Today's kids take to overseas travel like never before

Under 11s have travelled just as far in their lifetimes as the over 60s, according to new research from insurance.co.uk.

Revealing a generation of ‘Jet Set Juniors', the research found that 60 per cent of children currently under the age of three have already been on at least one holiday overseas, whilst 30 per cent have been abroad on at least three occasions. Babies under 6 months old are really clocking up the air miles with 27 per cent having been overseas at least four times, and 13 per cent at least six times, before they've even reached the half-year mark.

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 highlights a sharp contrast to the travelling habits of the over 60s, of whom a third (32 per cent) claim to have never ventured overseas. This comes as 70 per cent of over 60s admit they regret not travelling more.

Steve adds: "Whilst our research clearly shows the over 60s wish they'd seen the world, evidently something's holding them back from fulfilling that dream now. Many of the people we've spoken to have told us they're concerned about what might happen to them if they fall ill abroad, and aren't confident their travel insurance will cover them should the worst happen.

"In the same way that people have grown used to shopping around for the right car or home insurance, its important to note that we all have different needs when it comes to travel insurance.

"Whilst a family with young children, planning on taking lots of gadgets and toys abroad, might need to pay more attention to the value of cover they take out, many travellers over 60 will need to pay closer attention to the cover an insurer will provide for pre-existing medical conditions, or perhaps the ability to cover a slightly longer break as opposed to your typical two week summer holiday."