A mum has revealed how she’s saving £3,000 on each family holiday by taking her kids away during term-time.
It’s no secret that holiday prices soar during the school holidays.
According to Go Compare, the high demand for a break away with the kids during the Easter holidays saw trips rise by 9% compared to non-peak periods.
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And with the ongoing war between Iran and the US, causing fuel shortage scares, it’s been reported that airlines are raising fares to combat jet fuel price increases.
It’s a never ending battle, especially as schools fine £80 per parent, per child for any unauthorised absences up to five days during term-time, too.
But for Laura Melling, a mum-of-two, she’s saving herself a fortune by going against the rules and taking her kids away as and when she pleases.
“It’s ridiculous, they’re my children – not the school’s,” the nurse, from Leyland, told creatorzine.com.
“It works out cheaper to pay the fine than school holiday prices.
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“I don’t feel guilty in the slightest.
“My kids are having the best experiences rather than sitting in a boring classroom.
“And we’re saving a fortune.
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“It’s a no-brainer.”
Laura, 36, and her husband, Paul, 37, have shelled out over £500 in fines to date.
But by jetting off during term-time, they’re saving themselves an estimated £3,000 per trip.
And the mum to Lucy, eight, and Emily, seven, admits that teachers aren’t usually too displeased with their decision.
She said: “The teachers are usually supportive and say they wish they could do it.
“All the parents agree with me too.
“A few of them have followed suit after seeing us do it.”
So far, they’ve been to Egypt, Tunisia and France.
And they’ve never paid more than £1,000 to get away for a week.
Earlier this year, for example, they flew to Lapland.
Instead of forking out £700-per-person for the flights in December, they went at the start of term in January, costing just £40-per-head.
Their car hire was £189, rather than £545 during the school holidays and their accommodation came to just £500 instead of £1,900.
In total, it saved them £2,946.
The parents will refuse to take their kids aways during important educational situations, such as during the SATs and GCSEs.
But while they’re young, they’re making the most of freedom – and teaching them valuable lessons along the way.
Laura added: “My kids are learning life skills.
“They learn in different ways when away, so we’re not neglecting their education.
“They have learning apps on their iPads and workbooks to complete.
“I would love to [take them out of school full-time] however I don’t think our balance would cope; we need to work.
“My children are realising the world is a big place and they are now seeing different cultures.
“Everyone needs a break from the mundane, so being away gives us all time to relax and enjoy each other’s company without being stuck in a routine.”
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