MANY of us dream of leaving the UK for sunnier pastures, but one Brit has revealed how she did just that.
Claudia, who moved to Koh Samui, Thailand in 2023, often discusses why the move was the best thing for her on social media.
The 31-year-old was only 24 when she first ventured to Thailand in search of like-minded people who weren't stuck complaining about the bad weather and cost of living crisis back home.
So after saving up enough money she uprooted her life to the sunny destination and started her own social strategy business.
Speaking in a viral TikTok clip, Claudia explained that the cheaper lifestyle in Thailand means she can afford things she wouldn't be able to back home.
For example, the content creator has managed to hire a maid to takeover daily cleaning tasks.
“The biggest reason is the lifestyle, in the UK you get maybe two months of good weather a year if you are lucky, the rest of the time it's grey skies, constant rain and people rushing around in coats complaining,” she said.
According to Claudia, in Thailand it's “very common” to have a maid who gives everything a good clean once a week or so.
For the content creator, this means she no longer has to stress about things like changing her bedding, doing laundry, or even ironing.
“Call me lazy if you want but the laundry people here do such a great job and it's so cheap,” she explained.
Cooking is also no longer a stress for Claudia and her partner and they revealed they simply order most of their food.
And when they're not dining out at restaurants or indulging in takeaways, the couple “order meal prep” from a company that delivers calorie-controlled meals right to their door.
Thailand's pros don't end there for the jetsetter though, Claudia opened up in another viral video about some of the other reasons she has no plans to come back to the UK – and it all comes down to the cost.
She shared what she spends on an average day in Koh Samui, and it's a lot less than you might think.
After starting the day with a smoothie bowl and an iced coffee at a local cafe, Claudia went shopping for a new dress, which she picked up for just £22.
It was then time for a massage in a private room with sea view, which cost £12.53, followed by lunch on the beach for just £13.
And if those prices weren't low enough, Claudia also revealed she gets a fresh Russian manicure for £18, and grabbed dinner on the beach for £27 for both herself and her boyfriend.
The full day of eating out and activities only came to £102.
“For a Sunday that felt like an absolute dream, how much would you get for that where you live?” she said in the clip.
After sharing her new lifestyle, fellow TikTok users were left stunned by how cheap everything was.
“I would move there in a heartbeat, I travelled there two years ago and loved it,” one person commented.
A second agreed: “Moving abroad is the best thing I've ever done for myself.”
And while some thought Claudia's lifestyle, especially hiring a maid, was “lazy”, she clarified that she uses the time saved to work on her business.
“We would all do it if we had the chance, it's not lazy it's smart. More time for yourself,” someone else commented on the clip.
“Anybody calling you lazy is funny because nobody rich is doing these things themselves, it's just a mindset thing.
“As long as you treat the staff really well it's a good job for them too,” another wrote.
Tips for a stress-free holiday with kids
PARENTS have been told the three ways in which they can make family holidays with kids so much easier.
Three experts have weighed in with their advice on what to do in order to make your getaways as stress-free as possible.
Family holidays are always exciting but having kids of a certain age can mean that things are more difficult than they need to be.
Thanks toTravel Weekly, here are three ways that those with young toddlers can have the best holiday possible.
Clarisse Chapolard, who is responsible for overseeing and caring for Club Med’s customers, says that booking off-peak flights ensures a quieter plane and airport – providing a more comfortable experience.
“Staff will generally be more available to help too,” she adds. “Flights can be the biggest headache with small children, so travel short-haul where possible.”
Clarisse also recommends making sure there are activities nearby to your accommodation to keep toddlers happy.
Having a child-friendly hotel can make the world of difference to your family holiday, especially when parents are looking for some time to themselves.
Founder and chief executive of Martinhal Resorts, Chitra Stern, said: “Accommodation needs to be child-friendly and safe, but also stylish and comfortable for parents.”
Finding somewhere with bed protectors, stair gates, steps in the bathrooms and furniture with round edges will prevent any unnecessary injuries or accidents.
Alan Cross, director of travel agent relationships for Jet2holidays, has recommended parents to look at package holidays for peace of mind, ease and assurance.
“Families with toddlers may appreciate dedicated facilities like kids’ clubs, children’s pools, creches, playgrounds, cots and highchairs,” he said.
Package deals can also include free child places, single-parent deals and discount codes, catering for more than a standard family of four.
