When I was a kid, my parents never took me out of school during term times.
My Mum was previously a Teacher, so from her point of view, I can see how it would be annoying to have Kids pulled out of a class to go away on holiday. People proposing ideas about allowing good pupils to go away, or certain times off etc just doesn't work, you can't micromanage that and have Teachers having to work out who is away and who needs to catch up etc. It has to be one rule for all.
I mean, let's face it, most kids have a huge amount of time off over Summer, which is more than adequate for a holiday away. The only other times are Easter, Xmas and the holiday near the end of the year. Obviously the problem is holiday companies put prices up, but if it was your business, you would probably do the same, no?
There is an argument for saying that taking your child abroad is more rewarding... but there are plenty of times you could do that over Summer. Just how many of their parents do anything truly culturally rewarding though? I mean, I bet a lot take an Easyjet flight to somewhere like Majorca and eat Fish & Chips on the Beach for a whole week.
I've also noticed around London that there are a number of truancy vans that go around now, rounding up kids who are skiving. Though not related to holidays... it does have some relation to parenting.