Could Quitting Your Job for a Gap Year with Kids Be Cheaper Than Living in the UK?

Hayley Trow and her husband, Lewis, traded their stable lives in the UK for a travel adventure that has not only enriched their family experiences but also surprisingly lowered their living costs. They embarked on a gap year with their daughter Nyla, discovering that travelling can be more economical than residing in the UK. Their journey began with extensive planning, and the results have been life-changing.

Last updated: 10 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Hayley and Lewis found that travelling can be cheaper than living in the UK.
• They budget £2,000-3,000 per month while travelling, compared to £4,000-5,000 in the UK.
• The family prioritised experiences and quality time over traditional employment.
• Nyla continues her education through online tutoring and a temporary school in Bali.
• They recommend families to follow their passion for travel without delay.

The Decision to Travel

In July 2023, Hayley and Lewis made a bold decision to step away from their careers and the conventional lifestyle in Cheshire, UK. After a transformative holiday in Australia in 2022, where they felt the pull of travel, they realised they wanted more than just two holidays a year. They yearned for adventure, quality time, and the freedom to explore the world with their six-year-old daughter, Nyla.

Breaking Free from the Norm

Hayley, who had built a successful career in IT recruitment, reflected on the years spent in corporate boardrooms. “We were living for two holidays a year,” she stated, highlighting the repetitive cycle that many families find themselves in. The couple decided to redirect their focus towards making memories as a family rather than accumulating wealth.

Financial Considerations

Contrary to popular belief, travelling the world can be financially feasible. Hayley and Lewis have proven this by maintaining a budget significantly lower than their previous living costs in the UK. Their monthly budget of £2,000-3,000 is a stark contrast to their former outgoings of £4,000-5,000.

Comparative Living Costs

The couple’s current expenses while travelling average £1,500-£2,000 per month, which includes accommodation with essential amenities like a pool in Bali at just £500 monthly. This highlights a dramatic shift in their financial landscape:

• Previous UK household bills: £300/month
• Food shop in the UK: £200/week
• Cost of a day out in the UK: £100
• Current rental costs in Bali: £500/month

Planning Their Journey

The journey towards their gap year wasn’t spontaneous. Hayley and Lewis spent seven months meticulously planning their travels. They even moved in with Lewis’ parents to save money while stripping back their lifestyle. This preparation period not only helped them financially but also mentally prepared them for the changes ahead.

Support from Schools and Family

Nyla's school was supportive of the family's decision to travel. The process of deregistering her from school was straightforward, allowing her to engage in online tutoring that aligns with the UK curriculum. Additionally, they enrolled her in a multi-cultural school in Bali, ensuring her education continued uninterrupted. This balance between travel and learning is crucial for families considering similar adventures.

Starting Their Adventure

The family’s travels kicked off with a visit to Disneyland Paris to celebrate Nyla’s birthday, followed by a month spent exploring Italy. They visited iconic destinations including Lake Como, Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples, and Puglia. Each location provided unique experiences and opportunities to create lasting memories.

Experiencing Bali

Now settled in Bali, Hayley and Lewis are excited to explore the island and immerse themselves in its culture until November. They have embraced the opportunities to visit historic landmarks and experience the world through Nyla’s eyes. The family plans to travel to Australia next, renting a campervan to explore the country before continuing their journey to Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.

The Benefits of Travel

While being away from home presents challenges, the Trow family views their adventure as an enriching experience. They appreciate the time they have to reconnect with each other, creating memories that will last a lifetime. “It’s all worth it because we’ll never get this time back,” Hayley reflects, reiterating the importance of prioritising family time over work commitments.

Adjusting to a New Lifestyle

Living in close quarters while travelling has required adjustments, but Hayley and Lewis feel it’s a small price to pay compared to their previous lifestyle, filled with the stresses of balancing work and family life. They’ve embraced the unpredictability of travel, finding joy in the chaos it brings.

Encouraging Other Families

Hayley passionately encourages other families to consider taking the leap into travel. “Don’t wait,” she advises. “There’s no right timing – you’ve just got to be all in as a family.” This message resonates with many parents who feel tethered to their jobs and routines, urging them to explore the potential of a family gap year.

Conclusion

The journey of Hayley, Lewis, and Nyla exemplifies the transformative power of travel and the importance of prioritising family experiences over material comforts. As they continue their adventure, they invite other families to consider the possibilities that lie beyond the conventional lifestyle. In a world increasingly focused on the hustle, the Trow family serves as a reminder that sometimes stepping away from the norm can lead to incredible rewards.

FAQs

How did Hayley and Lewis manage their finances while travelling?

They budgeted between £2,000-3,000 per month for travel, significantly lower than their previous UK living costs of £4,000-5,000. Their current expenses average £1,500-£2,000 per month.

What educational options did Nyla have while travelling?

Nyla continued her education through online tutoring aligned with the UK curriculum and attended a temporary multi-cultural school in Bali.

How did the family prepare for their travels?

Hayley and Lewis spent seven months planning their trip, including moving in with relatives to save money and stripping back their lifestyle to afford their adventures.

What were some of the challenges the family faced while travelling?

Adapting to spending 24/7 together presented challenges, but they found it a rewarding experience compared to their previous work-life balance.

What destinations are on the Trow family's travel itinerary?

The Trow family plans to travel to Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives after their stay in Bali.