Protecting our leisure time from inflation

It’s nice to know that, in these inflationary times, there are some things you can rely on. We try to avoid the news, and instead think of our next HPB holiday. Yes, we bear the economic situation in mind, let’s face it, you can’t avoid it completely. We are grateful that our Holiday Property Bond continues to provide us with access to a wide choice of holidays.

Almost 30 years ago, after enjoying an HPB holiday with family who were already Bondholders, we made our initial purchase as a young couple. We matched our purchase to the equivalent points required for the size and destination of holiday we wanted to achieve on an annual basis. We were fortunate enough that we paid the minimum amount required to have access to short notice points free holidays. Our view was to have one ‘main’ holiday with our points and to access some short notice, points-free holidays wherever possible.

Inflation protected holidays for life

In the early days, we would return home after enjoying a week or two away and would research how much a similar break would have cost in a hotel or rental property. We invariably topped up our points with an additional investment, to increase our points, that matched what we considered we had saved against a package deal. This was even more relevant as we embarked on family life and had children in tow!

As HPB allocate points to each property – dependent on size, location and site facilities, there is an obvious need to review these on a regular basis. However, when this happens, every member also receives the same percentage increase to their own annual points entitlement to ensure they can continue to access the same quality of holiday as when they originally became Bondholders. At least there is something of value that is inflation protected!

As our time with HPB grew, along with our family, so too did the number of holidays we took. This was only made possible by the inflation-protected points-based system that continued to offer the same standard of accommodation we originally planned for. We then topped up as our need for more bedrooms grew!

Points make prizes!

We take full advantage of points-free holidays out of the main season, or last-minute bookings, as well as a number of ‘main’ holidays that we plan ahead to utilise our points for, to maximum effect.  

It has been extremely reassuring to know that we can continue to enjoy the same high quality of holiday from our ‘inflation protected’ points. 30 years on and we are still booking accommodation; in the locations we want, at the times of year we want.

We are coming full circle now. From holidays as a younger couple, to time away with the children and extended family – often merging points – to smaller properties once again as we approach retirement. We continue to book holidays that meet our changing needs.

It’s a generational thing!

Our Bond is also coming into its own in another way. If you, like us, are parents – and maybe grandparents – then you’ll know how these current times affect the younger generations, particularly if they are just starting out on adult life. There are so many pressures facing them, holidays are a luxury that they can only dream of, unless we help.  It could be University fees and debt, rental or mortgage payments or the cost of travel and other living expenses.

Our children are now enjoying HPB holidays without us. Our eldest has already spent a week in Stigliano with his girlfriend and has booked a week in France for next year, courtesy of his grandfather’s points and a points free opportunity.   Having said that – we don’t seem to have to ask twice if they want to join us on an HPB holiday!

This is a truly multi generational benefit. Of course, it helps that our children have been brought up on HPB holidays. It is testament to both the way in which HPB have developed their ‘product’ but also to the culture delivered from the management and entire team of each site.

Thinking about it, this is perhaps the Bond’s greatest legacy for our children and grandchildren, particularly in these worrying times. Continued access to inflation protected holidays for life.

And anything that’s inflation-protected is like gold dust right now.

Written by Robert Puplett