22 June 2009

The rise of the 'paliday' as cost-saving break

Families are saving up to £2,000 on their holiday this year by staying with friends and family, according to new study.

The so-called ‘palidays’ are an alternative to staying at home or not taking a holiday at all in the recession, rail ticket retailer thetrainline.com said.

A survey of more than 6,000 visitors to the company’s website found that more than half (55%) have had a holiday at a friend or family member’s home in the last year.

Of those, two thirds are planning a repeat ‘paliday’ this summer (67%).

Nearly half of families (45%) claim to spend less than £600 in two weeks when holidaying with friends and family - a saving of 77% when compared to the average cost of a regular two-week summer holiday, according to the company.

For 22% of people the decision to go on a ‘paliday’ is borne out of the current economic climate and a desire to save money.

Other benefits of staying with friends and relatives were an increased opportunity to spend more quality time together and a greater sense of freedom.

The most popular type of ‘paliday’ is a beach or seaside break. In second place came a city break followed by an escape to the countryside.

The company’s commercial director Ben Pearson said: "Holiday-makers are understandably looking to make their money go further this year.

"Our survey shows that ‘palidays’ are on the rise and with rail travel up by almost 50% this summer†, we anticipate many people to be spending their breaks with friends and family in the UK this year."

by Phil Davies