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.
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.
by Phil Davies
