A woman, tired of the UK’s “gloomy weather”, abandoned 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, left her job as a sales manager after feeling “unfulfilled” by life in Britain and booked a one-way flight to Thailand.
She has no plans to return and says she was inspired to move after getting “fed up” of the rain, cold and lifestyle in the UK.
Read more: Exactly when it will reach 30c
In March 2023, she shared a video on TikTok about her plans to travel to Thailand and Bali, and asked if any other solo travellers would like to join her.
She created a group chat of seven like-minded young people looking to explore the world and together they spent six weeks travelling around Thailand.
During that time, Casey met her boyfriend, Taylor Barker, 26, who works in marketing, and the couple has travelled the world together ever since – visiting 15 different countries.
Professional traveller Casey now earns over £5k a month and says living abroad is “better” because the cost-of-living in Asia is significantly less than in Britain.
She claims she’s able to live a “dream lifestyle” – including staying in luxury apartments and villas, eating out for every meal and having massages and beauty treatments three to four times per week – for just £2,000 a month, which would be at least double the price in the UK.
Casey has absolutely sworn off a return to the UK, favouring a lifestyle funded through her work with brands that pay for her to visit breathtaking spots across the globe.
The Chorley native expressed: “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 down side, it’s all just been amazing.
“I love the lifestyle and the sun, I’d never move back.”
Prior to her Asian adventure, Casey lived with her mum Helen, an artist, in their Lancashire home juggling unexciting jobs ranging from waitressing and bar tending to sales before taking the leap to a new life in Asia.
After her stint as a holiday rep for Thomas Cook, a woman keen on globe-trotting figured out an ingenious way to fund her wanderlust.
She found her footing by producing promotional videos for heavyweights like Santander and My Protein, quickly realising she could make over £5,000 a month.
In March 2023, Casey took off to Thailand with companions she connected with online, pursuing her Asian travel fantasies.
Based in Thailand, Casey snagged an opulent two-story flat at a steal of £560 per month, sharing the expense with her other half, Taylor.
The enviable residence boasted an infinity pool and an on-site gym.
Emphasising the cost-effectiveness of life in Asia, Casey shared: “It’s so much more affordable to live in Asia,”.
“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.”
Casey pointed out: “The sort of lifestyle that would cost £4k or £5k a month in Europe is only £2k in Asia.
“And if you’re on more of a budget, you could definitely get by on £1,200 a month.”
During the last couple of years, Casey’s escapades have taken her to about 15 nations including Vietnam, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Morocco, and parts of Central America.
She’s keen to encourage others with her story to take the leap and explore the world while working remotely and she shares guidance and top tips on social media for aspiring digital nomads.
Offering some earnest advice, Casey said: “If you’re not happy in your job, go after your dreams.”
Casey stated: “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 expenses can be broken down as follows: she pays between £500 and £1000 per month in rent, which is split with her partner, and her bills are covered by her rent. Her daily food allowance is £10.
Casey gets to enjoy experiences for free thanks to her collaboration with GetYourGuide, but prices can range from £10 to £60. Her travel insurance premium is £60.
link