Ryan Blackley, 35, and his wife Jess, 34, have embraced a nomadic lifestyle after “retiring” in their early 30s. They left the UK on February 24, moving to Chiang Mai, Thailand, with their sons Noah, six, and Bodhi, four.
The couple previously traveled together in 2016 and always envisioned their future beyond the UK. They fund their travels by renting out two flats and their family home, which collectively brings in around £2,500 monthly.
Shifting their plans from Portugal to Asia for better winter weather, they now live on an average budget of £1,800 a month—lower than their £2,200 monthly costs in the UK. With a five-year Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), they aim to continue world-schooling their children.
Ryan expressed concerns about the UK’s safety and outdated education system, valuing a lifestyle that prioritizes learning and living in the present. Jess highlighted the negativity she observed in traditional schooling and felt that much of the day was spent managing behavior rather than fostering learning.
After making strategic property investments over the years, including buying and selling flats, they’re now free to travel, recently exploring various parts of Thailand and planning trips to Malaysia and Singapore. They enjoy a simple lifestyle, primarily eating local food and relying on Airbnb and other affordable accommodations.
Overall, the family is thriving in their new life, reveling in the freedoms of their journey and focusing on creating lasting memories together.
