How Much Does It Cost for a Family of 6 to Travel Long-Term Around South East Asia?

In this blog, we'll delve into the fascinating world of long-term family travel and discuss the costs associated with such an adventure. Whether you're a fellow wanderlust-driven family or simply curious about the financial aspects of extended travel, this blog will provide you with valuable insights and help you plan your own memorable journey.

Our views on this will be based on our own personal slow travel lifestyle in SE Asia over the last 12 months and how we have chosen to spend our money.  The costs in this blog are estimates and will vary from month to month based on many factors such as size of family, individual spending preferences, locations, choice of accommodation & transport.  We will also compare the cost over the last year in this lifestyle vs our previous life in the UK.  We will be very open and honest about everything.

South East Asia is a treasure trove of diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, making it an ideal destination for long-term family travel. With its rich history, vibrant markets, and breathtaking natural beauty, this region offers a unique blend of adventure, education, and relaxation for families seeking a life-changing experience.  It has something to offer every member of the family.

It is also worth noting that we have always felt safe in most of the places we have visited and everyone has been very respectful to us.  The main reason for us choosing this part of the world is affordability.  Prices are cheaper here than most other parts of the world which is very attractive to anyone who is travelling on a budget.  Over the last year, we have been to Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), Thailand (Phuket, Chiang Mai/Rai, Pai, Krabi and Koh Lanta), Malaysia (Penang, Ipoh, Cameron Highlands, Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru) and the Philippines (Cebu, Palawan and Boracay).  Wow, when I look at this list, it fills me with joy!

Before embarking on your long-term family adventure, it's crucial to create a realistic budget to ensure financial stability throughout your journey. Consider factors such as accommodation, transportation, food, education, healthcare, leisure activities, and miscellaneous expenses. Research the cost of living in each destination, taking into account both popular tourist spots and off-the-beaten-path locations. Read other people’s travel blogs, online forums, and fellow travellers to gain insights into average daily expenses and use this information as a foundation for your budgeting process.

We now know from experience that prices will go up and down based on the time of year (high or low season) and how popular the location is.  If you take where we are now for example in the Philippines.  The price of a Red Horse bottle of beer is 50 pesos (70p) in Oslob a small town on the island of Cebu.  That same bottle is 140 pesos (2 pounds) in a mid range bar on the island of Boracay which is much busier with tourists.  We have put together a table listing our average monthly expenses which you might find helpful.

South East Asia offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit various budgets and preferences. From budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels to mid-range hotels and luxury resorts, you'll find choices to accommodate your family's needs.

Consider renting apartments or villas for more extended stays, as this can often be more cost-effective than daily hotel rates. And make sure you have a kitchen to allow you to cook and eat indoors if you want to save money.  The good thing about renting holiday homes is you don’t normally have to pay for utilities, council tax, broadband etc.

Research online booking platforms and compare prices, read reviews, and prioritize safety and comfort when selecting your accommodations.  We budgeted spending about 1,000 GBP a month and on the whole, we have been able to stick to that.  It’s useful to read a variation of travel blogs and dip into online forums.  For example, with Air BNB, if you book a property for 28 days or longer, it is classed as a long stay and the discount’s get bigger making it more affordable.  Have a look at our YouTube video on tips when using Air BNB.

One of the highlights of travelling in South East Asia is indulging in the delicious and diverse local cuisine. Food expenses can vary significantly depending on where you eat out and where you buy your groceries. 

We were a little surprised at the costs vs what we budgeted but it’s still cheaper overall than the UK.  Even with us being budget conscious, we could still afford to eat out 3 to 4 times a week.  To keep costs down, try to stick to restaurants that locals eat at, night markets and food courts are also cheap and an authentic way to experience the local flavours.  And every now and again, treat yourself to a nice restaurant for special occasions.  One tip is to bring your own drinks when eating out.

Sometimes the drinks can cost as much as the meals and it will save you a lot in the long run.  Our kids didn’t like this but hey ho! LOL!  Every now again, we will treat them to a drink off the menu.  You will definitely save money if you are self catering.  Make sure your accommodation has a well equipped kitchen so you can cook regularly at home.

Grocery shopping was a big surprise to us as we were naive for the first few months regularly shopping at premium Western supermarkets with imported goods.  We quickly realised we could save a lot by shopping at more local grocery stores and getting our fruit/veg at local markets.  Before we left the UK, we set a budget for eating out and groceries of 500 GBP a month.  It ended up being more like 700 GBP a month but that’s still much cheaper than the UK and we have better quality of life eating out 3 to 4 times a week.

