Long-term family travel can mean many things—a family gap year, an extended trip, or even a full-time lifestyle as a digital nomad family or expats.
But how much does it cost to travel the world with a family? If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling the world with kids, you might wonder what a realistic budget looks like.
Since 2019, we’ve been a digital nomad family, traveling to places like Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. Along the way, we’ve kept working and tracked all travel expenses.
In this guide, I break down the total cost of our world travel over the past five years, including the best ways to save money, find good deals, and travel long-term with young kids.
Let’s go!
Real-Life Example: How Much We Spent Traveling the World from 2019 – Today
You will find a simplified table of our travel costs over the years at the end of the article.
2019 – 2020 (as a Family of 3):
When we started in October 2019 (that’s why my annual accounting is always from October to October), we were just three. Our daughter Lila was 2 years old.
We had initial savings of only $11,000 (€10,000) and were both freelancing. My husband is a UI/UX designer, and I was a copywriter.
Please note, as a full-time travel family, we travel slowly. Sometimes we stay in one place for 3 months, other times for 6–9 months.
As you know, the COVID pandemic began in early 2020, so we were basically stuck in Thailand and could only travel a bit within the country.
Therefore, our costs were significantly lower. But also because suddenly rental prices dropped a lot, as tourists stayed away and all prices in the country dropped significantly.
🗓 2019-2020 at a Glance:
💵 Total Spend: $50,100 (€48,300) / $138 (€133) per day
✔ Biggest Expense: Accommodation ($20,000)
✔ Biggest Savings: Cheap flights & low-cost rentals due to COVID
Flight Costs: $2,300 (€2,215)
We got a good deal on our plane ticket to Thailand. We paid only $1,500 (€1,445) for the three of us to get to Bangkok.
Then, we spent a few months in Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand, and eventually moved to Koh Phangan, located in the southeast of the country.
Domestic flights within Thailand are very cheap, usually under $100 (€96) per person per trip.
Transportation: $3,200 (€3,088)
In both Chiang Mai and Koh Phangan, we rented two scooters. During the pandemic, this was even cheaper, costing about 1,500 THB per scooter per month (around $44 or €42).
Accommodation: $20,000 (€19,300)
At first, we lived modestly in a simple condominium in Chiang Mai. However, when we moved to Koh Phangan and rental prices dropped drastically, we treated ourselves to a lovely sea-view pool villa for just 65,000 THB per month (about $1,900 or €1,800).
Today, the same villa costs 260,000 THB per month ($7,600 or €7,300). Unbelievable, right?!
Food & Drinks: $12,000 (€11,580)
We always focused a lot on work, and neither of us enjoys cooking. So, we ordered our food or enjoyed local cuisine 90% of the time.
Including grocery shopping, we spent about $1,000 (€965) per month.
Education: $7,200 (€6,940)
Our daughter attended an international private kindergarten in both Chiang Mai and Koh Phangan. These institutions cost about $600 (€578) per month.
In northern Thailand and Phuket, you can expect to pay double that. When COVID forced schools to close, we placed her with a childminder, which cost slightly less.
Fun & Activities: $1,400 (€1,350)
During COVID, many activities were limited. This amount covers two domestic trips (to Pai and Koh Tao) and occasional small adventures like ATV or jet ski rides.
Insurance & Other Costs: $4,000 (€3,850)
Our health insurance at that time cost only $150 (€145) for all three of us. Additionally, we had expenses for software needed for work, sim cards (check out Airalo for the best digital data plans), and occasional co-working space rentals.
2020 – 2021 (as a Family of 3 and 4):
This year was marked by the COVID pandemic. Prices in Thailand were extremely low, and international travel was still not possible.
So, we spent a lot of time exploring Thailand and lived in different places. In August 2021, our second daughter was born.
I’ve noted these expenses under Extra Costs.
🗓 2020-2021 at a Glance:
💵 Total Spend: $64,500 (€54,800) / $177 (€150) per day
💰 Biggest Expense: Accommodation ($20,000)
😎 Biggest Savings: Low rental prices due to COVID & hiring a nanny for only $890/month
Flight Costs: $800 (€680)
We often took flights to Bangkok, Krabi, and Phuket. As mentioned earlier, domestic flights in Thailand are very affordable.
