Ripon family 'sold up' to travel world searching for new life

A family from Ripon, North Yorkshire, made a bold decision to sell almost all of their belongings to embark on a journey around the world with their 12-year-old daughter. Emma, 34, and Joe, 33, were fed up with the monotonous grind of working life in western society and wanted to give their daughter, Tilly, a more enriching life experience. They left behind their house and possessions in January and set out on an adventure to Central and South America, with the ultimate goal of finding a new country to settle in.

The couple, who previously worked as a mechanical engineer and technician in the renewable energy sector and an occupational therapist and teaching assistant, respectively, decided to take Tilly out of school so she could learn valuable life skills through their travels. Tilly’s education has evolved as she learned Spanish, adapted to using various currencies, and honed her cooking skills. The family believes that the practical life experience gained from their travels will make Tilly more employable in the future.

Their journey has taken them through several countries, including Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Colombia, before their recent relocation to Thailand. While they have faced challenges along the way, such as witnessing a young girl being held up at gunpoint in Colombia, they remain determined to continue exploring and searching for a place to call home. Despite some skepticism from relatives and the older generation, the family remains focused on their goal of breaking free from the societal pressures of consumerism and workaholism.

Through their social media account “Smiths On Tour,” the family shares snippets of their travel adventures and experiences with their followers. They have found a sense of community and friendship among expats in Chiang Mai, emphasizing the importance of grounding themselves in meaningful connections rather than material possessions

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