As half term approaches, new research from TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel site, reveals more than half (53%) of British parents are spending less on family holidays in 2011 compared to 2010, and almost half (46%) admit they have broken the rules and taken their child on holiday during term time to save money.

The TripAdvisor Family Holiday Survey, carried out on 2,000 parents across the UK reveals  government spending cuts are hitting family holiday budgets in 2011.

"These findings will come as no surprise to all those parents who are seriously considering sacrificing the family holiday altogether this year. For many families, breaking the rules and taking their child out of school to avoid peak holiday costs is regarded as the only way they can afford a family holiday this year," commented Emma O'Boyle, TripAdvisor spokesperson.

The TripAdvisor Family Holiday Survey found:

• More than half (53%) of British parents will spend less on family travel in 2011 than they did in 2010
• 44% of British parents claim the government spending cuts will directly impact their travel plans in 2011

Since 2004, schools and courts have had powers to issue penalty notices of up to £2,500 to parents who take their children on holiday during term-time, but almost half (46%) of parents have taken this route to avoid peak-time prices. Of these:

• 47% claimed the school turned a blind eye
• 46% said the school "wasn't happy", but still didn't penalise
• Parents in the East Midlands are most rebellious - 62% have taken their kids on holiday during term time, compared to the national average of 46%
• Only 7% of UK parents were fined for doing so - although this rises to a more significant 17% in Scotland

Of the 54% of parents who have not yet taken their children out of school in term time, more than a third (36%) said they would consider doing so in the future.

"Financially, times are tough for families this year, and when it comes to travel we're likely to see parents making savvy spending decisions, rather than sacrificing the family holiday altogether. Parents trying to save money should look to take advantage of early booking discounts or, if there's a larger group, consider a holiday rental option instead."

To help UK business professionals wanting to have fun family holidays on modest budgets, B2BusinessHub has teamed up with Forect Holidays, which offers luxury Cabin breaks in Forestry Commission land around the UK. As well as comfortable accommodation (with hot tubs!) in peaceful settings, these holidays offer two free 'Ranger Activities' per booking from a choice that includes deer and badger watching to roack climbing and abseiling.

For further information go to http://www.b2businesshub.com/benefit/great-savings-luxury-cabin-breaks-s... or to www.forestholidays.co.uk/smehub and book using our exclusive code SMEHUB