New research conducted by Gatwick Airport has suggested that 21 per cent of parents who go on holiday abroad end up regretting their decision due to the stresses that it brings.
The same percentage of travellers end up wishing they had stayed within the UK for their holiday.
Thirty-eight per cent of the 1,000 parents who were questioned for the survey said they had seen other passengers give them disapproving looks due to their child misbehaving.
A staggering 25 per cent said they had seen people moving away from them in particularly bad instances.
Becky Wiggins, author of parenting blog English Mum, sympathised with the plight of parents.
“Family holidays are supposed to give parents a chance to spend fun and quality time with their children, but as this survey shows worries can often get in the way.
Stresses are only made worse by the fear of disturbing other travellers. So parents are best advised to take extra precautions before setting out on their trip.”
A plane journey can be stressful enough, without the added problems of keeping a small child entertained and occupied.
A spokesman for Gatwick Airport said: “The findings of our research show that the stress of the journey is often sky high for parents, but most admit a little extra help and consideration would go a long way to making the experience more enjoyable.
“With around half a million passengers travelling through Gatwick over the August bank holiday weekend – many of those families – we want to ensure they have a hassle-free experience from the moment they walk through our doors to they moment they board their flight or arrive back in the UK.”
The findings certainly highlight the problems that accompany travelling with children, but almost four out of five parents questioned would still not let these problems prevent them from going abroad.
