We all know that prices go up at half term. If you are a parent it's just something most of us accept.
Watchdog checked internet prices this October half term. If you booked a family of four self catering in Tenerife with Thomson, you would pay 85% more in half term then you would the week after. If you travelled with Thomas Cook during the holidays that would be an increase of 123% for the same period that week and with Cosmos you would see a price hike of 111%.
But one company trumped all of that. Center Parcs had the highest price hike and they don't even take you out of the country.
Center Parcs first opened in the UK 22 years ago. They offer short break holidays in a luxury forest location. All four of their villages offer a number of leisure activities -you can cycle, get a massage and go for a hike. But there's one hike they don't shout about on their TV ads and that's the one they do with their prices in the school holidays.
We went online to check out their prices for a two bed, four night mid - week break and found it would cost £699 the week before half term, but for October half term the same two bed villa shot up to £1,699. The week after the holiday the price went down to £399 making the cost to go at half term a whopping 326% more.
When we compared the cost of holidays with other companies offering holidays in the UK and abroad none of the ones we checked put their prices up as steeply as Center Parcs.
We spoke to parents to get their thoughts and they weren't impressed with the increase. One mother told us, "If they are valuing it (villa) at £400 that's what the holiday is worth. I don't know what exactly you are paying for that's going to be that much more."
But why are Center Parcs charging so much and so much more than other similar companies? Business is booming according to their own website which boasts an annual occupancy rate of 90%. One parent believed it is because they can. "It's opportunistic and it's not entirely fair but most holiday companies do put their prices up for holidays. Trying to book flights for holidays you're going to pay a huge amount extra."
So if you can't take your kids out of school, is there any way of getting a better deal? We wondered if it might be like booking flight tickets? With flights it is often the case that ifyou buy early the price is cheaper. So we looked at Center Parc's prices for half term next February.
The week before February half term would cost you £299. During the holiday, the price shoots up 250% to £1,049 and the week after it goes back down to £339. Even if you try to get ahead and book now for half term in October 2010 - pretty much the same thing happens.
One dad we spoke to was resigned to the fact that prices will go up in school hoilidays; "There is nothing you can do about it. It's supply and demand. They know that's when families can go and so the prices will go up. We're trapped".
Center Parcs said:
"In common with many other companies, (not exclusively in the holiday sector), our prices are set according to demand. Price increases reflect the popularity of our breaks during peak periods, and the value which our guests place on them. We will be 100% full during the forthcoming half-term and will actually have over-demand for these breaks.
"Center Parcs is a unique short-break concept and, unlike many UK holiday companies, we are open 365 days a year. We offer a huge range of both indoor and outdoor facilities and in essence this makes us weather-proof. As a result it is very difficult to make accurate comparisons between Center Parcs and other operators who may have more seasonal demand patterns.
"For those who are tied to school holidays, there is choice in terms of price you pay for a Center Parcs break. Our best rates are available well in advance, and significant
savings can be made if you book a break more than six months before arrival. It is also worth pointing out that, as a short-break holiday operator, we offer excellent prices for three-night weekend breaks all year round."
Other companies whose prices Watchdog compared also defended the higher charges in school holidays. Butlins and Haven Holidays said their rates were affected by seasonality and demand, and that customers got value for money. A spokesman for Butlins said, "During peak booking times and school breaks, we import additional entertainment - including the popular stars from Britain's Got Talent and The X Factor - and provide extra facilities and activities for all the family. An enhanced experience naturally attracts a higher cost but means guests get even more for their money."
Haven Holidays said:,
"We believe a Haven holiday, where the price includes accommodation, entertainment and access to facilities including swimming pools, is excellent value for money, but as in any market the decision as to whether this is the case or not rests with the guest."
Both companies say they're experiencing strong demand for October half term and Haven says customers who booked their holiday early would have benefitted from an early-bird price of £220.
Half term holiday hikes
Watchdog checked internet prices this October half term. If you booked a family of four self catering in Tenerife with Thomson, you would pay 85% more in half term then you would the week after. If you travelled with Thomas Cook during the holidays that would be an increase of 123% for the same period that week and with Cosmos you would see a price hike of 111%.
But one company trumped all of that. Center Parcs had the highest price hike and they don't even take you out of the country.
Center Parcs first opened in the UK 22 years ago. They offer short break holidays in a luxury forest location. All four of their villages offer a number of leisure activities -you can cycle, get a massage and go for a hike. But there's one hike they don't shout about on their TV ads and that's the one they do with their prices in the school holidays.
We went online to check out their prices for a two bed, four night mid - week break and found it would cost £699 the week before half term, but for October half term the same two bed villa shot up to £1,699. The week after the holiday the price went down to £399 making the cost to go at half term a whopping 326% more.
When we compared the cost of holidays with other companies offering holidays in the UK and abroad none of the ones we checked put their prices up as steeply as Center Parcs.
We spoke to parents to get their thoughts and they weren't impressed with the increase. One mother told us, "If they are valuing it (villa) at £400 that's what the holiday is worth. I don't know what exactly you are paying for that's going to be that much more."
But why are Center Parcs charging so much and so much more than other similar companies? Business is booming according to their own website which boasts an annual occupancy rate of 90%. One parent believed it is because they can. "It's opportunistic and it's not entirely fair but most holiday companies do put their prices up for holidays. Trying to book flights for holidays you're going to pay a huge amount extra."
So if you can't take your kids out of school, is there any way of getting a better deal? We wondered if it might be like booking flight tickets? With flights it is often the case that ifyou buy early the price is cheaper. So we looked at Center Parc's prices for half term next February.
The week before February half term would cost you £299. During the holiday, the price shoots up 250% to £1,049 and the week after it goes back down to £339. Even if you try to get ahead and book now for half term in October 2010 - pretty much the same thing happens.
One dad we spoke to was resigned to the fact that prices will go up in school hoilidays; "There is nothing you can do about it. It's supply and demand. They know that's when families can go and so the prices will go up. We're trapped".
Center Parcs said:
"In common with many other companies, (not exclusively in the holiday sector), our prices are set according to demand. Price increases reflect the popularity of our breaks during peak periods, and the value which our guests place on them. We will be 100% full during the forthcoming half-term and will actually have over-demand for these breaks.
"Center Parcs is a unique short-break concept and, unlike many UK holiday companies, we are open 365 days a year. We offer a huge range of both indoor and outdoor facilities and in essence this makes us weather-proof. As a result it is very difficult to make accurate comparisons between Center Parcs and other operators who may have more seasonal demand patterns.
"For those who are tied to school holidays, there is choice in terms of price you pay for a Center Parcs break. Our best rates are available well in advance, and significant
savings can be made if you book a break more than six months before arrival. It is also worth pointing out that, as a short-break holiday operator, we offer excellent prices for three-night weekend breaks all year round."
Other companies whose prices Watchdog compared also defended the higher charges in school holidays. Butlins and Haven Holidays said their rates were affected by seasonality and demand, and that customers got value for money. A spokesman for Butlins said, "During peak booking times and school breaks, we import additional entertainment - including the popular stars from Britain's Got Talent and The X Factor - and provide extra facilities and activities for all the family. An enhanced experience naturally attracts a higher cost but means guests get even more for their money."
Haven Holidays said:,
"We believe a Haven holiday, where the price includes accommodation, entertainment and access to facilities including swimming pools, is excellent value for money, but as in any market the decision as to whether this is the case or not rests with the guest."
Both companies say they're experiencing strong demand for October half term and Haven says customers who booked their holiday early would have benefitted from an early-bird price of £220.
Half term holiday hikes