My family of four has never been happier

When I met my husband at a work conference in 2013, it was love at first sight. That chance encounter eventually led me to call the beautiful twin island nation of Trinidad and Tobago home.

At the time, I was pursuing a career in Atlanta as a media consultant working with NFL and NBA players. I loved the charm and pace of the city. But when I met the man I would eventually marry, my priorities changed.

I no longer wanted a life built around image, status, and the need to be “on” all the time. I wanted a home that would give me a sense of security. And ultimately, I wanted to raise my children in a place where life felt more grounded.

All of that felt possible in Trinidad and Tobago. It also inspired a new chapter in my career, starting a business to help others find homes abroad.

Before we got married, my husband invited me to his home country. Even though I followed him everywhere, he wanted me to decide for myself whether I could build a life here.

Trinidad felt very family-oriented. I remember seeing children as young as six years old riding alone to school in maxi taxis (minibuses that pick up passengers along a set route).

To me, it seemed to reflect a level of independence and community trust that I wasn’t used to. The children greeted the adults with “good morning” and “hello.” Everyday interactions were filled with warmth and respect.

When my husband and I got married, we chose the island of Tobago as our wedding destination. Known for its beaches and scenic views, this location offered everything we wanted without the high costs of a traditional large American wedding.

We had 18 guests and the cost was less than $4,000 as far as I remember. Instead of expensive flowers, I brought a bouquet that my mother had made for me. She used bougainvillea that her husband had picked that morning from a bush across the road. It was simple, beautiful and exactly what I wanted.

In Trinidad and Tobago, I don’t feel the same pressure to live up to the lifestyle expectations I felt in America.

I drove a Mercedes-Benz in Atlanta. Currently, I drive a Chevy truck, which costs about $400 a month, including insurance. We spend about $20 a month on electricity. Phone and internet costs about $75 per month.

I once paid $1,500 a month for a one-bedroom apartment in Atlanta. We purchased a 3-bedroom home in 2018 and currently pay a $500 monthly mortgage payment. We live 12 minutes from the beach.

Living here has changed the way I measure success. Now I can watch my son and daughter climbing the fruit trees in my garden from the window of my home office.

My family of four spends about 30,000 yen a month. I feel like I can afford to dream here. It’s okay to get sick. Healthcare has become more accessible and that has made a huge difference for our family. A drug that would cost $500 in the US without insurance costs $10 at my local pharmacy in Trinidad.

As a mother who homeschools her children, I love how the daily life here gives them a unique education. A trip to a local market doubles as a lesson in mental arithmetic, budgeting, negotiation, and conversation.

Our children currently participate in eight extracurricular activities, including music and sports, for a total of approximately $477 per month.

I am also learning about local cuisine every day. Groceries are affordable here, so you can keep your monthly grocery bill to about $400 while trying local cuisine.

Moving to Trinidad and Tobago didn’t mean that life was perfect.

I had to adjust to living in a different culture, far away from my immediate family, and without some of the conveniences I was accustomed to in the United States. Also, since I’ve been here, crime-related states of emergency have been declared twice.

I miss some parts of American life, like riding the train and going sightseeing in Washington DC and New York. Buying clothes takes some getting used to. Instead of shopping every other weekend like I used to, I now upgrade my wardrobe twice a year.

But when we consider what our family has gained: a lower cost of living, access to nature, a broader view of the world, and the flexibility to homeschool, we know we made the right decision.

I don’t think anyone needs to leave the United States to build a better life. But I think a lot of families feel trapped by the cost of living, the cost of child care, the cost of housing, the cost of activities, and the pressure of having to maintain that.

Trinidad and Tobago gives our family more space to breathe. It gives my kids a childhood I could only dream of. Moving overseas didn’t end my American dream. It’s simply more affordable.

Chantel Henry is the founder of Easy Life Abroad, which helps families plan their lives abroad. She shares about her life in Trinidad and Tobago on all platforms @becomeHerChantel.

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