Lucy Richardson’s Leap of Faith
Lucy Richardson was browsing Instagram when she stumbled upon a reel that left her feeling inspired. It showcased the life of travel influencer Ben Lutz and his family, who were preparing to leave the US for Italy. Balancing the responsibilities of running a beauty salon and raising three young children, Richardson felt a surge of excitement—evoking memories of her past struggles—and rushed to tell her husband, Paul, that she wanted to abandon their life in the UK for a new adventure.
Setting Plans in Motion
Just two days later, the Richardsons learned about Boundless Life, a travel organization focused on families. It offers education programs worldwide where families can connect, work remotely, and immerse themselves culturally. Although the costs of flying and living abroad felt daunting, the couple devised a savings strategy and ultimately decided to quit their jobs and relocate, making significant sacrifices along the way. A year later, they made it happen.
The Reality of Travel Influencing
Many people dream of the adventurous lifestyle portrayed by travel influencers, but few take the leap like the Richardsons. However, the reality often contrasts sharply with the polished images seen on social media, as most influencers receive compensation from the destinations they promote.
Arriving in Bali
Upon arriving in Bali, Richardson was unfamiliar with the island. She recalls watching a joyful family walking along the beach promenade, a stark contrast to her busy life in the UK. In Bali, the Richardsons began spending more quality time together. Nevertheless, Richardson soon realized that the ease displayed in social media clips was not reflective of her family’s experience, particularly regarding the challenges of daily life with young children.
Adaptation and Safety Concerns
One of the biggest adjustments concerned safety. While taxi fares were affordable, car seats weren’t commonly used, posing a challenge when traveling with their two older children and their toddler. The condition of the roads and the ever-present traffic added to the difficulties. “Every little outing felt risky,” Richardson explained. Despite the flexible lifestyle they appreciated, she missed the safety protocols they had in the UK.
Challenges of Living Abroad
The family rented a beautiful villa that initially thrilled them, but it also posed safety challenges because its design promoted indoor/outdoor living. Richardson noted the lack of protective features typically found in homes, stating, “While it looked like a dream come true for Instagram, it wasn’t designed with safety in mind.” They had to remain vigilant to keep their children safe.
Finding New Opportunities
Now, the Richardsons are exploring ways to fund their travel aspirations. They are generating some income by renting their UK home as a vacation property, but they are also searching for remote work opportunities in fields like digital marketing and day trading. After launching their social media account, @Therichardsons04, they garnered rapid attention, gaining thousands of followers. Richardson embraces the authenticity of their journey, appreciating that their content resonates with others who share similar travel dreams. Despite the obstacles, she expressed satisfaction with their decision to pursue this path, extending their plans in Bali and continuing their travels around the globe.
