'I left gloomy UK for dream life in Asia and it costs me half as much'

A woman fed up with the UK's "gloomy weather" ditched it to travel the world full time and now lives her "dream" lifestyle in Asia – for 'half the price' of a "monotonous British life". Casey Pickup, 26, gave up her position as a sales manager after feeling "unfulfilled" by life in Britain and took off with a one-way ticket to Thailand.

She has no intentions of coming back and cites being "fed up" with the rain, chilly climate and lifestyle at home as her catalyst for departure. In March 2023, she uploaded a video on TikTok detailing her itinerary to Thailand and Bali and called out for other solo adventurers tojoin her.

She formed a group chat with seven other young individuals eager to see the globe, and they collectively spent a thrilling six weeks touring Thailand. During these adventures, Casey met her now-partner, Taylor Barker, 26, a marketing professional, and together they've since globetrotted across 15 distinct nations.

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Globetrotting Casey now earns in excess of £5,000 per month and attests that overseas living is "better" crediting the substantially lower cost of living in Asia compared to the UK.

She boasts a "dream lifestyle" that encompasses living in opulent apartments and villas, dining out each day and indulging in massages and beauty treatments thrice or more weekly – all for a mere £2,000 per month, a figure she said would be double or worse back in the UK.

Casey has sworn off returning to the UK and now bankrolls her globetrotting lifestyle by producing content for brands, who pay her to visit breathtaking spots across the globe.

Content creator Casey, from Chorley, Lancashire, said: "I've always loved to travel and whenever I'd come home to rainy England after a holiday, I always felt a bit depressed.

"The main reasons I left the UK is because every day feels the same, it's dark and it's gloomy. I used to hate going to work in the dark, and coming home in the dark.

"The lifestyle in the UK just wasn't very fulfilling. Life in England felt a lot more routine and rushed - like I was always in a cycle of work, grey weather and waiting for the weekend.

"My lifestyle in Asia is so much more fulfilling. I've built a life that allows me to wake up by the beach, work on creative projects I care about and explore beautiful places. I feel a sense of freedom that I never felt in the UK.

"Travelling Asia is a no-brainer considering the difference in cost of living - and it's beautiful. I finally made move to Asia in March 2023 and I've never looked back.

"There is no downside, it's all just been amazing. I love the lifestyle and the sun, I'd never move back."

Casey was stuck in a rut with her mum, Helen, an artist, back in Lancashire, juggling various "random, boring jobs" such as waitressing, bar work and sales, when she decided to pack up and head to Asia. Having had a taste of adventure working as a holiday rep for Thomas Cook, she yearned to "see the world", but the puzzle was how to bankroll her wanderlust.

She began crafting promotional videos for big names like Santander and My Protein, quickly realising her income potential had soared to upwards of £5,000 monthly. In March 2023, Casey took off to Thailand with a bunch of mates she'd connected with online, ready to live her Asian travel fantasy.

While settling into Thai life, Casey bagged a two-storey, fully furnished apartment for just £560 a month, sharing the cost with her other half, Taylor. Their setup boasted an infinity pool and gym access.

"It's so much more affordable to live in Asia," Casey said. "You could stay in a really beautiful villa or hotel for £10 to £30 a night.

"Local food is roughly £1 or £2 per meal and Western food like pasta or pizza is £4 or £5. The sort of lifestyle that would cost £4,000 or £5,000 a month in Europe is only £2,000 in Asia. And if you're on more of a budget, you could definitely get by on £1,200 a month."

Casey has racked up visits to approximately 15 countries in the past two years, taking her adventures through Vietnam, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Morocco and Central America. She's driven by the hope that her journey will motivate others to "follow their dreams" of travel and remote work.

As a result, she now regularly shares her tips and recommendations on social media for fellow aspiring digital nomads.

Casey said: "If you're not happy in your job, go after your dreams. Moving back to the UK is never going to happen.

"If I have children in the future, I'd move to Australia to raise a family. I never thought it would be possible to travel the world full time, but here I am now.

"I am so grateful every day for staying consistent and going after what I really wanted in life. I'm the happiest I've ever been."

Casey's top destinations

For sun-kissed beaches, head to the Philippines

Surf enthusiasts should catch the waves in Indonesia

Find the most courteous people in Thailand

Casey's typical costs

Rent - £500 - £1,000 a month, split between two people

Bills - £0 - included in rent

Daily food budget stands at £10

Experiences - gratis for Casey courtesy of GetYourGuide collaborations, but typically cost between £10 - £60

Travel insurance is her only substantial outlay at £60

You can keep up with Casey's global trotting on Instagram @howtotravelfulltime.