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A British family have spent almost a year travelling the world and lapping up luxury in five-star hotels after quitting their jobs and leaving the UK with their children.
Charlie and Jade, both 36, left their home in Chatham, Kent, last summer with daughters Maisie, 16, and Isabelle, five, and nine-year-old son Tommy.
Since then, they have explored nine countries across Asia and Australia, funding the trip through savings and income from rental properties.
The family-of-five have travelled through Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Australia, the Philippines and Vietnam - and are currently back in Indonesia before visiting Japan.
They said they're expected to return to England at the end of August.
Charlie, who previously worked as a property developer while Jade was a dancer, said giving up the routine of work had been one of the best decisions they had made.
Charlie and Jade, both 36, left their home in Chatham, Kent, last summer for a year-long global adventure with daughters Maisie, 16, and Isabelle, five, and nine-year-old son Tommy
Since then, they have explored nine countries across Asia (pictured, in Vietnam) and Australia, funding the trip through savings and income from rental properties
He said: 'We shouldn’t get stuck in a routine of work and mundane life. I recommend everyone to get out of their comfort zone and go and travel and see the world.
'There’s so much out there to see and we all have such a short time on earth.'
Rather than backpacking on a budget, the family have largely opted for stays in five-star hotels, beachfront bungalows and private villas, saying the cost of high-end accommodation in Asia is significantly cheaper than staying somewhere in London.
The family's global adventure, Charlie says, has been paid for through investment income and savings.
Although eating out several times a day and choosing luxury accommodation meant spending more than they would at home, the family planned carefully before leaving and remain within their £150,000 budget for the 13-month trip.
The father said: 'We don’t have jobs. We live off investment property – I rent property out to generate income. We are funding the trip through savings and investment income.
'We choose to stay at higher-end accommodation to really enjoy the luxury and time away. It has been great. You get so much more for your money in Asia.
'It can definitely be done on a budget of less than half of ours but we have worked hard to be able to enjoy it to the fullest.
'We knew the rough cost of accommodation and flights before leaving. The pot that we have to spend has obviously gone down each month but we are on target to make it home on budget at the end of August.'
Rather than backpacking on a budget, the family have largely opted for stays in five-star hotels, beachfront bungalows and private villas
Although eating out several times a day and choosing luxury accommodation meant spending more than they would at home, the family planned carefully before leaving and remain within their £150,000 budget for the 13-month trip
He further noted how travelling together as a family has strengthened their bond, adding: 'The best part is experiencing new things together.
'We all love trying new food, seeing new places and cultures and seeing the best things nature has to offer like mountains and waterfalls.'
Before leaving the UK, the couple meticulously timed their departure to coincide with Maisie finishing her GCSEs so she could continue her studies online.
Tommy and Isabelle, meanwhile, were removed from school altogether and have since followed the curriculum through online learning while abroad.
According to Charlie, the schools were supportive of the decision and there was no difficulty deregistering the younger children.
He said: 'We had informed the head teachers of our decision and they had said what a great opportunity it would be to spend time together and see the world.'
All three are already set to resume their education in September, with Maisie starting college, Tommy returning to his previous school and Isabelle beginning Year 1.
Although the family have made life-long memories and enjoyed rich experiences they wouldn't have otherwise been able to have at home, living out of suitcases for almost a year has not been without difficulties.
According to Charlie, transporting enough luggage for five people, including toys, books and clothing for different climates, had been one of the biggest challenges, while spending every day together inevitably led to the occasional disagreement
To avoid feeling exhausted, the family deliberately slow their pace between destinations, enjoying quieter days to watch films or relax before heading off on hikes, snorkelling trips, boat excursions and other outdoor activities
According to Charlie, transporting enough luggage for five people, including toys, books and clothing for different climates, had been one of the biggest challenges, while spending every day together inevitably led to the occasional disagreement.
He said: 'Packing everything we might need for a year away is bulky. We need enough toys and books to stimulate the younger two as well as clothes for all weathers.
'Being together 24/7 definitely has its challenges and sometimes comes with bickering and the odd argument. But we try to give each other space when it’s needed.
To avoid feeling exhausted, the family deliberately slow their pace between destinations, enjoying quieter days to watch films or relax before heading off on hikes, snorkelling trips, boat excursions and other outdoor activities.
Charlie added: 'The kids have been fine. There have been times when they have missed their friends but we are constantly active so we don’t have much time to sit around.'
Despite preparing to head home next month, Charlie said they would not hesitate to repeat the experience.
He said: 'We have no regrets. Family and friends have loved seeing us posting where we are and what we are doing.
'Everyone feels like they have been along the journey with us as we’ve shared it all on social media for them to see. It’s crazy how quickly a year flies by.
'Our plans when we return in August are to enjoy summer at home with friends and family, then look to book some more travelling.'