Transportation: $5,500 (€4,675)
We bought our own scooter for about $1,450 (€1,230) and also rented a car for $600 (€510) per month, including gas.
I preferred not to ride the scooter during my pregnancy.
Accommodation: $20,000 (€19,270)
This year, we lived in Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and finally Koh Samui, where the hospital was suitable for childbirth.
Due to COVID, rental prices remained extremely low, and we never paid more than 70,000 THB per month (about $2,080 or €2,000) for beautiful villas.
Food & Drinks: $15,000 (€14,450)
We continued to eat out almost exclusively. In Koh Tao and Koh Samui, food prices were slightly higher than in Koh Phangan, so we spent a bit more.
Including grocery shopping, we spent approximately $1,250 (€1,200) per month.
Education & Childcare: $10,000 (€9,635)
Our older daughter, Lila, attended international private kindergartens in Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, and Koh Samui, each costing about $600 (€580) per month.
When our second daughter, Ruby, was born in August, we hired a live-in nanny—a lovely Thai woman who stayed with us and took on various baby care shifts.
During COVID, this luxury cost only about 30,000 THB per month (around $890 or €860). Nowadays, this service is much more expensive.
Fun & Activities: $2,000 (€1,930)
Due to my pregnancy and COVID, adventurous activities were limited. Instead, we spent more on self-care, such as massages and spa treatments.
My husband often went scuba diving.
Insurance & Other Costs: $4,000 (€3,855)
Expenses for health insurance, work-related software, and occasional co-working space rentals remained the same.
Extra Costs: $7,200 (€6,940)
This year, significant extra cost arose due to my pregnancy and Ruby’s birth. The delivery and hospital stay were surprisingly affordable at 75,000 THB (about $2,230 or €2,150).
Additionally, we decided to store stem cells from the placenta and umbilical cord blood to provide Ruby or other family members with better chances of curing various diseases, which cost about $4,000 (€3,855).
Additional expenses included prenatal and postnatal check-ups. You can read about my personal birth experience in Thailand here.
2021 – 2022 (as a Family of 4):
The COVID pandemic was coming to an end, and traveling was finally possible again.
This year, we took a two-month trip to Europe (Germany and Finland) before flying back to Thailand. In Thailand, we lived in Koh Phangan and later in Chiang Mai.
🗓 2021-2022 at a Glance:
💵 Total Spend: $66,400 (€64,000) / $182 (€175) per day
💰 Most Expensive Destination: Europe (Germany & Finland)
😎 Best Budget Find: Free accommodation with family & affordable living in Chiang Mai
Flight Costs: $4,500 (€4,340)
The most expensive flights were, of course, from Asia to Europe and back. Flights within Europe were much more affordable.
Transportation: $3,900 (€3,760)
In Europe, we had rental cars. In Thailand, we owned one scooter and rented another. As tourism in Thailand started picking up again, prices slowly began to rise.
Accommodation: $19,500 (€18,800)
In Europe, we mostly stayed with friends and family, so we didn’t have accommodation expenses there. That’s in general a good idea for saving money: If you have family in expensive places like Europe or the United States, staying with them cuts vacation costs big time.
In Koh Phangan and Chiang Mai, we rented houses and condominiums, each costing about 60,000 THB per month (around $1,780 or €1,720).
Food & Drinks: $15,500 (€14,950)
Food prices in Europe, especially Finland, were much higher than in Thailand. However, we balanced this by spending four months in Chiang Mai, known for its affordable and delicious food.
This helped offset the higher costs in Europe.
Education & Childcare: $15,000 (€14,450)
Our older daughter, Lila, attended international private kindergartens in both Koh Phangan and Chiang Mai, costing about $600 (€580) per month.
For our younger daughter, Ruby, we hired full-time nannies and later enrolled her in a nursery she attended for a few hours each morning.
This amounted to approximately $800 (€770) per month for Ruby, excluding our time in Europe.
Fun & Activities: $4,000 (€3,860)
This year, we enjoyed various adventures, including husky sledding and snowmobiling in Finland, as well as trips to theme parks and city tours.
Insurance & Other Costs: $4,000 (€3,860)
Expenses for health insurance, work-related software, and occasional co-working space rentals remained consistent.
👉 Check out my monthly cost breakdowns for the following locations:
– Koh Phangan Cost of Living
– Koh Tao Cost of Living
– Canggu: Cost of Living
– Cost of Living in Ubud
2022 – 2023 (as a Family of 4):
This year was all about big travels. We went on vacation in Australia.
