A couple has opted to take their six-year-old daughter on a year-long journey worldwide, citing lower costs compared to living in the UK. Hayley and Lewis Trow are commencing a global adventure with their young daughter Nyla, inspired by a visit to Australia in 2022.
The pair, both working in recruitment, dedicated seven months to meticulously plan their expedition, even vacating their rented residence to bolster their savings, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Explaining their choice, 37-year-old Hayley stated: “After years of climbing the corporate ladder and striving for leadership positions, we realized we were merely living for two annual vacations. We craved more family time, excitement, and freedom for our daughter. So, we swapped boardrooms for Bali beaches – and it’s been the best decision we’ve ever made.”
Aside from seeking a change of pace, Hayley disclosed that she and 45-year-old Lewis were motivated by the desire to cherish moments with their daughter while she actively seeks their companionship.
She remarked, “At six years old, Nyla constantly seeks our presence, and we understand this phase won’t last forever. We wanted to create lasting memories now, rather than waiting for ‘someday’.”
The family’s global expedition has seen them visit Disneyland Paris, Bali, and Italy, with plans to venture to Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives in the future.
A surprising revelation during their journey is that, contrary to expectations, Hayley and Lewis are actually saving money despite abandoning their careers. Initially budgeting around £2,000 to £3,000 monthly, they managed to spend less on travel than their previous UK expenses, highlighting the high living costs in the UK.
Upon scrutinizing their expenditures, they found that their UK living costs were significantly higher, with monthly outgoings ranging from £4,000 to £5,000, including rent expenses of £1,500 to £2,000 monthly.
Hayley shared, “Our UK lifestyle was costing us more than we realized. By downsizing and embracing a simpler lifestyle, we’ve cut down our expenses significantly. For instance, our monthly living costs in Bali, including a pool, are only £500.”
This revised approach to living has not only allowed the Trow family to explore the world together but has also proven to be a financially sustainable endeavor, showcasing an alternative way of experiencing life beyond the confines of traditional norms.