programmes offered by libraries.

For the full list of tips, visit the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles VanLife blog
More information about the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle range, including the family focused 7-seater Multivan can be found here.

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Notes to Editors:
1Results are taken from a OnePoll survey of 1,000 UK parents, conducted in June 2024, commissioned by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

About Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles:
Nearly 70 years ago, the first Transporter arrived in the UK, creating a blueprint which others would follow: a van which gets the job done efficiently and reliably. Today, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles offers a diverse model range of commercial as well as passenger carrying and lifestyle models – from the compact Caddy, the evergreen Transporter and sturdy Crafter panel vans, dropsides and tippers, through the Multivan passenger carrier, and Caddy California, new California and Grand California campervans, to the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo all-electric models, and the Amarok. The vehicles are as versatile and dependable as Volkswagens have always been, but the range is now wider, and more connected, modern and safer than ever.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is committed to working in partnership with individuals and businesses, providing them with the best products and aftersales support, whether they’re buying one or a thousand vans. For more information visit www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk

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Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Press Team
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Jess Bowden-Eyre 07734 855245
Amy Allen 07983 535116

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