British mum backpacked the world with newborn on maternity leave, defying critics

A British mother used six months of maternity leave to backpack around Asia with her newborn, despite criticism from some who questioned the plan. Esther Draycott, 31, of Nottingham, gave birth to her son Reuben in June 2024 and launched a whirlwind family adventure funded by savings and inheritance money. She, her husband Daniel and their 13-year-old daughter Bella flew about 5,000 miles to begin the journey, with Vietnam as their first stop before moving on to Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. The family traveled light, carrying a single checked bag, a collapsible stroller and three carry-on bags.

Over the next months, Southeast Asia became the backbone of their itinerary. Esther, who works as an NHS midwife, said the idea grew from their honeymoon in Thailand and from a social post about another NHS worker traveling during maternity leave. They did not book flights until Reuben was born and they both felt healthy enough to travel. Reuben was breastfed during the trip, and the family says they took out very comprehensive travel insurance to cover health emergencies.

To accommodate Reuben's growth, they packed clothing for three to six months and six to nine months, anticipating that some sizes would be needed as the trip progressed. The family faced early criticism; many people questioned whether it was appropriate to travel with a newborn during the first six months of life. The grandparents were concerned about missing out on Reuben’s early milestones, but they supported the decision, believing it could be a valuable opportunity for the whole family.

Despite the scrutiny, Esther says the journey has been rewarding. She notes baby sensory experiences everywhere they go, with different sights, smells and sounds. Reuben sleeps easily in his carrier and enjoys the attention of locals. The family plans activities to avoid the midday heat and books accommodations a day or two in advance to keep flexibility. They insist the trip is as much about family time as it is about exploration, acknowledging that Reuben may not remember the trip but that being together matters as he grows quickly.

The trip ultimately covered 11 countries, culminating in a return to the United Kingdom in April. Daniel, an engineer, returned to work after a sabbatical, while Bella resumed her studies after being taken out of school to accompany the family. Esther says the experience has been educational for Bella, noting they visited sites such as genocide museums in Cambodia and hope to teach her about issues like apartheid in South Africa.

Back home, Esther continues to document their travels on the Instagram account Draycott Family Backpackers, hoping to encourage other families to consider similar adventures. She says she found limited practical advice on traveling with a baby and that sharing their experience could give others confidence to travel as a family. The family still hopes to squeeze in trips to Malaysia, South Africa and the Maldives before settling back into a typical routine.