A family of four who left the UK to travel the world have saved £15,000 in 12 months, thanks to significantly lower living costs abroad. Billie Van Der Walt, 36, her husband Selwyn, and their two children have visited nine countries, including the Maldives, China, and South Africa, where they currently reside.
Savings on everyday expenses
The family estimates they save £1,066 per month on nursery fees and £120 per week on food shopping. Dining out costs between £5 and £10, compared to at least £50 in the UK, allowing them to eat out three times a week. A full tank of fuel costs just £50, versus £85 back home. Most accommodation comes through housesitting, making living costs nearly zero.
No plans to return
"We don't see ourselves coming back to the UK full-time now after living life in other countries," said Billie, from Atherton. "With what we've saved, I don't have to work and can be a stay-at-home mum on the move. It definitely wouldn't have been on UK soil." She added that the increased cost of living in the UK would have forced them to seek second jobs, sacrificing family time.
Return visit costs
When the family returns to the UK this summer for their son Bligh's fifth birthday and a visit to Center Parcs, they face a £3,000 accommodation bill. Billie has already booked flights to leave again, planning to visit Taiwan and China. The children are home-educated and reportedly ahead of the UK curriculum, with Bligh's artwork featured in an international book of young artists, and both learning Chinese.
