“I don’t know how you can afford it… do you have a secret money tree or something?”
It’s a question we get asked a lot. On paper, our travels sound expensive and exclusive — 13 weeks a year exploring places like the Maldives, Egypt, the Alps, Central America, and beyond. The reality is far less glamorous and far more honest. We don’t earn huge salaries, we live in one of the most expensive parts of the UK, and we have two active boys who cost a small fortune just to keep fed and clothed.
So how do we do it? Not through luck, inheritance, or a magic bank account — but through deliberate choices, careful planning, and a lifestyle built around experiences rather than things. This is the real story of how our family makes long-term, budget-friendly travel work — and why it isn’t for everyone, but works perfectly for us.
Family Russell-Smith Travel 