Claire and Ben’s Family Adventure: Ditching the UK for Global Exploration
Background
Claire Cockayne, a 41-year-old NHS therapist, and her partner Ben, 42, have made the bold choice to leave the UK with their young children, Molly and Benny, to travel the world. Although they enjoyed a comfortable family life, the couple realized that the daily grind was causing them to miss precious moments in their children’s lives.
The Turning Point
Claire experienced significant “mom guilt” from missing school events and milestones due to work commitments. A stark revelation came when Ben calculated that their children spent over 800 hours each year in school, away from family time. This led them to seek a more adventurous and fulfilling lifestyle.
Making the Leap
Claire secured a 14-month career break from the NHS, enabling them to take Molly and Benny out of school for a journey filled with experiential learning. Emphasizing the importance of intentional living, Claire stated, “Travelling gives us and our kids experiences they’ll remember forever.”
Support and Preparation
With the support of their children’s school, which provided resources for homeschooling, the family prepared for travel by renting out their home and creating online income streams. Claire works with a South Korean skincare company, while Ben engages in financial markets.
Current Journey
As of now, the family is traveling through Hungary after exploring Spain, Montenegro, Croatia, and Italy. Their journey is documented through their publication, “Families Reimagined.” They have plans to travel to the U.S. and continue through Mexico, South America, and Asia.
Challenges and Rewards
While the adventure comes with its challenges, such as the absence of family support, Claire highlights that the experience has positively impacted their children—making them happier, more relaxed, and more confident. Claire noted, “Watching their confidence grow and seeing the world through their eyes reminds us exactly why we took the leap.”
The Cockayne family’s journey emphasizes the value of spending quality time together and creating lasting memories, all while embracing a different way of living.
