Families falling out on holidays

A family holiday may seem like a fun idea but a new survey suggests that many couples and relatives argue or fall out before they have even arrived at the airport.

Research from American Express Travellers Cheques shows that 65 per cent of British holidaymakers have rowed with their family prior to their trip.

The average family has more than three pre-holiday arguments and the most common reason for quarrelling is the amount of luggage being packed into a suitcase.

Getting to the airport on time is also a common last minute argument, while dates of travel, type of accommodation and whether the holiday is affordable also top the list of spats.

Of course money can always cause arguments and Kirstie Bayley, director of American Express Travellers Cheques, advises holidaymakers to sort out their travel money in advance of their holiday and to budget well for their trip.

"The research has shown that holiday makers have a lot to think about when they go away and the last thing they are going to want to worry about is money," she remarked.

Tom Hall, travel editor at Lonely Planet, believes budgeting is particularly important for those taking backpacking holidays as they are often away for long periods of time.

He advises travellers to agree a daily budget and stick to it and suggests they explore away from major cities where the temptation to overspend is greater.