A British family has spent nearly a year traveling the world and staying in five-star hotels after quitting their jobs and taking their children out of school.
Charlie and Jade, both 36, left their home in Chatham, Kent, last summer with their daughters Maisie, 16, and Isabelle, 5, and their nine-year-old son Tommy. Since then, they have explored nine countries across Asia and Australia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam. They are currently in Indonesia before a planned visit to Japan and are expected to return to England at the end of August.
Charlie, who previously worked as a property developer, and Jade, a former dancer, stated that giving up their routine was one of the best decisions they had made. "We shouldn’t get stuck in a routine of work and mundane life," Charlie said. "I recommend everyone to get out of their comfort zone and go and travel and see the world."
Rather than budget backpacking, the family has largely opted for stays in five-star hotels, beachfront bungalows, and private villas. They noted that the cost of high-end accommodation in Asia is significantly cheaper than in London. The family's global adventure has been funded through savings and investment income from rental properties. While eating out daily and choosing luxury accommodation meant spending more than they would at home, the family planned carefully and are aiming to stay within their £150,000 budget for the 13-month trip.
"We don’t have jobs. We live off investment property – I rent property out to generate income," Charlie explained. "We are funding the trip through savings and investment income. We choose to stay at higher-end accommodation to really enjoy the luxury and time away. You get so much more for your money in Asia."
Traveling together as a family has reportedly strengthened their bond. "The best part is experiencing new things together," Charlie said. "We all love trying new food, seeing new places and cultures and seeing the best things nature has to offer like mountains and waterfalls."
Before departing the UK, the couple timed their move to coincide with Maisie finishing her GCSEs, allowing her to continue her studies online. Tommy and Isabelle were deregistered from school and have followed the curriculum through online learning while abroad. According to Charlie, their schools were supportive of the decision. All three children are scheduled to resume their education in September, with Maisie starting college and Tommy and Isabelle returning to their previous schools.
Despite the enriching experiences, living out of suitcases for nearly a year presented challenges. Transporting enough luggage for five people, including toys, books, and clothing for various climates, has been one of the biggest hurdles. Additionally, spending 24/7 together has led to occasional disagreements, though the family makes an effort to give each other space. To avoid exhaustion, they deliberately slow their pace between destinations, incorporating quieter days for relaxation alongside activities like hikes, snorkeling, and boat excursions.
The family plans to enjoy time with friends and family upon their return in August, with further travel aspirations afterward. "We have no regrets," Charlie stated. "Everyone feels like they have been along the journey with us as we’ve shared it all on social media for them to see."