School holidays send family budgets soaring
New research from Compare Travel Insurance has revealed up to 36 per cent of Australian families regularly blow their budgets when travelling during school holidays.
According to nationwide survey results families said they could expect to spend $1,000-$3,000 more during school holidays than they would during off-peak periods.
Compare Travel Insurance Director Natalie Ball said, “As a parent, it’s impossible to avoid the massive spike in expenses over the school holidays. Airfares and accommodation will generally skyrocket during this period, making it difficult to stick to travel budgets. And those staying at home can expect to pay a fortune on family outings.”
To beat the school break price hike, 78 per cent of respondents said they would consider pulling their kids out of school for a mid-term holiday.
While schools largely discourage the practice, Ball says that families under the pump may find little alternative.
“Given the great savings parents can make during low travel seasons, it can be far more cost-effective to book holidays at these times. Unfortunately, the pay-off is that kids miss out on valuable class time. Parents need to weigh up their options and determine what is in the best interest for their children,” she said.
Travel insurance: top class cover
Whether you’re headed on an international or domestic trip these school holidays, travel insurance could be a saving grace during busy travel periods, according to Compare Travel Insurance.
Ball said, “Regardless of the season, travelling with children can be challenging. Family holidays can be chaotic and the risk of something going wrong can be costly. If parents are looking for holiday saving tips, they should be sure to pack travel insurance.”
Savvy savings with domestic cover
Frequently, local travellers underestimate the need for domestic travel insurance under the guise that disasters are less likely at home.
However, those watching their pennies would be wise to invest in a domestic policy.
Ball said, “While you may have access to Medicare within Australian borders, travel insurance benefits extend far beyond health care. Even when travelling locally your escape can go belly-up in more ways than one. Lost luggage, rental car damages, flight delays and cancellations are all risks that could seriously sting when vacationing with kids in tow.”
Ball added last year’s Cyclone Debbie was a prime example of the need for domestic travel insurance.
“After Cyclone Debbie hit, thousands of Australians were left stranded or unable to travel to Queensland. In those circumstances travel insurance would assist you in sorting out accommodation, alternative flights and covering your out-of-pocket expenses. Extra support when travelling with children can certainly help dry the tears.”
A wheel asset
When packing up the kids for a four-wheeled adventure, domestic travel insurance can provide another essential benefit; rental car collision cover.
Ball adds, “Rental car excess is one of the lesser known benefits of travel insurance but it could save you hundreds, if not thousands in the event of an accident in your hire-vehicle.”
While rental car companies will offer you a daily fee to reduce your excess in the event of a collision, Ball warns consumers to think twice before accepting the offer.
“While it may seem more convenient to pay to reduce the excess with the car hire company directly, quite often you’ll be paying 50 per cent more than necessary without much payoff. Travel insurance will often waive the excess payable in the event of an accident while providing you with a wide range of travel benefits.”
The big one: medical cover
Whether it’s a bout of Bali belly, a ski-slope slip or something more sinister, the price of a medical mishap abroad can wreak havoc upon your family holiday.
Ball says, “Even the most cautious of travellers can’t account for every possible scenario. Children are unpredictable and with foreign destinations come new bugs, different road rules, and potentially hazardous activities. Things don’t always go wrong but when they do, you’ll want the very best emergency support and medical care at your disposal.”
The paralysing fear of a child in trouble overseas is one Liz Carroll, knows all too well. Brisbane mother-of-three Liz, rushed her daughter Nancy to hospital after contracting a mystery infection in Bali last year.
Nancy, who at the time was just three, was declining rapidly.
“I honestly thought she was going to die. I had never ever seen her that sick. I was beside myself,” Liz said to Compare Travel Insurance.
To the Carroll’s relief Nancy responded to treatment and was shortly on the way to recovery. All medical costs including ambulance transport fees and out-of-pocket expenses were covered by travel insurance.
Ball concludes, “The Carroll’s story is a reminder that travel insurance is absolutely a necessity for family holidays. The emotional and monetary cost of the Carroll’s ordeal could have been so much higher without it.”
“Travel insurance is generally a small price to pay to cover medical emergencies, cancellation costs, luggage and more. If you’re looking to avoid a budget blowout, consider investing in travel insurance this term-break.”
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
-
Latest comments
Latest News
Linkd appoints Carolyn Nightingale and Lawson Dibb to new roles
Linkd Tourism sings praises of Carolyn Nightingale and dubs Lawson Dibb as Kyushu Tourism Office guru.
Celebrity Ascent makes its European debut
Choosing to cruise this northern summer? Celebrity Ascent promises to raise the bar.
NCL opens sales for Norwegian Sun’s APAC debut, announces 14 new voyages
It was to be 13 new voyages we heard, but given the numbers unlucky nature, an extra had to be thought up.
Inside Travel Group appoints Tom Welland Global Trade Marketing Manager
Heidi's Tom Welland heads to Inside Travel Group as its new Global Trade Marketing Manager.
Federal Government rolls out $1.4m program to promote careers in tourism across regional NSW
The Government taking a break from some of its pointier issues with some work in our incredible industry!
Australian visitors to South Korea surge
Japanned out? Aussies are adding South Korea to their bucket list.
G Adventures celebrates Dr. Jane Goodall’s 90th with new wildlife-focused trips
Fancy yourself as a bit of a conservationist? Put your skills to the test on the Jane Goodall collection.
Virgin Australia says suspended flights to Bali result of Boeing MAX delays
If only we had a company like Boeing to blame our mistakes on. Any takers? Get in touch!
Airline Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class – A380-800
The iconic Singapore Airlines' A380-800 is in a class of its own - business class that is.
South African Airways to relaunch Joburg – Perth flights as economic ties strengthen
Bringing two of the world's most distinctive accents closer together, for good or for bad is yet to be determined.
My journey: Before becoming a travel agent I was… a palliative care nurse
Australind Travel & Cruise, Travellers Choice member Saibra Twigg reveals her life as paediatric nurse then to palliative care before a career leap to travel agent. How did you become a palliative care nurse? ST I went straight from school in nursing and initially specialised in paediatrics, working at Perth’s Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. […]
Emirates unveils future plans with new hub at Al Maktoum International Airport
We've also been looking into our future. It involves plenty of famils, we hope.
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
we sell a lot of air to USA in DEC-JAN school holidays & there are reasonable fares out there but you must:-
1) get clients to book early like February
2) check with wholesalers who often have allocations or access to unpublished fares
3) get clients to consider a stopover – can save them thousands, even after taking account of cost of stopover
4) be date flexible – sometimes a day or 2 either way from preferred date, can also mean big savings
5) consider open jaw or double open jaw flight itineraries
6) for USA, almost always cheaper for clients to fly the likes of Southwest, who make Qantas look like a little tin pot operation, who include 2 or 3 bags with all their airfares