Moving around will be a regular occurrence for a travel family.  Fortunately, South East Asia offers various affordable transportation options. Public buses, trains, and taxis are very cheap to get around.  Domestic flights can be cost-effective for long distances, especially when booked in advance. Embrace local modes of transportation, such as tuk-tuks or cyclos, for shorter journeys, and explore walking or cycling in pedestrian-friendly areas.

You also have the option to rent motorbikes or cars and there are some good deals to be had if you look around.  With a mixture of all of the above, we spent an average of 300 GBP a month.  That’s cheaper than owning or financing cars in the UK plus you have tax, insurance and MOT to factor in.

As long term travel tourists, you will naturally want to get out and discover what your locality has to offer.  Temples, national parks, boat trips, mountain trails, etc.  You will also want to visit theme parks, wildlife sanctuaries, go on guided tours, boat trips etc.  These all cost money but they are a fundamental part of why you are on this journey so ideally, you don’t want to miss anything just because you are looking after your budget.

Back in the UK, we worked out that about 800 GBP a month would go on short weekends and longer week/two week holidays.  It’s about the same for us on our travels but that also includes travel insurance and visas plus back in the UK you were getting holiday time in line with your annual leave entitlement but now you are on holiday full time!!!  Big difference!

As a worldschooling family, education and enrichment are key aspects of your long-term journey. South East Asia provides countless opportunities for immersive learning experiences. The World is their classroom!  It encourages a love for learning, exploring and problem solving.  Visiting historical sites, museums, and natural wonders can ignite curiosity and enhance learning beyond the traditional classroom.

Children have the opportunity to witness history come to life and develop a deeper appreciation for the sheer diversity in this world.  There are also plenty of organised  things they can do such as cooking, arts and crafts and workshops.  We also pay about 30 GBP a month on English and Maths online subscriptions websites.  Overall we are still saving a lot of money vs the monthly costs of having our kids in full time school.

Whilst you could argue that this is nice to have, our own experience has told us that this is essential for peace of mind.  It is inevitable that something will happen unexpectedly over a 12 month period that might require a visit to local hospitals, lost baggage, cancelled flights, etc.

Over the last year, we have made two claims which resulted in a payout benefit that’s larger than the insurance premium we paid.  Look for a comprehensive family plan designed for the long term across multiple countries that covers both medical and travel.  Do your research across travel blogs and forums to see what plans are out there and how other travellers have found them.  We went with World Nomads on a premium plan that costs 136 GBP a month for a family of 7.

We have some outgoings that have continued from our UK life which we consider to still be important such as life insurance, personal pensions, annual taxes on UK investments.  Clothing is always needed.  You might want to keep paying for stuff like Netflix too.  These all need to be factored in.

In addition to the major expenses mentioned above, there will always be miscellaneous costs that arise during your journey. These may include visa fees, SIM card purchases, internet access, laundry services, souvenirs, and unforeseen emergencies. Allocate a portion of your budget for these miscellaneous expenses, but also exercise restraint and prioritize experiences over material possessions.

To make your long-term family travel in South East Asia more affordable, consider implementing money-saving strategies with advanced planning and being organised.  Plan your trip during the off-peak season to take advantage of lower prices and fewer crowds. Cook your meals occasionally or pack snacks for day trips to reduce food expenses.

Always carry a refillable water bottle.  Use public transportation whenever possible and negotiate prices for tours, transportation, and souvenirs. Embrace the local culture by engaging in free activities such as exploring parks, beaches, and temples. Lastly, connect with fellow travellers and locals to gain valuable insights and discover hidden gems that may not be in popular guidebooks.

So here we go…  this is the moment of truth!  Over a 12 month period, have we spent less in this SE Asia slow travel lifestyle vs our bog standard UK routine?  The answer is yes.

Have a look at this table to see the side by side comparison.

In total, we have spent a third less.  For us personally, that’s over 17,000 GBP a year cheaper.  And the biggest variance which can’t be quantified is the quality of life improvement.  This comes from the regular sunshine, being around happy positive like-minded people, access to some of the best natural environments in the world (of course I am including beaches here!), less stress through life simplification, eating out loads, spending more time together as a family and seeing our children growing up happy and enriched by travel and discovery.

Embarking on a long-term family adventure around South East Asia is an extraordinary experience that offers incredible cultural immersion, lifelong memories, and valuable educational opportunities. While the costs associated with such a journey are less than our UK lifestyle costs, it is still very important that you plan your budget wisely,

prioritise your expenses, and explore money-saving strategies through research. By creating a realistic financial plan and considering various factors such as accommodation, food, transportation, education, and healthcare, you can ensure a fulfilling and financially sustainable trip for your family.

Remember, every family's travel style and preferences are unique, so adapt the information provided here to suit your circumstances. With careful planning and a spirit of adventure, you can embark on an unforgettable journey that enriches your family's lives in ways beyond measure.

Bon voyage!