We're All Going On A Summer Holiday!

A report published by the government has suggested that family holidays, once considered as an essential, is now considered as a luxury.  A couple of years ago, parents questioned thought that an annual vacation was a necessity but now believe it is something they can live without.  Other items now being described as luxuries rather than staples include expensive birthday parties for children, fashionable toys and expensive clothes.

Areas which are now considered important are having a healthy diet, getting exercise and having access to a computer at home.  These findings are published by the Department of Work and Pensions, who suggest that families have become more frugal since the economic downturn.  It adds that families consider a nice weekend away as a sufficient break rather than a two week annual holiday. Days out, nights away and short breaks where families can share an experience together were more important for the family than the length and cost of a holiday.

Having enough space for children at home (ie. a bedroom for each child) was important for parents according to the study; also the notion of having somewhere to sit and eat that was away from the television.  Naturally, cookers, washing machines and fridge freezers were thought essential, and indeed a bicycle and how to fix it!