British babies have travelled 10 billion miles before first birthday: Direct Line

British babies have collectively travelled over 10 billion miles before their first birthday, reveals new research from Direct Line Travel Insurance, which stresses the need for comprehensive cover when travelling.

The distance travelled works out as more than 401,000 trips around the world. A quarter (24 percent) of parents, more than eight million people, have taken their child abroad by the time they were one, with one in nine of these (11 per cent) visiting three or more countries with their babies before their first birthday, says DirectLine.

Further findings include that each parent who has been abroad with their baby has travelled 3,016 miles with them on average, and the average amount people would be willing to spend to sit away from a baby on a short haul flight is £41 and on a long-haul flight is £44.

Tom Bishop, Head of Travel Insurance at Direct Line said: “British children are so well travelled compared to their parents at the same age. The rise of the low-cost airlines means it has never been easier to take young children abroad and they are quickly ticking off countries visited. Whether going on holiday with children or not, it is vital to take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy when booking the holiday so you can relax while away in the knowledge that you are covered should anything unexpected happen.

“Our research shows parents don’t have an issue with moves to allow people to choose airlines seats away from their child, they may be happier to be surrounded by friendly faces who recognise the joys and potential challenges of travelling with a baby.”

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