‘We felt that the UK wasn’t the right place for us to live and bring up kids’
A couple ‘retired’ by 33 and 32 ditched England to travel the world with their kids, spending just £60 a day.
Ryan Blackley and wife Jess headed to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand in February with sons Noah, six, and Bodhi, four. They had previously traveled in 2016 before having children and decided their future would be “outside the UK”.
By renting out their two flats and family home, Ryan and Jess consider themselves retired and fund their lifestyle with the rental profits.
Their original plan was to move to Portugal and travel Europe, but they opted for Asia for its warmer climate in winter. They left with just two suitcases and a backpack each, spending an average of £1,800 each month, significantly less than their £2,200 monthly expenses in the UK.
They hold a five-year Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), allowing them to live and work remotely there, and plan to continue world-schooling their sons.
Speaking about their decision, Ryan, originally from Cambridge, said, “the cost of living is insane,” and he doesn’t feel the UK is safe anymore due to knife crime. He criticized the outdated school system, stating, “For us, the whole concept of life is backwards.”
Jess expressed frustration with the monotony of school runs and observed a lack of positive experiences for kids at school, saying, “I thought what’s the point?”
After buying her first flat at age 20, Jess and Ryan used their property investments to fund their travels, now renting them out for income.
They have traveled extensively around Thailand, with plans to visit Malaysia and Singapore next. Ryan commented, “It’s just nice being free,” as they embrace a more flexible lifestyle.
You can follow their journey on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
Cost Breakdown
UK Monthly Costs:
- Mortgage: £1,459
- Bills: £427
- Food: £400
- Total: £2,296
Thailand Monthly Costs:
- Accommodation: £790
- Food: £350
- Other (Days out, transport, miscellaneous): £420
- Total: £1,560
Rolling Average Per Month: £1,800
