Family holidays 'improve mental health'

Holidays make families both "happier" and "stronger", it has been claimed.

Director of the Family Holiday Association (FHA) John McDonald said that the families they see are referred to those who believe that such breaks are beneficial for mental health, including GPs, schools, social workers and health visitors.

He stated: "From the family's perspective, the single biggest improvement is simply spending time together and bonding.

"So a holiday, as we all know intuitively, is good for you."

According to a study conducted by Abbey Credit Cards, holidays in the UK are becoming more expensive, with inflated costs making domestic trips more expensive.

Despite the pound's recent weakening against the euro over the past couple of months, the same survey found that Spain offers some of the best-value family breaks available.

Property guru Sarah Beeny recently described a month driving through Europe as "a near perfect holiday", reports the Telegraph.