The Little-Known Rule That Could See Parents Taken To Court Over Term-Time Holidays

It’s no secret the average cost of a family holiday abroad can be eye-watering.

In 2015, the average family of four spent around £3,000 on a nine-night holiday, according to ONS data analysed by NimbleFins.

Fast forward to 2026 and the average nine-night holiday cost for a family of four is nearer £4,000. This figure can climb up depending on where you’re headed, how you choose to fly, where you’ll be staying and, of course, when you go.

Holiday costs surge dramatically when the kids are off school. “For a family of four, the price per person rises by an average of 9%,” claims Go Compare.