How a British Family Saved Thousands by Traveling Around The World

They swapped mortgage stress for poolside mornings. Simple, right? Maybe not. But for Hayley (37), Lewis (45) and their six-year-old daughter Nyla, the math was clear: staying in the UK was costing them a small fortune. So they did the unthinkable for many families — they packed up, hit pause on their careers, and started a year on the road. The result: more time together, unforgettable memories, and yes — lower monthly bills.

Here’s how they did it, what actually changed, and what families thinking about the same move should know.

TL;DR

• A UK family of three traded their high-cost life in Cheshire for a year of travel to save money.
• Their monthly spending in the UK was $5,422–$6,778, while their planned travel budget was $2,530–$3,795.
• They made it happen through 7 months of careful planning, sabbaticals from work, temporary downsizing by moving in with family, and a hybrid homeschooling/local schooling approach for their daughter.
• They gained more time together and global experiences, while giving up career predictability and proximity to family.
• Their story proves that with planning, traveling can be a more affordable and enriching option than staying in a high-cost area.

The numbers that made them act

They started by comparing real costs. Back home in Cheshire, their monthly spending averaged roughly $5,422–$6,778. About half of that was rent and household living costs. Small surprises kept surfacing: household bills added up to around £300 a month; groceries were £200 a week; a typical family day out cost about £100. That’s the UK reality for many families right now.

On the road? Their planned travel budget was $2,530–$3,795 per month. For a midrange, family-friendly travel lifestyle — apartments with pools, decent food, some sightseeing, and flights between countries — that number looked shockingly reasonable next to their UK spending. In Bali, for example, they found an apartment (bills included) for about £500 a month. Same family. Much cheaper place.

So the headline is true: for them, traveling proved cheaper than staying put.

How they actually made it happen

This wasn’t spontaneous. It was a careful, messy, brave plan.

1. Seven months of planning. They didn’t wing it. They budgeted, booked, and worked out schooling and logistics long before leaving.
2. Sabbaticals (not quits). Both took a one-year sabbatical from work rather than burn bridges by quitting outright. That made future returns easier.
3. Temporary downsizing. To save fast, they moved in with Lewis’ parents for six months. Yes, awkward conversations happened. But it paid off.
4. School arrangements. Nyla did online tutoring aligned with the UK curriculum and attended a multicultural school in Bali temporarily. They prioritized continuity.
5. Travel route with purpose. They celebrated Nyla’s birthday at Disneyland Paris, spent a month touring Italy (Lake Como, Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples, Puglia), then moved to Bali for several months. Next up: campervan Australia, then Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.

What they traded — and what they gained

They traded predictable career momentum and a high-cost home for a different kind of wealth: time, experiences and lower monthly bills.

What they lost:

• Career visibility for a year (they chose sabbaticals, which helps).
• Proximity to family and the familiar.
• A predictable routine.

What they gained:

• Time together that’s not sold to meetings.
• Global exposure for Nyla while she’s young.
• Far cheaper monthly living costs in many countries on their list.
• A reset on values: less “keeping up” and more “showing up.”

The everyday math (in practice)

Here’s the simple comparison that sold it for them:

• UK monthly average: $5,422–$6,778
• Planned travel monthly: $2,530–$3,795

In Bali, their apartment + bills cost roughly £500 a month. That’s one example. Even when you factor in flights and a few tourist splurges, their monthly outlay often stayed below what they were paying at home.

Importantly, they didn’t commit to ultra-cheap backpacker living. They traveled midrange — comfortable rentals, activities for a child, decent food. No sleeping in airport terminals, no questionable hostels. That makes their case more realistic for average families.

The schooling piece (because parents will ask)

Nyla’s education was clearly a priority. The family:

• Notified her UK school and arranged support. They reported supportive responses.
• Used online tutoring matching the UK curriculum.
• Enrolled Nyla temporarily at a multicultural school in Bali to provide social time with kids her age.

This hybrid approach kept her academically on track while letting her experience real cultural learning — museums, language, local food, different schooling styles. For many parents, that mix is the sweet spot: structure plus real world.

The emotional side: not all sunshine and filtered photos

Don’t let social media fool you. The family admits it was daunting. Friends and relatives were skeptical. Leaving “stable” careers and a comfortable lifestyle sparks questions — and sometimes judgment.

They also felt the pressure of planning and the inevitable fear of the unknown. But the payoff? Hayley says they’ll “never get this time back.” Nyla will remember chasing waterfalls, not parental stress about emails. That’s a reframing many parents find irresistible.

Practical tips if you want to try something similar

Okay, so you’re tempted. Here’s a practical playbook (short sentences. Clear steps):

• Run the numbers honestly. Track your current monthly spend for six months. Compare that to realistic travel costs in places you’d actually go.
• Start small. Try a month abroad first. See how your kid adapts.
• Don’t quit your job immediately. Negotiate a sabbatical or remote arrangement. Keep options open.
• Downsize at home to build a cushion. Sell, store, or sublet things you don’t need.
• Plan education early. Contact your child’s school. Set up online lessons or local enrollment as needed.
• Use local hubs and communities. Services exist now (e.g., multicultural co-living or schooling hubs). They make transitions smoother.
• Think healthcare and insurance. Don’t skip this. International health cover and vaccines are vital.
• Document finances and emergency plans. Have exit funds. Know how long you can sustain the lifestyle if something goes wrong.
• Be realistic about culture shock. Kids adapt quickly, but parents might struggle. Talk about it before you go.

Risks and real talk

This life isn’t perfect. Consider these real risks:

• Career consequences. A year out may affect promotions or future raises. Negotiating a sabbatical reduces risk.
• Family logistics. Grandparents and relatives may feel left out. Plan visits home.
• Education gaps. You need a solid education plan or accreditation route if you plan long term.
• Hidden costs. Flights, visas, insurance, and emergencies add up. Budget for buffers.
• Re-entry shock. Returning to the “normal” world after a year of travel can be jarring.

My point of view

This family chose courage over comfort. They did it with planning, not fantasy. That’s the difference between a viral Instagram story and a sustainable lifestyle change.

Here’s what I’ll say bluntly: if your main reason to stay in a high-cost place is “that’s how it’s done,” you’re buying someone else’s idea of security. For many families, security can actually be rebuilt — smaller house, less stuff, more time. That’s not for everyone. But it deserves consideration.

If you want my practical opinion: start with a sabbatical, not a quit. Try one long trip. Test the real costs. See how your child thrives. If the math and the heart both line up? Do it. Life rarely regrets more experiences than more things.