HALF TERM TREATS TO COST BRITISH FAMILIES £430

02/06/2005

British families are set to spend £430 more than usual on treats during the half term break

£200 will be spent on mini-breaks - the number one item of expenditure

Days out to theme parks, museums and galleries are next most popular item with £60 more being spent

£30 will be spent on special meals either at home or eating out

Families using child care will spend an average £70 more

Research released today by UK debit card Maestro reveals that British families are set to spend £430 more than usual during the half term break, with money going on treats such as mini-breaks, days out and special meals.

The findings, based on a survey of 2,000 people by YouGov, show the number one family expenditure will be mini-breaks away from home or short holidays, with the average spend reaching £200. The great British staple of day trips remains ever popular, with families spending on average £58 more on museums, galleries and theme parks. Entertainment, for example going out to the theatre or cinema or buying / renting DVDs, CDs and games, was the third most popular treat for families with an average £26 more than usual likely to be spent.

Other beneficiaries are children who are set to receive on average £20 extra pocket money during half term than in a normal week. Child care providers should expect to receive around £70 more than on during a normal week, as parents cover for the school holidays.

Nigel Turner, Marketing Director, Maestro comments: "Holidays are always a big source of expenditure for families but that's when we think in terms of big set-piece foreign holidays during the summer. However this research shows we can get through some quite serious money just by staying at home, with the costs of DVD rentals or leisure activities all mounting up. One of the ways of keeping a check on your expenditure is to pay as you go along, with debit cards like Maestro taking funds directly from your current account - helping to make sure that the holidays are fun, not a headache!"

Tips for Family Fun Without Breaking the Bank

Based on the survey results, Maestro has compiled its own top tips for having fun with the family without breaking the bank:

• Have a holiday at home - get a paddling pool and some sand to make a beach in the back garden and invite your friends round
• Rent computer games rather than buying them as children will tire of them quickly
• Watch a DVD at home rather than going to the cinema
• A long country walk - take a picnic and tire them out!
• Do some research and find out museums in your area that are free

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Research was conducted by YouGov among a sample of 2,124 people across Great Britain.

For further information, please contact:

Helena Bloomer
Weber Shandwick
Tel: 020 7067 0284
hbloomer@webershandwick.com

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