Then, from November to January, we spent two months in New Zealand, exploring the North and South Islands in a campervan.
After that, we lived in Bali for three months—first six weeks in Ubud and then six weeks in Canggu.
Finally, we moved back to Koh Phangan, Thailand, and also spent two months on the nearby island of Koh Tao.
🗓 2022-2023 at a Glance:
💵 Total Spend: $85,500 (€80,800) / $235 (€223) per day
💰 Most Expensive Destination: New Zealand (campervan rental = $14,000)
😎 Best Budget Find: Affordable schools & nannies in Bali
Flight Costs: $7,000 (€6,620)
Flying from Thailand to Australia, New Zealand, and then Bali was surprisingly expensive, especially with convenient flight times.
Traveling with a baby and a 5-year-old, we chose the easiest options possible. Flights between Bali and Thailand, however, were much cheaper.
Transportation: $17,000 (€16,070)
The campervan in New Zealand was the biggest expense at $14,000 (€13,240). In Australia, we mostly used Uber and public transportation.
In Bali, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, we rented two scooters again, with fairly low rental costs.
Accommodation: $19,000 (€18,000)
In New Zealand, our campervan also served as our accommodation, so this section only includes Australia, Bali, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao.
Bali was particularly expensive, with pool villas in Ubud and Canggu costing $3,000 (€2,840) per month. In Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, we were more budget-conscious, renting houses for 45,000 THB per month (about $1,335 or €1,260).
Food & Drinks: $20,000 (€19,000)
In New Zealand and Australia, food was extremely expensive, even though we cooked a lot ourselves. In Bali, however, we spent less in restaurants per month than in Thailand.
Nevertheless, this year, our food and drink costs were exorbitantly high.
Education & Childcare: $12,500 (€11,812.50)
Ruby and Lila attended international schools and kindergartens in Bali and Thailand. In New Zealand and Australia, they were on vacation.
The schools in Bali cost only about $400 per month per child (€378), making them slightly cheaper than those in Thailand.
Nannies in Bali also cost significantly less than in Thailand.
Fun & Activities: $6,000 (€5,670)
In New Zealand, we had big outings and exciting adventures almost daily, such as bungee jumping, kayaking, canoeing, or e-mountain biking.
In Bali, we also explored the neighboring islands by boat, climbed mountains, and toured the island.
Insurance & Other Costs: $4,000 (€3,780)
The costs for health insurance, work software, and occasional co-working space rentals remained the same.
2023 – 2024 (as a Family of 4):
This year, we mostly stayed in Thailand since we had a lot of visitors and focused on work.
However, during school holidays, we took trips to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Within Thailand, we visited Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Yao Yai several times.
🗓 2023-2024 at a Glance:
💵 Total Spend: $76,800 (€72,960) / $210 (€200) per day
💰 Most Expensive Destination: Singapore (hotels, food, activities)
😎 Best Budget Find: Long-term rental in Koh Phangan for $1,232 per month
Flight Costs: $5,000 (€4,750)
Flights from Thailand to Singapore and Malaysia were very cheap, just over $100 (€95) per person per trip. The same goes for domestic flights from Koh Samui to Krabi, Bangkok, or Phuket.
That’s why flight expenses remained relatively low this year.
Transportation Costs: $6,800 (€6,460)
We bought two more scooters in Thailand for a total of $5,600 (€5,320). We also had expenses for gas, Grab (Asia’s Uber), and taxis in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, and Krabi.
Accommodation: $23,000 (€21,850)
Singapore was, alongside New Zealand, the most expensive country we’ve visited so far.
One night in a hotel cost $550 (€522). In contrast, a night at the W in Kuala Lumpur was only $150 (€142).
💰 Singapore (Pan Pacific): $550 (€522) per night
💰 Kuala Lumpur (W Hotel): $150 (€142) per night
Honestly, the W was much better than the hotel in Singapore. In Phuket, we treated ourselves several times at the luxury hotel Pullman Naithon Beach, and in Koh Samui, we often checked into the Hyatt Regency.
In Koh Phangan, Thailand, we secured a great long-term deal for a 2-bedroom house, paying only 44,000 THB per month (about $1,232 or €1,144).
