From Childhood Memories to Adventurous Freedom: A 36-Year-Old’s Bold Journey Selling Her Home for Life on the Road in a Toyota Tacoma
After the passing of her father in 2015, Ashley Kaye inherited her childhood home-a three-bedroom, one-bathroom house in Waterford, Wisconsin. The experience prompted her to reflect on her future: “Did I really want to live here forever? Of course, I didn’t want to let go of that huge chapter of my life,” Kaye, now 36, shared with CNBC Make It. Yet, her growing desire to travel conflicted with the comfort of her childhood surroundings.
At the time, Kaye was immersed in the corporate healthcare sector, later transitioning to a demanding consulting role that required her to work 80 to 100 hours weekly. “I was a zombie during those times,” she recalled, as her daily routine revolved around moving from her bedroom to her office and back. A personal revelation came during a scuba diving trip in Honduras, where she encountered a fellow traveler who inspired her to pursue a life beyond her corporate job. “He told me he wished he had done it sooner because it’s easier and cheaper than you think. That changed everything for me.”
With $37,000 in savings, Kaye made the bold choice to quit her job. However, the initial transition proved challenging. “I didn’t know how to just do nothing. The first few months were really difficult,” she admitted. Yet, as she embraced travel, her confidence flourished, leaving her with no regrets about her decision.
Kaye’s journey took an unexpected turn during the COVID-19 pandemic while traveling in South Africa. News of her aunt’s illness compelled her to return home, but the experience fueled her resolve to sell her childhood home. “That flight was the moment I realized I didn’t want to go back. I love being near the ocean,” she reflected.
Preparing the house for sale, Kaye pondered a van life adventure with her dog, recognizing that flying with a pet was unappealing. After significant renovations, her house was on the market when a couple contacted her on Instagram, encouraging her to explore overlanding-adventuring to remote locations in vehicles. Intrigued, Kaye purchased a Toyota Tacoma truck for $42,934, which would become her new home on wheels.
Even while on the road, Kaye sought a stable residency in the U.S. and chose South Dakota, which allows permanent residency without a physical presence. After selling her house in March 2023, Kaye set her sights on navigating the Pan-American Highway, a route stretching from Alaska to Argentina. “It’s an incredible way to travel; you set your own pace and can linger in beautiful places,” she noted.
As her adventure unfolded, Kaye has visited over 20 countries, from Mexico to Chile, while maintaining a sense of wonder and balance in her travels. “I don’t want to sound cliché, but it’s incredible waking up and deciding whether to sleep inside a volcano or head to the beach,” she remarked.
Reflecting on her journey, Kaye emphasizes growth and resilience: “I grew up with my dad telling me I could be anything. His passing taught me how to truly live.” Now, with no plans to return to the U.S. permanently, she finds comfort in the lifestyle she’s chosen, appreciating affordable living and vibrant communities abroad.
Currently, Kaye is taking a break from overlanding, with her truck stored in Argentina and plans to spend summer in Bermuda, a place she’s cherished since her first visit at 25. “The island life is wonderful; it’s where I feel at home,” she concluded. With her experiences, Kaye’s story serves as a reminder of the transformative power of travel and self-discovery.
Original Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/07/american-home-sale-travel-live-full-time-truck.html
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Publish Date: 2025-06-07 21:30:00
