Mums are the better half when it comes to planning and budgeting for the family holiday, research shows. National research, commissioned by Family & Friends Railcard, shows that whilst dad is happy to splash out on a last minute, two week holiday abroad, mum is far more likely to take time carefully planning a one week British-based trip in order to save those precious pounds.

In fact mums, who confess to begin planning a family holiday three to five months in advance, save on average £635 per family holiday more than dad, due to their meticulous preparation. So it’s no surprise that most families leave mum in charge of budgets, with only one in ten (9%) dads allowed to take charge of the annual holiday finances. This year mums are continuing to keep budgets on track, with 69% planning a UK break.

Jasmine Birtles, finance expert, comments: “It looks like mums need to be given full control of the purse strings when it comes to booking holidays. Many families say they can’t afford a holiday at all this year, but in fact there are lots of ways of having a break on a budget. Train travel can be a cheap way to do it if you do some research and book well in advance. I always recommend the Family & Friends Railcard too, as families can make huge savings with that.”

Andrew Robertson, Head of Marketing for the Family & Friends Railcard, adds: “Train companies understand the amount of planning that goes into a UK-based family holiday. Just like going abroad, parents have to consider costs, travel, accommodation and how to keep the whole family entertained whilst there. That’s where we come in – as well as making great savings on rail fares,Railcard holders can also visit www.familyandfriends-railcard.co.uk for discounts on hotels, restaurants and a wide range of family activities."