As a parent with a school-age child, I am deeply affected by the current practice of holiday companies hiking up prices during school holidays. This practice makes it increasingly difficult for families like mine to afford vacations during these periods. Consequently, many parents are forced to take their children out of school during term time to go on family holidays. However, this is becoming more challenging as the government has recently increased fines for such actions.

The tourism industry needs to understand that this approach is not sustainable or fair. It's estimated that holiday prices can surge by up to 115% when schools break up for summer (source: UK Competition and Markets Authority). This price inflation puts undue financial stress on families who simply want their children to experience the joy and educational value of family holidays.

We urge holiday companies and relevant regulatory bodies to review their pricing strategies and ensure they are fairer, especially during school holidays. We also call upon the government to reconsider its policy on fines related to term-time absences for family vacations.

Please sign this petition if you believe in affordable family holidays at all times of the year without risking penalties from schools or inflated costs from travel companies.