Food & Drinks: $18,000 (€17,100)
In Singapore, everything was extremely expensive, including food. Fortunately, we were only there for a week. Kuala Lumpur was very affordable.
However, tourism in Thailand is now in full swing again, and prices have risen everywhere, especially for rentals and in restaurants.
We particularly noticed this in Koh Phangan, where it’s hard to find a Western dish for under 250 THB (about $7 or €6.50).
Education & Childcare: $16,000 (€15,200)
Ruby and Lila attended international schools and kindergartens in Thailand. We also occasionally hired a nanny to have some time alone as a couple.
Fun & Activities: $4,000 (€3,800)
Our major activities and excursions were mainly during our vacations. Singapore was again at the forefront in terms of costs.
For example, half a day at Universal Studios Singapore for the four of us, with priority tickets, cost a hefty $600 (€570).
A day at a theme park in Kuala Lumpur, including meals, was only $150 (€142).
Insurance & Other Costs: $4,000 (€3,800)
The costs for health insurance, work-related software, and occasional co-working space rentals remained the same.
Factors That Affect Family Travel Costs
Destination & Cost of Living
Where you travel makes a huge difference in your daily expenses when traveling the world with kids. Some regions, like Southeast Asia or Latin America, are incredibly budget-friendly, while places like Europe, the US, or Japan can drain your wallet fast.
For example, in Thailand, a family can rent a beautiful 2-bedroom house for around $1,200 (€1,140) per month, while the same kind of home in Spain or Portugal could easily cost $3,000 (€2,850) or more.
And let’s not even start with Switzerland or Singapore, where a hotel night can cost more than a month’s rent in Thailand.
Food prices also vary massively. In Bali or Mexico, you can eat out daily for less than $5 (€4.75) per person if you stick to local food.
But in Australia or Scandinavia, one meal out can cost $20–$30 (€19–€28) per person—even for something simple.
Bottom line? Destination choice is the biggest factor in how much you’ll spend as a family.
Travel Style: Slow Travel vs. Fast Travel
How fast you move makes a huge difference in costs. Slow travel saves money in so many ways, which is crucial when you travel the world with a family and want to stretch your budget.
Long-term rentals are way cheaper – Hotels and short-term stays add up fast. But if you rent for a few months, prices drop significantly. When traveling the world with kids, having a home base for a few months also makes things easier.
In Koh Phangan, we scored a great deal on a 2-bedroom long-term house for just 44,000 THB per month (about $1,232 or €1,144). That’s an absolute steal compared to short-term villa rentals, which can easily cost double or triple that.
Less money spent on transport – Moving around a lot means constant flights, bus rides, and taxis. Staying put for a few months cuts these costs dramatically.
More home-cooked meals – In short stays, you often rely on restaurants. With slow travel, you get to know the local markets, cook more at home, and avoid overpriced tourist spots.
💡 Fast travel = Higher rent, more transport, constant restaurant meals.
💡 Slow travel = Cheaper rent, fewer flights, more local savings.
Accommodation Choices
Where you stay can make a huge difference to your overall travel costs. Luckily, there are plenty of budget-friendly options that work for families if you’re willing to be flexible.
Long-term rentals: As mentioned above, renting for a few months or more is often way cheaper than short-term stays. Many landlords offer discounts for long-term tenants, and utilities are sometimes included, which helps keep costs down.
House sitting: If you’re flexible about location and timing, house sitting is an incredible cost-saving option. Many families love this setup because you get free accommodation in exchange for taking care of someone’s home (and sometimes their pets).
Family-friendly hostels, vacation rentals and Airbnbs: Hostels aren’t just for backpackers anymore. Many now offer private family rooms that are far cheaper than hotels.
Similarly, Airbnbs with kitchens let you save on meals and offer more space for kids to run around. If you’re staying for a few weeks, ask the host for a long-term discount—it works more often than you’d think!
Transportation Costs
Getting from A to B can quickly eat up your budget, especially with kids. But there are smart ways to save on both flights and ground transport.
How to Save on Flights
Flights are usually one of the biggest expenses when traveling the world with a family, but there are tricks to keep costs low:
- Points & Miles – If you travel often, get a travel rewards credit card. We’ve saved thousands using points for long-haul flights.
- Budget Airlines – Airlines like AirAsia, Ryanair, and Jetstar offer super cheap fares. Just watch out for extra fees (baggage, seat selection, etc.).
