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I ditched the UK to live on a cheap island with my kids – I was sick of splashing cash on nursery fees and bills

I ditched the UK to live on a cheap island with my kids – I was sick of splashing cash on nursery fees and bills

Scottish Sun07-06-2025
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EXPAT ESCAPE I ditched the UK to live on a cheap island with my kids – I was sick of splashing cash on nursery fees and bills
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A MUM has shared how she ditched the UK for sunny Thailand with her kids and husband.
Lauren took to social media and shared why she left England and has no regrets in uprooting her family to South East Asia.
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Lauren left the UK and swapped it for sunny Thailand
Credit: tiktok.com/@lifealongsidelauren
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Now they spend their days island hopping and relaxing by the beach
Credit: tiktok.com/@lifealongsidelauren
The mum-of-two revealed that she and her family decided the cost of living and their busy schedule was too much.
Instead of putting up with it, they sold their house and bought a one-way ticket to Thailand for a new life.
She said: "We didn't leave because we hated the UK.
"We left because life started to feel like one long checklist we didn't remember choosing. Wake up. Rush. Work. Nursery. School. Bills. Repeat.
"We wanted more presence, more connection, more sunsets and slow mornings.
"So we sold almost everything, booked a one-way ticket, and figured it out as we went.
"It's not perfect, but it's ours, and we've never felt more free."
Lauren often shared her new life in Thailand on social media and recently shared one of their favourite breakfasts while they stayed in Koh Samui.
She headed to one of her favourite food vendors and ordered fried chicken and sticky rice before getting some Thai milk tea.
The mum even said that she thought the iced tea was better than English Breakfast tea.
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The stunning island is perfect for families
Credit: Alamy
Gobsmacked shoppers watch on as hungry elephant raids Thai store and leaves with trunk full of snacks
The mum added: "Hands down they are better than an English breakfast tea. They're sweet, they're icy. They do give you that little tea fix."
She said the next step to the perfect breakfast was to locate the nearest beach.
"The beach closest to our house here is Chong Mon. And if you are coming to Koh Samui, even just on holiday, I really recommend this area," Lauren said.
"It's kind of like a mix between touristy but not too touristy.
Moving house hacks
1. Declutter Before You Pack
Sort through your belongings and get rid of anything you no longer need. Donate, sell, or recycle items to lighten your load.
2. Create an Inventory
Make a list of all your items. This helps keep track of everything and ensures nothing gets lost in the move.
3. Use Quality Packing Materials
Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape. This will protect your belongings during the move.
4. Label Everything
Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This makes unpacking much easier and more organized.
5. Pack a 'First Day' Box
Include essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, snacks, and important documents. This will keep you from rummaging through boxes on your first day.
6. Take Photos of Electronics Setup
Before unplugging your electronics, take photos of the wiring setup. This will make it easier to reconnect everything at your new place.
7. Use Suitcases for Heavy Items
Pack books and other heavy items in rolling suitcases. This makes them easier to transport and reduces the risk of injury.
8. Colour-Code Your Boxes
Use different coloured stickers or markers for each room. This will help movers quickly identify where each box should go in your new home.
"The beach here is so good for kids because the water is really shallow."
Finally, she and her family sat down on the beach to enjoy their breakfast with a stunning view.
The clip went viral on her TikTok account @lifealongsidelauren with 120k views.
People were quick to take to the comments in awe of Lauren's new life.
One person wrote: "Living the dream, I would swap my builders' tea in England for yours any day of the week."
Another commented: 'I have been following for a while just wanted to say that because of you and your TikTok my future with my kids will look the same!"
"I haven't seen your posts for ages, glad you're still enjoying your new life," penned a third.
Meanwhile a fourth said: "Brekkie on the beach..elite!"
"Love watching your adventures! We are coming to to Thailand in August and can't wait,' claimed a fifth.
Someone else added: 'Such an inspiration."
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