A FAMILY who sold all their belongings and upped sticks to travel Asia say it’s one of the best decisions they’ve ever made - and they’d encourage others to do the same.
Chloe and Connor Ellis admit that when they left the country back in November they had no idea what to expect.
But they’ve got no regrets and have loved their time out of the country.
After selling their Monk Bretton house and almost all of their belongings - either at car boots or through charity donations - the pair flew out to Thailand with their children, eight-year-old Harley and five-year-old Hector.
Their aim is to eventually move out permanently to Australia but decided that while they waited for their Visa - which has now been approved - it would be cheaper to travel than to live in Barnsley.
Chloe told the Chronicle: “We took our two little ones out of school and left.
“It’s definitely way cheaper here.
“The night before we left we stayed in a Premier Inn which was one room and cost almost £60.
“Where we are now we’re paying £25 and it has two bedrooms, a private gym and a private pool.
“We’ve never travelled before - we’d just done the normal holiday - but you don’t realise how easy it is.”
So far they’ve travelled to Thailand, Vietnam and Laos - and they’re having a whale of a time.
“We’ve been on a hot air balloon and seen some elephants,” she added.
“We’ve got no regrets at all.
“We’re making memories.
“We were thinking about travelling when I was 18 but that’s when I fell pregnant.
“We’d recommend it to anyone.
“People regret not going out and travelling when they get older.
“And we’ve been going on hikes here and when you retire you’re probably not at your healthiest.
“It’s been amazing.”
The family spent Christmas in Thailand - and although different, the festive spirit was still in full swing.
Chloe added: “Barnsley was all that we knew.
“We were in Chiang Rai for Christmas.
“We’re used to hosting on the day and that was probably the main difference.
“It was next level here - Thailand is very Christmassy.
“The kids had one present each and they were chuffed to bits.”
They say that one of the main questions they get asked from their followers is about taking the children out of school.
But they admit it was a very easy process.
“All we had to do was send an email to school explaining what we were doing,” she added.
“Harley’s eight and he’s looking around and wondering which country he’s going to next.
“When I was eight it was about which park I could go to.
“It’s all about making memories.
“They’re learning so much about other countries.
“This is something that will stay with them forever.
“I don’t think they’ll ever want to go back and live a normal life.”
The pair are hoping to have settled down in Australia by Christmas this year but in the meantime they’re documenting their travels on social media.
You can follow their journey on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube @Ellisfamily_adventures and on Facebook @EllisFamily-Adventures.
