i can understand why parents take their children out of school for their holidays, because the prices are really high, most people today has more than one child ( so can be really expensive) but i should think now that you can get fined for taking your child out of school, it has stopped a lot of parents.( even if you got fined, it would still probably be cheaper than taking them during school holidays). And it is unfair on people that do not have children because they also have to pay over the top for their holidays.
I've booked a holiday for Summer 2009 15 months in advance just so I have time to save the £2,300 needed to take my family of 4 to Menorca without it breaking the bank and leaving no spending money. Before my eldest was at school, I could get a holiday for £700 for the 4 of us! However, having worked as a rep in Spain, I know that it is often the hotels themselves who are largely to blame, as they hike the prices, which is reflected in tour operators prices. Book direct with the hotel - it sometimes works out cheaper for the accomodation, but for flights, it's still an arm and a leg. Booking direct last year, we went to the Ritz in Sharm El Sheikh for £298 (yes, I do mean £298 for a fortnight in the Ritz for 4) for a family room b & b for the fortnight in August, and bought flights seperately. It can be done, but be prepared to search high and low, and very few travel agents will be prepared to do it for you. The only other alternative is a very late deal.
