The Holiday survey

For a family with children, there are plenty of reasons to go on holiday.

However, for some, there are plenty of reasons NOT to go on holiday.

If you're one of the many who find it hard to face going on holiday, we're trying to find out WHY!

We recognise that, for some families, holidaying together is difficult, not relaxing and often avoided.

Whatever your experience of holidays, especially if it's something you approach with trepidation, we want to hear from you!

We are conducting this survey to help us understand the needs, expectations and concerns of parents - particularly, but not exclusively, those with a child with additional needs or a disability, or those who care for their child alone.

We aim to use results from this survey to finalise plans for engaging and inclusive, supported family holidays. Find out more here.

There are 2 ways you can take part...

Either...

IN YOUR OWN WORDS, please tell us about your past family holiday experiences - the good, the bad, the problems, the things that worked, the things you learned.

Take a quick look at the questions in the full survey to see the kind of things we're after.

Or...

Go through the FULL SURVEY!

Whichever suits you - the more you can tell us, the better!

Thank you!

IN YOUR OWN WORDS here:

Now, scroll down to the submit button at the bottom of this page...

...or go through the FULL SURVEY here:

1. Please tell us about yourself:

I care for my child/children

I don't live with my child/children all the time

There are Adults and Children in my family

I receive additional support from external care services

In your own words, please describe your family to us. In particular, the qualities, abilities and challenges presented by your children:

 

2. What do you look for in a holiday?

Do you go on holiday with your child/children at least once a year?

(by holiday we mean: away from home, in accommodation, for a few days at a time or more)

If yes, please describe the last place you stayed in (holiday park/caravan, cottage, hotel etc) and your reasons for that choice:

When you look for a holiday, does your family prefer:

Full-board half-board or self-catering?

Why?

Lots of other families with children few other families or no other families?

Why?

A town or rural location?

Please tick the local services you would choose to be close to:

Restaurants/Pubs

Visitor attractions

Healthcare centre/Doctor

Shops

Sports centre/swimming pool

Other. Please state

 

3. If you decide to take your family on holiday, what are the worries you may have?

For each 'item' choose from these options or skip to the next

BIG WORRY = enough to prevent us from going on holiday

SOME WORRY = may well affect the whole stay

SLIGHT WORRY = a small concern, forgotten quickly

NO WORRIES

The overall cost

An affordable and 'good value' holiday should cost no more than:

The travel time/distance from home

The maximum journey time we would consider to go on holiday is:

Disabled access & the practical facilities/layout

Why?

My child's behaviour

Please tell us more about this

I find that one-to-one time with my child/children is difficult

Please tell us more about this

The lack of understanding from other people which may lead to me or my child feeling uncomfortable

Please tell us more about this

Increased pressure on me caused by a lack of adult support

Please comment

Breaking away from the structure of a normal daily routine

Spending time in unfamiliar surroundings

Why is this?

Keeping my children busy, if suitable and engaging activities aren't available

Please comment

My level of confidence in new and different situations

Being the only adult, I am not able to take time out, switch off and relax

Are there other worries to think about?

 

4. How might your children benefit more fully from the holiday?

To have play leaders and helpers who supervise activities is
Activities which cater for the needs and abilities of all my children is
A rolling programme of activities to access as and when I choose is

Which of the following types of activity would be of interest to you and your family:

Physical activities? (e.g. bike riding, team games, den building, adventure playground)

Creative activities? (e.g. arts, crafts, music or drama)

Problem-solving/cognitive activities? (e.g. construction, computer-based or puzzles)

'Emotional' and nurture activities? (e.g. sensory room, chill-out space, a garden for planting, pets, story time)

A private garden is

A large outdoor shared space is

Does your child/do your children prefer to play:

Independently

Within a small group

Within a large group

With other adult 'play leaders' as well as children

Please make any comments about play preference here:

Being close to local tourist attractions is

Other. Please tell us:

 

5. How might YOU benefit more fully from the holiday?

Adult areas (such as a coffee lounge) where I can socialise with others is

'Time out' for me is

An evening babysitting service is

Supervised, quieter and engaging evening activities for my children are

Pampering (a massage might be nice, or having my nails done!) is

Private accommodation is

A private garden is

The opportunity to join in with my child in the activities as much as I like is

Other. Please tell us:

Thanks for taking part!

6. About you:

My name is

My email address is

The nearest town/city to where I live is

Please tick this box if you want us to keep in touch to let you know how we get on with our plans.

We will not share any details or answers you provide with any other organisation.

Please submit your answers here...