- Flight Deals & Alerts – Sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) help find the best deals. Being flexible with dates helps, too!
💡 How to Find Cheap Flights in Asia:
✔ Use Google Flights & Skyscanner – Set alerts for price drops
✔ Be Flexible – Mid-week flights are often cheaper
✔ Consider Budget Airlines – AirAsia & Scoot have flights from $50 (€48)
Ground Transport: The Budget-Friendly Way to Travel
Flights aren’t always necessary. Trains, buses, and rentals can be way cheaper and more convenient, depending on the destination.
Trains – Great for Europe, Japan, and parts of Asia. They’re comfy, fast, and often more affordable than flying. Rail passes (like the Eurail Pass) can save money on multiple trips.
Buses – In countries like Thailand, Mexico, and Vietnam, long-distance buses are an affordable and easy way to travel. Luxury buses often have reclining seats, WiFi, and onboard snacks.
Car Rentals – Renting a car can be cost-effective, especially for road trips or rural destinations. Look for long-term rental discounts or consider car-sharing apps like Turo.
RV & Campervan Life – In places like New Zealand, Australia, and the US, renting an RV can combine accommodation and transport, cutting down on costs. We spent $14,000 (€13,240) on a campervan in New Zealand, but that covered both transport and housing for two months.
Food & Dining Expenses
Food is one of those costs that adds up fast, especially when traveling with kids. But depending on where you are and how you eat, it can either be a budget killer or surprisingly affordable.
Cooking vs. Eating Out: How It Affects Your Budget
- Cooking at home saves a ton of money, especially in expensive destinations. Grocery shopping and meal prepping help cut down on costs, and in some places, local markets are a fun experience in themselves.
- Eating out daily is manageable in low-cost countries but can wreck your budget in pricier destinations.
Where Dining Out Is Cheap vs. Expensive
🍽 Cheap Eats: In Bali & Mexico, local meals cost under $5 (€4.75) per person.
🍽 Expensive Eats: In Australia & Scandinavia, expect $20–$30 (€19–€28) per meal.
Travel Insurance & Healthcare
If you’re traveling long-term with kids, travel insurance isn’t optional—it’s a must. Unexpected things happen, from sick kids to accidents. Without insurance, a simple hospital visit or emergency could cost thousands.
Lila once was in the hospital in Thailand for 5 nights because of pneumonia and the final bill was $8,000 (€7,700). Luckily our insurance covered everything.
How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?
Travel insurance prices depend on:
✔ Your destination (USA, Canada, and Japan = pricier coverage)
✔ Your age & family size
✔ Coverage type (basic vs. premium)
Estimated costs for long-term family travel insurance:
- Budget plans: Around $50–$100 (€48–€95) per month per adult
- Comprehensive plans: Around $150–$250 (€140–€237) per month per adult
For our family, we’ve always had insurance, and for the first 5 years, we only paid $150 (€145) per month for all three of us. Today we pay more than double, but it’s still worth every penny.
Check out my article on how I found the perfect travel insurance for our family.
👉 You might also find these articles interesting:
– The Digital Nomad Parents Survival Guide
– The 15 Best Digital Nomad Family Destinations
– Living in Thailand with Kids – Experience of a Family of 4
– The Ultimate Guide to Full-Time Family Travel
Final Thoughts on How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World with a Family?
Traveling the world as a family isn’t cheap, but it’s also not as expensive as many think. Your costs will depend on where you go, how fast you travel, and the lifestyle choices you make along the way.
Slow travel, choosing budget-friendly destinations, and being flexible with accommodation can make a huge difference.
After more than five years on the road, we’ve learned that family travel isn’t about spending less—it’s about spending smart.
Some years, we lived in affordable places like Thailand, keeping our costs low. Other times, we splurged on unforgettable experiences, like road-tripping through New Zealand or staying in luxury hotels.
The good news: If long-term travel is something you dream about, know that it’s possible with careful planning, budgeting, and a willingness to adapt.
I know you can do it!
I’ll keep this article up to date so you can always read a rough estimate of our current cost of living.
Do you have any questions? Please let me know in the comments! I’m here to help!
Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day! Yours, Lulu
Just a heads up: some links in the article “How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World With a Family?” on Nomadmum.com are affiliate links. This means if you click and buy, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
