School summer holiday premium hikes ‘could result in debt fears’

Parents wanting to take their children on a holiday abroad during the summer break could be hit hard in the pocket, new research has suggested.

Those with debt worries may want to avoid such a vacation as figures released by Santander Cards have revealed overseas getaway prices soar by an average of 38 per cent between the middle of July and mid-August.

The study showed families could face premiums of as much as 85 per cent, with Portugal being the main offender.

As part of the investigation, the card provider analysed a selection of holiday packages that are currently on offer.

It discovered the costs swelled by an average of 38 per cent when all schools have closed for the mid-summer break.

The research showed UK vacation deals also grew in price by an average of 30 per cent during this period, with the biggest increases as high as 75 per cent.

Once the schools reopened their gates, however, the cost of a getaway in another country dropped by an average of 33 per cent from the peak witnessed in August.

Moreover, the price of a break in the UK fell by more than half – 55 per cent – once the kids went back to the classroom.

Emma Roberts, director of the organisation, said massively inflated premiums are unfortunate but inevitable when it comes to going abroad when the youngsters are off.

“With prices increasing by up to 85 per cent for those taking a break in the UK, it’s not going to be cheap for families hoping to get away this summer,” she explained.

Brits were recently warned of the potential cost of using mobile phones abroad, as figures provided by uSwitch.com showed 22 million tourists will take their handsets with them this year.

By Joe Shervin