8 in 10 children find holidays abroad 'boring'
Hemel Hempstead, 14 May 2024
- Two thirds of parents can’t relax while overseas because they need to find ways to entertain their child
- Butlin’s is offering school summer holidays from £55pp, for families to make the most of summer break, plus has recently launched brand-new All Inclusive drinks offering exclusive for family breaks
The average UK child is bored for two and a half hours a day while on holiday abroad - complaining that there’s “nothing to do” more than 20 times a week, according to latest research.
The study into children’s overseas holiday habits from Butlin’s revealed one in ten (10%) children are bored for more than four hours a day, adding up to 28 hours over seven days.
Meanwhile, more than eight in ten (85%) parents say their child regularly gets bored while on holiday abroad, with the average child complaining that there’s nothing to do three times a day.
Butlin’s family breaks are renowned for their entertainment value, offering families with children of all ages the chance to play, dance, swim, and laugh their way through their holiday. Whether it’s parents of toddlers or early-teens, there is something for everyone with so much included in the price, from messy play and unlimited fairground rides to headline acts and West End quality live shows.
According to the research, when it comes to holidays abroad, the boredom kicks in straight away with nearly four in ten children (37%) unhappy while waiting at the airport and more than a third (35%) getting grouchy on the plane.
TOP FIVE MOMENTS CHILDREN GET BORED ON HOLIDAY:
- At the airport (37%)
- On the flight (35%)
- When the weather is too hot (31%)
- At the accommodation (28%)
- When eating out (26%)
As a result, more than a quarter of parents (28%) end up regretting taking their children on a family holiday overseas.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise to discover parents find it difficult to unwind while abroad, with two thirds (66%) saying they struggle to relax because they’re constantly looking for ways to entertain the kids.
This combined with the fact six in ten parents (60%) struggle to find suitable forms of entertainment for their children while overseas means families are increasingly opting for UK staycations over foreign holidays.
The data also shows, half of Brits (50%) say less travel time is one of the main benefits of staying in the UK – with long travel times (33%) the number one factor in children’s boredom.
Parents also say that holidaying in the UK is far more cost-effective than hopping on a plane, with more than four in ten (41%) parents choosing staycations because they’re more affordable.
Mike Godolphin, Entertainment Director at Butlin’s, said: “Family holidays can be both rewarding and hectic in equal measure, but one thing they definitely should be is fun. Our survey reveals just how many children end up bored on holidays abroad, with 28% of parents citing limited children’s entertainment options as a contributing factor to boredom. We can confidently say, this is not the case at Butlin’s!
“At our three resorts, the chances of boredom are slim to none as children of all ages can enjoy countless fun-filled activities with so much included in the price. We’ve exclusive live shows including The Masked Singer® Live, Stephen Mulhern, Peppa Pig and Optimus Prime, endless fairground rides, our incredible inclusive SKYPARK playground and much more, meaning mum and dad can kick back and relax or join in the fun themselves.”
Butlin’s also offers a brand-new All Inclusive drinks package on family breaks starting from just £25 per adult per day or £10 per child, with under 5s free, and including alcohol, soft drinks and Costa Coffee from ‘Proud to Serve’ venues.
To find out more about Butlin’s Family Breaks, please visit: https://www.butlins.com/