Should we take kids on holiday during term-time?

Whilst I don't have kids of my own, and so have not yet faced the dilemma, I am aware of the difficulties many parents face paying the mark up which travel firms charge during the school holidays. And whilst watching the coverage of holidaymakers stranded by the collapse of XL over the weekend, I was struck by how many of the families affected had children who would otherwise be at school.

In England, government policy is to allow up to 10 days of term time holiday per year, although individual schools' rules may vary and you need the school's permission in any event.

Opinion is divided as to whether or not it is a good idea. On the one hand, the educational purists argue that taking kids out of school is not to be condoned at any cost and that maximising a child's educational opportunities has to be the priority. The government is certainly not in favour. On the other, there is a strong argument that travel can broaden the mind and that it is better to have some experience of travel (be it within the UK or abroad) in term time rather than none at all.

It is certainly a contentious issue. Lots of parents feel that they are priced out of the holiday market at peak times; the travel industry responds by arguing that prices are simply a reflection of supply and demand - holidays will cost more during busy periods.

A key concern for me is the question of how it all affects the child in question. We are fortunate enough to live in a first-world economy which provides schooling for everyone - although I must admit to not feeling that fortunate on a number of occasions during my time at school. Education presents everyone with a fantastic opportunity - and in simple terms, the better you do, the more choices you have as to your chosen career when you are older. Maybe my views will change in time, but I would have thought that the potential benefits of making the best of your education outweigh those to be gained from two weeks in the sun.