Single mom quits job to backpack around Asia with her young daughter

By Emma Dunn via SWNS

A single mom quit her job to backpack around Asia with her five-year-old and says she still has the "freedom" to experience whatever she wants.

Alicia Tunnicliffe, 23, had always loved traveling and would take her daughter, Milani, five, away with her and her parents at every opportunity.

But she realized it wasn't as scary to go away just the two of them after a week-long trip to Tunisia, Africa, last year.

Alicia thought it would be nice to go away for a longer period of time and decided to quit her job and travel around Asia - with her little girl in tow.

The pair moved in with Alicia's parents to save up for the trip and flew out to Bangkok, Thailand, on June 4, 2024.

Despite people saying she's "crazy", Alicia has found "freedom" traveling with her daughter and says they are having the "best time".

Alicia, who worked as an estate agent, from Torquay, Devon, said: "I pitched the idea to my family and they thought I was crazy.

"Only a year ago I was terrified.

"I don't feel scared anymore.

"We are having the best time."

Alicia was nervous to go away with just Milani for the first time in 2023.

She said: "I was really nervous.

"We went to Tunisia for a week and it was absolutely fine."

Alicia had the idea to do a longer trip just the two of them.

She said: "I thought the week holidays are nice but wouldn't it be nice if we do something a bit longer.

"I want to be a teacher and I'm starting college in September.

"I thought I should probably do it now."

Alicia moved in with her family late last year to save money to go.

She said: "We saved every single penny that we could."

Alicia pulled Milani out of reception for the remainder of her year but said the school have been really supportive and told her she wouldn't be fined.

They flew to Bangkok and have explored Chiang Mai, Phuket and Koh Samui so far.

They hope to explore Vietnam and Malaysia next and Alicia has been surprised at how easy it has been - despite a few things going wrong along the way.

Alicia said: "Milani has adjusted better than I have.

"She wasn't moaning about the heat as much as I have.

"I threw her in the deep end and she's just swam.

"We were leaving Bangkok and we showed the lady our passes and she said we were at the wrong airport.

"Milani gasped.

"But we managed to get another flight."

Alicia said Milani's favorite moments have been going to see the pig island and going to the cat café in Bangkok.

She said: "She loves animals.

"My favorite was the night markets."

Alicia said she has been able to experience what she has wanted to as well as what Milani has wanted to do.

She said: "Some said it's great idea but you don't have any freedom.

"I completely disagree.

"We went to a Love Island beach club the other night.

"We do something she wants to do one day and something I want to do the next."

Alicia feels Milani is learning more than she would be in reception from their travels.

She said: "There is so much that she is learning.

"She's so cautious of traffic.

"She's aware not everyone has the luxuries we do.

"Not everyone can pick up the bags and travel the world.

"Hopefully she'll continue to travel when she grows up."

Alicia hopes to inspire other single parents to travel with their children if they want to.

She said: "Even if you're from the Midlands and you take your child down to Cornwall it's time you're not attached to your phone.

"You get them to see something different from home."