Eighty-six per cent of mums and dads believe they are better parents while holidaying, a Skyscanner survey of more than 2,000 parents has revealed.

Conducted in the UK in conjunction with Family Traveller magazine, the survey further revealed that 56 per cent say they are better parents because they are spending more quality time with their children.

The remaining 44 per cent say they feel more relaxed and less stressed, which in turn has a positive effect on their parenting skills.

Only 14 per cent of mums and dads believe their parenting skills are worse on holiday, with 72 per cent of those saying they are more lenient and spoil their kids, with the remaining 28 per cent saying it’s because they want to relax themselves and look for an easy life.

The survey also revealed the majority of parents (83 per cent) find a two-week holiday with their kids less stressful than two weeks spent at home.

Parents are much more relaxed when they’re on holiday and the perceived stress of going on holiday is unfounded

Although one in five families says it’s theme parks and water parks that attract them to a particular destination, an impressive 33 per cent say they are looking to embrace the local culture and visit historical sites.

The survey also shows that many parents see holidays as the perfect time to spend quality time together as a family, with only one per cent of mums and dads looking to meet other families while vacationing.

Skyscanner’s Mary Porter said: “The survey shows that parents are much more relaxed when they’re on holiday and the perceived stress of going on holiday is unfounded as the majority actually say it’s more stressful staying at home, suggesting that perhaps trying to find childcare and keeping the kids entertained during half-term is much more demanding.”

Most important factors for families choosing a holiday

1. Local culture and sites - 33%
2. Water parks and theme parks - 20%
3. Nearby beaches - 15%
4. Kids clubs 10%/ Hotel dining options - 10%
5. Hotel style and decor - 6%
6. Hotel on-site entertainment - 4%
7. Possibility of meeting other families - 1%
8. Proximity to airport - 1%

Jane Anderson, editor of Family Traveller magazine, said: “I think these findings show that parents are now using holidays to educate their kids by exploring the local culture and visiting historical sites rather than the simple fly-and-flop holiday.”