HOLIDAYING with kids in tow is certainly more challenging – and often more expensive – than child-free, but research shows parents are no longer willing to forego their trips away.

‘‘The whole ethos of travelling with young children has changed over the past ten years,’’ says Sian Williams, founder of family holiday site Baby Friendly Boltholes (babyfriendly boltholes.co.uk).

‘‘There used to be a stark difference between holidaying BC – before children – and holidaying after the children, but we have seen a paradigm shift over the last decade.’’ A growing breed of new parents with higher disposable incomes – known as “baby boutiquers” – are refusing to give up their jet-setting lifestyle just because they have a newborn.

With the number of babies born in England increasing (688,120 in 2011, the highest number since 1971, according to The State of Maternity Services report), the need for family-friendly accommodation is growing. In 2014, the Office for National Statistics expects 743,000 babies will be born in England alone.

Williams describes this new generation as having a “seize the day” mentality, demanding instant gratification, which she attributes to growing up with technology and having easy access to information at the click of a mouse.

As voted for by user of their website, Baby Friendly Boltholes rates The Cowshed in Dorset (a two-bedroom converted barn) among its top UK babyfriendly properties, with seven nights from £595.

  • YOU’LL get more bang for your buck if you choose to book a ski break in Canada rather than Europe this year. While sterling and the euro are now almost like-for-like, the pound has strengthened by almost 11 per cent against the Canadian dollar in the last three months, 17 per cent in the past year. Compared to a year ago, a burger in downtown Banff will cost a British visitor £1.42 less.