The Hall family left the UK nine months to start a new life halfway around the world and they say it was ‘the best decision they ever made’ after pointing out several downsides of their homeland
A family who left the UK to move halfway around the world have hailed their long-distance move as the “best decision they ever made” before explaining the many reasons why. Kayleigh Hall, who documents her family’s adventures via Instagram shared a clip that began by highlighting the miserable British weather they left behind at their previous property.
“Nine months ago we booked a one-way ticket out of the UK,” she wrote in a caption. Kayleigh went on to explain their move was enabled by “selling, donating and giving up everything we owned” and since they’ve never looked back at their ‘gloomy’ homeland.
Kayleigh bluntly continued in her video, outlining further reasons behind the Halls’ decision to start a new life.
“Fed up with the grey skies, misery, a school system not fit for purpose, working to survive, quality of life dwindling, negativity and a healthcare system in crisis,” she slammed.
With their bags and suitcases packed, and unwanted belongings thrown in a skip on their driveway, Kayleigh explained: “Yes no country is perfect, we aren’t looking for that.”
She elaborated: “We’re looking for a country that is safe, friendly, affordable, warm, slow living, prioritising experiences over things, a place where we don’t get taxed on things taxed, a country where we can raise our family in peace.”
Six months on from settling in their new home, Kayleigh says her family are now “convinced” the move was the right decision, describing the experience as “incredible”.
“We still don’t know when we’ll settle [permanently] and where,” she went on to confess. “It definitely won’t be the UK. We are loving our adventures so far and have so much more to experience.”
Kayleigh, who has currently based her family in Malaysia, closed: “Being able to spend all day as a family is a blessing. Our children are growing, thriving, and happier than ever. I am so grateful I get to spend so much time with them and my husband.”
The Halls’ decision was met with a mixed reaction, however, with some Instagram users pointing out that the “grass isn’t always greener”.
“I find this video very negative,” one of them responded. “You’re more than happy to have your own opinion and move wherever you want but completely roasting country you’re coming from and not saying anything positive about this country is really wrong.
“Yes, weather is nowhere near as hot as in Portugal, Greece and Spain but thanks to that UK is so green. There is so many beautiful places in here.”
A second individual concurred, listing several benefits: “UK is beautiful, misty and grey in autumn and gorgeous in summer. Fifth largest economy in the world with immense opportunities. Strong chemical, environmental and safety policies. Highly regulated food and pharmaceutical industry.”
Whilst a cynic questioned: “Be interesting to see what happens if one of you needs medical care, suppose you won’t come back to use the NHS will you?”
Others were more supportive, however, including one person who congratulated: “Amazing well done, your family are going to have such amazing memories.”
Another fumed of UK life: “I think it was the best decision you’ve ever made. I’ve been living in the UK for over 20 years, and I haven’t gained anything good from this country. Just five more years, and I’ll be leaving for good. Life here hasn’t felt normal – it’s been a constant fight for survival.”
And a third exclaimed: “Much respect! Leaving the UK was the best decision I’ve ever made too! I haves lived in Tuscany, Italy for the last 24 years. It’s not perfect, but for me it’s a great quality of life. Most people don’t ever consider moving country as an option…sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t, but until you try you’ll never know!”