Babies are quite the jet-setters

A new study has revealed that British children are seeing more of the world than ever before as their parents choose to take them abroad at an early age.

Research by insurance.co.uk found that 60 per cent of under-threes have already been abroad on holiday at least once, while 30 per cent had been overseas three times.

Meanwhile, 27 per cent of babies under six months had also been taken on a foreign holiday by their parents at least four times in their lives.

Steve Grainger, head of insurance.co.uk, said: "Now that government rules about term-time holidays have become so much stricter, families with school age children are restricted to travelling during the more expensive, school holiday period.

"New parents are aware that they will not be able to benefit from cheap kids go free, term-time deals and are making the most of extended maternity leave."

The research also found that 32 per cent of over-60s said they had never been on a foreign holiday, despite 70 per cent regretting not travelling more.

In related news, Virgin money has predicted that pre-paid travel cards will become the next big thing as travellers try to avoid steep credit card charges on holiday.

The cards enable customers to spend overseas and withdraw money but not to run up debts.

Currently up to 40 pre-pay cards are available on the market with more providers expected to launch over the coming months.