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Sometimes the idea of travelling with young children can be enough to break even the savviest parent into a cold sweat. Luckily, the solution for avoiding this potentially massive disaster is right on our doorsteps! More and more families are opting for a UK staycation and the opportunity to rediscover the amazing beauty of their home country. The benefits of staying on home ground are numerous, with less expensive travel costs and family holiday insurance being just a few of the ways your wallet will thank you for this choice! Cater to the Here and Now Many parents feel immense pressure to make their children’s summer holidays as educational, magical and idyllic as possible. Holidays full of culture, new foods, and exposure to exotic lands, sun, sea, cities; and the list goes on. However, in reality there probably isn’t a single 6-year-old who is going to appreciate the stunning châteaux of the Loire Valley or the magnificent architecture found in Florence. It is ok to play to the current interests of your younger ones and let the rest of the world wait. Change the purpose of your family holiday to being a time of exploration and adventure as a family, but on a smaller scale. Money, Money, and More Money Families who strive, and need, to live within a budget can find the idea of going abroad on holiday almost laughable once they see the price tag. Travel is expensive and once you throw children into the mix the numbers just keep raising. Thankfully, family holiday insurance has become much more reasonably priced over the years. But that is about the only thing, in regards to travel, that hasn’t continually increased in price. Trying to budget for a holiday can become a money pit of fees, hidden charges and additional expenses before you know it. The financial issue is probably the biggest factor for many families deciding to stay in the UK for their holidays. With no flights, baggage fees, taxis or ill-advised purchases from the duty free, your family immediately saves hundreds of pounds. Staycations offer the opportunity to plan your spending a little more precisely and not be a victim to the whims of exchange rates. No Sloppy Seconds A staycation in the UK should never be considered ‘second best’. There is a reason that millions of foreign visitors pay extortionate amounts of money to come to the UK which is also one of the world’s top holiday destinations. Introducing your children to the beauty that surrounds them on a daily basis could be considered an exercise in mindfulness. The UK has an amazing wealth of diversity when it comes to the variety of scenery and landscapes on offer. From the tranquillity of The Lake District to the awe-inspiring heights of The Peak District, no two regions are the same. The country is seeped so deeply in history it is easy to stumble across the ruins of a Roman fort, or the curious, possibly pre-historic art of Stonehenge or The White Horse of Uffington. The folklore and mysterious tales behind these ancient monuments and sites are sure to intrigue even the most sceptical children. Keeping it Real In an ideal world we would simply book our holiday, jump on the plane, land in a gloriously sunny destination, and our children would behave perfectly all the while. However, I think most parents know, and fear, that the whole process will probably be fraught with the crisis that is ‘a bored child’ along with an up-tick in upset tummies, lost shoes, picky eaters, sunburn, squabbling, and a whole host of other typical kid-dramas. The appeal of dealing with all that, in a foreign land that you probably paid hundreds of pounds to get to, just isn’t there. Parents should never apologise for ‘playing it safe’ when it comes to travelling with children. Sometimes less is simply more in the eyes of young travellers. Revel in the wealth of adventure that lies at your front door before venturing further afield. A truly enjoyable staycation will broaden everyone’s horizons and may even be relaxing! If you get creative in regards to accommodation there are many more affordable options other than the standard hotel. Youth Hostels have become a favourite amongst families with children, where they can all relax and really enjoy the low-key atmosphere. Other costs are inevitable but do not need to break the bank. InsureMore offers family holiday insurance at really competitive rates and children go free! So consider a staycation in the UK this year and give your wallet, and your sanity, a well-deserved break! Patrick Chong is the Managing Director of InsureMore, an award-winning team of specialists in global single trip, annual and family holiday insurance. Besides offering great deals on travel insurance, Patrick also collects and shares the best free travel competitions to help his clients get the most out of their holidays.
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