A young family from South Yorkshire has swapped their four-bedroom house for a life of global adventure, making the startling discovery that travelling the world is more affordable than paying rent in the UK.
From Barnsley to Bangkok: A Swift Change of Plans
Chloe and Connor Ellis, aged 27 and 29, had long harboured dreams of travelling before starting a family. Those plans were put on hold when they unexpectedly became parents at 18 and 20. Settling in their hometown of Barnsley, they bought a house, built careers in HR and telecommunications, and welcomed two sons: Harley, now eight, and Hector, four.
Last year, with their children a little older, the couple decided to pursue a major international move to Australia. They submitted their visa applications in December 2024 and put their house on the market in February 2025, anticipating a lengthy sale process. To their astonishment, the property sold in just three days.
The Financial Revelation That Sparked an Adventure
Faced with the prospect of renting short-term accommodation in Barnsley while awaiting their Australian visas, the couple researched monthly Airbnbs. They were quoted prices of £3,000 to £4,000 per month, which would have rapidly depleted the £50,000 savings they had earmarked for their relocation.
"We realised it would be cheaper to travel," Chloe explained. This financial calculation was the catalyst for a radical new plan. Instead of waiting in the UK, they would use the time and money to see the world.
The family sold virtually all their possessions, from their car to their cutlery, via car boot sales and Facebook Marketplace. Whittling their lives down to just two rucksacks of essentials, they boarded a flight to Bangkok, Thailand, on November 7, 2025.
Embracing a Nomadic Lifestyle in Southeast Asia
Now documenting their journey on Instagram as @ellisfamily_adventures, the family is currently based in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. They have embraced a flexible, "winging it" approach, booking flights and accommodation as they go.
The low cost of living has allowed them to enjoy a high quality of life. Chloe noted that a market meal for all four costs around £5, and they secured a two-bedroom condo with an infinity pool and gym for £1,000 for a five-week stay.
"We're budgeting, but not like crazy," she said. "We've still been going to nice hotels, because you can at these prices. In the UK you'd probably pay £200 for one night in a place like where we've been staying." Their total spending for the first month was approximately £2,000.
Their itinerary is relaxed but full, with plans to visit Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Cambodia. They are filling their days with enriching experiences: visiting elephant sanctuaries, climbing waterfalls, exploring temples on scooters, and taking cooking classes.
World Schooling and Looking to the Future
A key part of their journey is world schooling their children. They intend to engage with homeschooling communities during their travels before re-enrolling the boys in traditional education once they finally settle in Perth, Australia.
Reflecting on their bold decision, Chloe said the COVID-19 pandemic was an eye-opener, reinforcing their desire to seize the moment. "We were going to travel when our kids were older... but we thought - why not do it now?" she said. "We want the kids to see it too, to open their eyes to what's going on in the world."
The family reports having no regrets. From a four-bed house to two backpacks, they have found freedom and a new perspective, proving that a life of travel can be not just a dream, but a financially savvy alternative to the high costs of living in Britain.
