Going on holiday has been voted more important than getting educated in a recent poll on travel search site Skyscanner. Two thirds (66%) of voters said that they would take their children out of school and go on holiday during term time, if it meant getting a cheaper holiday. Only 31% said they wouldn’t. (3% entered alternative answers). The results show the lengths parents are prepared to go to take their family on holiday.

David Parsons, father of two from Edinburgh said: “With travel so much more expensive during school holidays, term time is the only time we can afford a trip. I don’t think it has any detrimental effect on my children’s education, they can easily catch up on what they’ve missed when they get back.”

Sally Parker, mother of three from London, said: “I personally wouldn’t take my kids on holiday during term time, but I think it does depend on the age of the children and when the holiday is. I think it is quite possible for kids to be off for a week and not miss too much.”

Barry Smith, Skyscanner co-founder and director said: “The additional financial pressure caused by the economic downturn may be another reason that more parents are prepared to consider taking the family on holiday during school term time.”