A family from the United Kingdom has made a life-altering decision to relocate to Asia, dramatically reducing their living expenses while pursuing a more fulfilling lifestyle. Amelia Wray, 31, and her partner Billy Evans, 37, left the UK after feeling confined by the traditional nine-to-five work routine, which limited their time with their three young children, Archie, four, Annie, two, and Albert, one.
The couple spent seven weeks in Thailand in July 2023 to assess whether they could adapt to a permanent move. Captivated by the lifestyle and opportunities available, they decided to sell their five-bedroom house in the UK. The sale process was swift, facilitated by a cash buyer, allowing the family to begin their new chapter soon after. They departed from Heathrow Airport on November 4, 2023, equipped with the funds from their house sale.
Monthly Expenses
Amelia estimates that their monthly living costs in Asia will be approximately £1,250, a stark contrast to their previous expenses of around £2,500 per month in the UK. “It was around £83 a day back home, but now we are spending half of that,” Amelia noted. The family has budgeted £550 monthly for accommodation and plans to cover their weekly grocery shopping with £200.
In their previous lives in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, both Amelia, a self-employed hairdresser, and Billy, who worked in telecommunications, collectively worked over 108 hours a week. Now, they are focused on acquiring new skills while traveling. Amelia has begun retraining as a life coach, while Billy plans to start a new venture shortly.
Embracing New Adventures
The family has chosen to travel light, storing only sentimental items and packing two rucksacks and two suitcases for their journey. Their children will participate in educational programs known as “pop-up hubs” while abroad, though they will primarily be home-educated, as per the parents’ intentions.
Their first destination in Thailand is Bangkok, where they plan to spend a week before heading north to Chiang Mai and later exploring the southern islands. “We’ll spend about three months in Thailand before moving on to other places in Southeast Asia,” Amelia explained. “The kids are very excited.”
Reaction from friends and family has been mixed. While many are supportive, some express concern, questioning the decision to sell their home. “A lot of people think we shouldn’t have sold the house,” Amelia shared, acknowledging the challenges of being far from extended family.
A New Lifestyle
Life in Bangkok is bustling, with the city offering endless opportunities for exploration. “People have the perception that Thailand is for a certain type of men, but it’s so family-oriented. The kids thrive here,” Amelia said. The affordability of life in Thailand allows them to spend more quality time with their children.
The family is also planning to visit Hua Hin on November 26, 2023, to celebrate Christmas and New Year. With no fixed itinerary, they are embracing a spontaneous approach to travel, allowing their adventures to unfold naturally.
Amelia’s outlook on their new life reflects both excitement and a sense of adventure. “We feel we can give them more of our time and be more present because it’s more affordable to live a good life out here,” she concluded.
As they embark on this new journey, the Wray-Evans family embodies a growing trend of individuals seeking alternatives to conventional lifestyles, demonstrating that with courage and planning, it is possible to redefine one’s path.
