A family from Lincoln has swapped the soaring cost of living in Britain for a life of global adventure, revealing they now spend a fraction of their previous outgoings on food and accommodation.
From Lincoln Semi to Bali Beach
Tash Swain, 32, and Rob Swain, 37, sold their three-bedroom semi-detached home in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, in August 2025 for £260,000. Driven by concerns over escalating expenses, particularly for nursery and groceries, they made the bold decision to leave the UK with their four-year-old son, Travis.
The family departed for Bali in September 2025 and has since explored Penang, Malaysia. They now work remotely while documenting their journey online, with plans to visit Thailand and Sri Lanka next.
A Staggering Cost Comparison
The financial contrast between their old life and new is stark. In the UK, their monthly mortgage and utilities totalled around £2,000, with a weekly food shop costing £150. Nursery fees were £160 a month.
Now, their daily budget is often just £15. They spend an average of only £8 per day to eat out for all three meals, compared to the £150 weekly spend to cook at home in Britain. Accommodation ranges from £30 to £100 per week, often including a swimming pool and breakfast.
"We eat out three times a day and it's still cheaper than cooking at home in the UK," Rob stated. He also noted that a Starbucks coffee costs about a third of the UK price, at just £2.70.
Building a New Life from a Laptop
Rob, who owns an online t-shirt business, and Tash, who also works in the venture, realised their digital income could be earned from anywhere. This remote capability was the key to unlocking their dream.
"I want to show people you don't have to stay at home; you can build a life from your laptop," Rob explained. The family records their experiences on TikTok and YouTube, sharing their "worldly education" for their son, Travis, who is thriving in the new environment.
"He struggled with swimming lessons back home, but out here it just clicked," Rob said. The family enjoys a community of other expats, free beaches, and a lifestyle they describe as less stressful and more enriching.
Reflecting on their leap of faith, Rob said, "Worst case, we come home, but right now, we're exactly where we're meant to be." For the Swains, selling up and leaving the UK has proven to be the best decision they've ever made.
