The rise of the Holiday Squad: How parents are teaming up with friends and family to unlock more holiday fun this summer

  • Two out of three of us have already been away with a Holiday Squad

  • Eurocamp unveils new Ultimate Plus Double option for Holiday Squads

The traditional summer holiday is undergoing its biggest shake-up in generations - as parents team up with friends and family to unlock more fun and relaxation.

Family holiday experts Eurocamp has named these new larger groups Holiday Squads and has launched a new accommodation option to cater for them specifically.

In a new survey of 4,000 holidaymakers, Eurocamp has discovered that two thirds (64%) of holidaymakers have been away with a Holiday Squad in the past two years, while almost three quarters (72%) plan on forming one.

Holiday Squads generally consist of more than one set of parents, allowing mums and dads to share more of the childcare responsibilities.

The result is that over two thirds (68%) of parents said they return from a Holiday Squad holiday more refreshed.

Over three quarters (77%) of parents said the best thing about going away with a Holiday Squad was that it gave them more opportunities to socialise with adults - as the kids play together.

Sharing costs is also an important factor for one in five (19%), as Brits seek affordable ways to enjoy the sun despite rising living expenses.

One in four (25%) parents praised Holiday Squad breaks for giving them the opportunity to stay up later than a conventional holiday.

While their oldest friends are most likely (44%) to form part of a Holiday Squad, 17% will team up with parents of their children’s friends.

For 15% of holidaymakers the opportunity to strengthen friendships is a key factor in forming a Holiday Squad. But, they said ensuring you have the right chemistry on holiday is vital.

To help make the right decisions before booking, Eurocamp has developed their own Holiday Squad compatability test, available on their website.

The fun quiz works by analysing personalities, holiday habits and preferences, to help ensure a Holiday Squad getaway to remember for all the right reasons.  

And to address this growing trend, Eurocamp has developed a new ‘Ultimate Plus Double’ holiday home, offering the ultimate experience for Holiday Squads.

An innovative new accommodation type for Eurocamp, the Ultimate Plus Double cleverly brings two stylish and spacious holiday homes together, sharing a generous decking space where the squad can unwind with a glass of wine while the kids play, which 77% of holidaymakers cited as the best part of a 'Holiday Squad' getaway.

The Ultimate Plus Double comfortably sleeps 10-12, with the larger of the two homes having a double ensuite bedroom, two twin bedrooms and a sofa bed, while the smaller has a double bedroom and twin bedroom. 

Both homes have those all-important kitchens and separate comfy living spaces where the group can divide to unwind in the privacy of their own holiday home after enjoying various activities together with the Squad.

Eurocamp’s new holiday home is being trialled for the first time this year on La Croix du Vieux Pont, with a view to be rolled out across other holiday parcs. 

But the fun isn’t limited to just one resort - Eurocamp’s catalogue of over 400 parcs allow Holiday Squads to stay in nearby accommodations, offering them all the fun of a group holiday with access to the same parc facilities, and the privacy of their own holiday home.

New for 2024 ultimate plus double holiday home

Ross Matthews, Chief Marketing Officer at Eurocamp said: “Summer holidays provide us with our most magical family memories as we spend time together away from the stresses and strains of everyday life.

“So, it’s only natural that parents are coming up with new and ingenious ways to make the most of these precious moments - by forming Holiday Squads.

“Going away in bigger groups provides parents with strength in numbers, meaning those parenting duties can be shared out - allowing families to focus on what makes holidays so unforgettable - having fun.

“At Eurocamp we’ve been entertaining families for generations and we’re proud to continue this by having the perfect facilities for larger groups.  

“That’s why we've unveiled our Ultimate Plus Double accommodation which offers holidaymakers the perfect way to make the most of their Holiday Squad trips."

On the rise of the Holiday Squad, family and relationship psychologist Simone Bose, said: “Holiday Squad getaways enhance mental health and emotional well-being, allowing parents to connect more deeply as a couple while also bonding with other adults. For children, it provides the chance to form lifelong friendships and avoid boredom through shared adventures. 

“Creating new traditions and cherished memories together fosters a strong sense of community, addressing the modern need for connection and support, especially when travelling abroad. 

“Ultimately Holiday Squads provide a supportive network for shared responsibilities, giving peace of mind and enriching the overall holiday experience."

ENDS

Notes to editors 

*Data collected from a survey of over 4000 Eurocamp customers.

The top factors driving holidaymakers to go on a 'Holiday Squad' getaway:

  • Other kids for your children to play with - 50%

  • Shared costs - 19%

  • Enjoy more adult activities whilst the kids play together - 11%

  • Strengthen your friendship - 15% 

  • Other - 6%

The best things about ‘Holiday Squad’ holidays:

  • The kids occupy themselves whilst the grown ups enjoy a glass of wine - 77% 

  • Taking it in turns with the BBQ - 32% 

  • Staying up past your kids bedtime - 25%

  • Sleeping off a big night with a lie in - 10%

  • Better Instagram photos - 3% 

Which type of friends are you most likely to go a ‘Holiday Squad’ getaway with? 

  • Oldest Friends - 44%

  • Siblings and their partners - 31%

  • The parents of your kids friends - 16%

  • New friends - 2%

  • Other - 6% 

Simone's holiday dos and don'ts:

Dos

  • DO make sure you involve both families in the planning process and be aware of everyone’s needs and interests.

  • DO set both families expectations, and consider the budget that you both have when planning the trip.

  • DO be clear on who is taking on what roles and responsibilities, for example bookings and household chores including cooking.

  • DO ensure you book the right type of accommodation that has enough space for all of you, to also have your privacy.

  • DO choose a place that has amenities that cater to everyone’s needs: for example pool, kitchen or area for kids to play etc.

Don'ts

  • DON'T try to squeeze too much into your schedule, give time for downtime and relaxation.

  • DON'T ignore tensions or conflict, it’s best to not let things fester and to address things empathetically and calmly.

  • DON'T underestimate the importance of personal space and that what may be your idea of personal space can be different for others.

  • DON'T be rigid in your thinking, sometimes plans need to change for a reason, eg: unsuitable weather, something is closed or personal preferences are different.

  • DON'T split the costs unevenly, it’s important to be fair and also to remember to take into consideration the costs of the things you want to do, it may not be in the budget of the other family.

For media enquiries please contact the Eurocamp Press Office at press.office@eurocamp.co.uk.

Images are available to download here.

About Eurocamp

Eurocamp is the UK’s leading European outdoor family holiday specialist. Celebrating over 50 years of amazing getaways, Eurocamp offers over 400 exceptional parcs, each with its own unique personality, from easy-going and authentic campsites to lively, full-of-fun resorts.  Each parc features spacious accommodation, fantastic facilities and activities, and plenty of dining options. And you'll find them in Europe’s most stunning locations. You can enjoy Eurocamp's award-winning holidays in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Switzerland, Netherlands, Luxembourg and Germany.

Release date: 25th July 2024