Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Survey Reveals 69% of Parents Stressed Over Affording Family Days Out
In light of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, nearly seven in ten UK parents (69%) find themselves stressed about financing family outings during the summer holidays, according to a recent survey by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
The study highlights that a significant 77% of parents aspire to take their children on excursions at least every fortnight. However, the relentless pressure on household budgets leaves many struggling to find affordable options for family fun.
Surveying 1,000 UK parents, the research pinpoints the primary concerns for families today. Top worries include the escalating costs of activities (52%), the challenge of locating affordable day trips (50%), and the effort required to plan engaging, educational outings (32%).
Given that 80% of UK parents prefer to travel by car for family outings, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, known for its versatile Multivan that features seven seats and a communal table, has partnered with Jo Studholme, a renowned parenting expert and founder of the Parenting Expert blog. Together, they aim to inspire parents with cost-effective ideas for family outings.
The research reveals that the average cost for a single family day out in the UK is £93, leading to an expenditure of over £400 throughout the summer holidays. Alarmingly, one in ten families may spend upwards of £600 during this period. As a result, one in five parents (18%) admit to having no planned family outings over the summer holidays.
Jo Studholme comments, “Family days out provide more than just entertainment; they foster child development and strengthen family bonds. By getting creative and involving everyone in the planning process, you can design memorable and enriching outings without overspending. The key is to embrace adventure and think outside the box!”
Jo’s Top Tips for Affordable Family Fun:
Embrace the Great Outdoors: Nature offers endless free entertainment. Explore local parks, forests, and beaches. Pack a picnic, go on a scavenger hunt, or enjoy a simple game of frisbee.
Get Crafty: Unleash creativity with arts and crafts projects using recycled materials like cardboard boxes, egg cartons, or toilet paper rolls. You can even create nature collages from scavenged leaves and twigs!
Staycation Adventures: Plan a staycation and explore your own city or town. Visit historical landmarks, take advantage of free admission days at local attractions, or enjoy backyard camping.
Stay Active: Discover your local area on a family bike ride, stopping for a refreshing ice cream treat. Alternatively, local swimming pools provide a fantastic way to cool down and have fun.
Library Adventures: Libraries are treasure troves of free resources. Attend story time events, borrow books and audiobooks, or join educational programs offered by libraries.
For a comprehensive list of tips, visit the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles VanLife blog. More information about Volkswagen’s family-focused 7-seater Multivan can be found here.
