Family Sells All, Travels World & Saves Money

For many, the idea of escaping the rising cost of living and embarking on a global adventure remains a distant dream. However, one British family has turned this aspiration into a reality, demonstrating how a radical shift in lifestyle can lead to not only significant financial savings but also an enriched family experience. After years of spending approximately £4,500 on rent and bills in the UK, the Booth family made the bold decision to sell their possessions and home, a move that has allowed them to now “live like royalty” for half the cost while exploring the world.

The Journey to Financial Freedom

Danielle and Mike Booth, parents to Emmy (14) and Eli (10), first envisioned full-time travel after a French road trip in 2019. This initial taste of exploration solidified their desire for a more nomadic lifestyle. To fund their ambitious plans, Mike, a joiner, undertook the significant task of building a four-bedroom detached home from scratch in 2020, specifically with the intention of selling it.

Over two years, the family meticulously saved and prepared for their departure. This included a comprehensive decluttering effort, with belongings being sold on platforms like Vinted and to family and friends. Their efforts culminated in the sale of their house in April of the current year, providing the financial foundation for their one-way journey. On October 28th, the Booths officially began their adventure, flying into Bangkok, Thailand, as their first destination.

A Royal Lifestyle for Half the Price

The financial transformation experienced by the Booth family is a central aspect of their story. Danielle estimates their monthly outgoings in Bradford, West Yorkshire, were around £4,500, covering mortgage and bills. By contrast, their current travel budget is set at approximately £500 a week, or roughly £2,000 a month, funded primarily by the proceeds from their house sale and a modest income from Mike’s UK business. This significant reduction in expenses—effectively slashing their living costs in half—has enabled them to enjoy a quality of life they describe as “living like a king and queen.”

“What we’ll be spending for everything here is what we used to spend on just mortgage and bills [in the UK], let alone doing anything else,” Danielle explained, highlighting the stark contrast in living costs. The family feels a sense of empowerment and often expresses disbelief at how inexpensive life can be abroad compared to the UK.

Beyond Financial Savings: A Holistic Approach

While the financial benefits are undeniable, the Booths’ decision to travel was driven by more than just monetary considerations. They also cited concerns about rising crime rates in the UK and a desire for a different educational experience for their children. Danielle expressed that the traditional UK schooling system might not suit all children, advocating for alternative learning methods.

In Thailand, the family reports feeling safer than they did in the UK, appreciating the friendly nature of the local people. The children’s education is now integrated with their travels; Emmy continues her maths and English studies through an online private tutor, while both girls engage in cultural learning and fitness activities as part of their daily routine.

Life on the Road

Currently, the family is exploring Chiang Mai in Thailand. Their itinerary includes plans to visit Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Japan. They intend to travel for at least a year before settling down as a family in a yet-to-be-determined location.

A particular highlight of their travels has been the food, with Danielle praising the street vendors and fresh fruit, noting that a large bag of fresh fruit can cost as little as 40p.

How easy is it to move abroad?

Brexit means British citizens now have to apply for visas to move to countries within the EU. While some countries residency restrictions are easier than others, here’s what you need to do at home before moving:

• Notify HMRC about your upcoming move.
• Let your local authority know and provide a forwarding address.
• Contact your mortgage and utility providers and bank before leaving.
• If you have paid enough UK national insurance contributions, you can qualify for a state pension abroad – contact the International Pension Centre.
• You can sign up to the Royal Mail’s redirection service.
• If you have outstanding student loans, contact the Student Loans Centre.
• If you have children, give due notice to childcares and schools.

Navigating Perceptions and Practicalities

While many have been supportive of their adventurous decision, some individuals have questioned why the family would leave their established life, careers, and newly built home. However, Danielle emphasizes the value of seizing opportunities and the increased quality time they now spend together as a family. The previous UK routine often meant limited, non-quality time with the children due to Mike’s demanding work schedule. The “stress is just taken away” in their new life, she noted.

The primary thing the family misses is the proximity to their extended family, with whom they were very close in the UK. Despite this, Danielle states that nothing else currently makes them miss home, expressing deep contentment with their current path.

Conclusion

The Booth family’s transition from a conventional life in the UK to an itinerant existence traveling the world underscores a growing trend of individuals re-evaluating their priorities in the face of rising living costs and a desire for different experiences. By strategically planning, building, and selling their assets, and embracing a minimalist approach to possessions, they have unlocked a lifestyle that offers both financial freedom and rich cultural immersion for their children, proving that a “royal” life can indeed be lived on a significantly reduced budget. Their story serves as a compelling example of how a bold leap can lead to a more fulfilling and affordable way of life.