Hayley said that traveling costs them between 2,500 and 3,800 USD per month, significantly less than the 5,400 to 6,800 USD cost of living in the UK. "It sounds crazy, but it’s our reality," she shared.
Hayley suggests families struggling with the cost of living consider long-term travel as an alternative.
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The Trow family in Venice, Italy. Photo: Instagram |
The Trow family in Venice, Italy. Photo: Instagram
Over the past few years, the UK has experienced its highest inflation in decades. It peaked in late 2022 when the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by over 11%, the highest since 1981, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The primary causes were escalating energy costs following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, rising food prices, and high mortgage rates.
Although inflation decreased in 2024, the cost of essential goods and services remains high, placing continued financial pressure on many households, particularly young people and those with middle to low incomes.
Cost, however, was only part of their motivation. The Trows wanted to experience life and explore the world with their daughter. To take their "gap year," they paused their careers, planned for 7 months, and lived with Lewis's parents for six months to save money.
The family began their journey in July with a trip to Disneyland Paris (France) for their daughter Nyla's birthday. They then spent a month exploring Italy, visiting Lake Como, Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples, and Puglia before flying to Bali (Indonesia).
In Bali, Nyla is studying online, following the British curriculum, while also attending a multicultural school. They believe that at Nyla's age, this experience will positively impact her future development. "When she looks back, she won't remember us being stressed about work, but she will remember exploring waterfalls in Bali together," Hayley said.
The family plans to stay in Bali until November, then travel to Australia in a campervan. For the new year, they'll visit Singapore, followed by Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. They are documenting their journey on Instagram.
For Hayley, the greatest value of this journey isn't the cost savings, but the time spent together as a family.
"There's no perfect time to start. You just have to commit as a family," she said.
Nhat Minh (New York Post)
