A GLAMOUROUS mum who appeared on Channel 5’s Rich Holiday Poor Holiday and Rich Kids Go Skint to “learn some values” has revealed forking out £30,000 on trips alone so far this year.
Jodie Weston, an influencer and DJ from London, took part in the show last year and says she was taught an “important lesson” about appreciating the little things in life.
With summer in full-swing, though, it appears the 30-year-old isn’t ready just yet to give up her life of luxury; something her son, Koa, one, gets to enjoy on a frequent basis.
This year alone, the pair have travelled to St Lucia, Budapest, as well as a staycation in Windsor to visit Legoland and Chessington World of Adventures theme park.
Next on their list is a five-star staycation in the Cotswolds, followed by Italy a few days later, with them staying in an eight-bedroom mansion, costing an eye-watering £10,000 all in.
And she believes he isn’t spoilt in the slightest.
“He’s too young to know what being spoilt is, we are just enjoying the high life,” Jodie, who boasts 216,000 followers on Instagram, said.
“He’s just living a life of luxury and there’s nothing wrong with that.
“In a few months, he’ll be starting nursery and so I want to spend as much time with him as possible before that.
“I also buy him a new wardrobe for each holiday, as he grows so quickly, filled with designer items – and practical ones too.
“It’s cost me about £2,000 this year, but I don’t care.
“I’m a sole parent, so I obviously over compensate.
“But if you’ve got it, then flaunt it.”
Jodie previously hit the headlines after being “judged” for splashing £7,000 on a trip to Disneyland, Paris, for her son’s first birthday.
Not only does she get flack for splurging on her family, she’s also constantly “trolled” for taking work trips away from her little boy.
She said: “I mean, I’m a DJ and a mum, that in itself is a clash of two complete opposite lifestyles.
“But I’ve always lived my life as a unicorn.
“I have to travel a lot for work and I’ve already been to Ibiza twice this year, with Cyprus up next.
“People won’t outright say stuff, but I’ve had a lot saying I’ll have to give it up and pick a different career soon.
“One of my friends kept telling me this before I even gave birth.
“I’ve also been told that I’ll need to make DJ videos at home with my son on my lap – which is a huge no from me.
“I still have an identity, I’m the sole breadwinner and I want to continue on with my career.
“I go on these work trips for a maximum of three days and often, I’m juggling everything like an octopus.
“When a woman has a child, society expects her to stay at home all the time and never take any time for herself.
“But I think I’m a better parent for it; and I even get to squeeze in a pedicure or massage to make the most of my alone time.”
While she is yet to take a leisure trip without her son, she is planning on a birthday trip to Las Vegas later on this year.
And in true style, she’ll only be flying in first or business class, as she does with all her trips abroad.
So far, she’s spent in excess of £30,000 this year, always opting for the best travel, accommodation and experiences.
She added: “I’ll make up for going away without him and go to Disney world in Florida for his next birthday, too.
“I think we’re enjoying living it large for now.
“Everyone who knows me, knows I don’t like to live a ‘normal’ life.
“When he’s older, I’ll take him on more farm trips around the UK to teach him some values and to appreciate everything he’s got and is able to do.
“I’ve heard through the grapevine that people say I should focus on just raising my child, but money doesn’t grow on trees.
“I’m able to spend a lot of time with him in the day, which if I was an office worker, I wouldn’t be able to do.
“The people who judge me aren’t usually parents themselves yet, so they can’t really have an opinion.
“More often than not, they’re just jealous of me and my ability to not conform – but that’s their problem, not mine.”
Cheap holiday essentials
IF you’re jetting abroad this summer, here are the cheap holiday essentials you won’t want to miss.