How a 36-Year-Old Embraces Full-Time Truck Living on Just $1,305/Month: Discover the Joys of Minimalist Travel

In 2019, Ashley Kaye’s life transformed during a scuba diving trip to Honduras. While there, she met a full-time traveler who inspired her. Their conversation made her rethink her life in Wisconsin. He shared his adventures, saying, “It’s easier and cheaper than you think.” That sparked a change in Kaye. She returned home and, through hard work, saved enough to leave her job a year later.

When Kaye took the leap in 2020, she had around $37,000 to start her journey, but she struggled without a job to keep her busy. “The first few months were tough. I wasn’t sure I made the right choice,” she recalls. But as she traveled and gained confidence, those doubts faded entirely.

Over the next three years, Kaye explored places like South Africa. In 2022, she connected with fellow travelers on Instagram who shared their own overlanding experiences. Overlanding is all about self-reliant travel to remote locations, often using specially equipped vehicles.

Kaye dove into research and bought a Toyota Tacoma for $42,934. After selling her childhood home for $320,000, she drove the truck back to Wisconsin, then to Baja California, Mexico. There, she began customizing her vehicle for long-term living.

“Most people take years to plan these trips. I didn’t even have a truck when I sold my house,” Kaye explains. She estimates spending over $50,000 on renovations, like installing solar power and upgrading the truck’s suspension.

Once her truck was ready, Kaye started traveling the Pan-American Highway, which stretches from Alaska to Argentina. “You can go at your own pace. If you find a beautiful spot, you can stay as long as you want,” she says. But there are challenges, too, like navigating border logistics alone.

Kaye’s routine consists of travel days and leisure days. On a travel day, she begins early, securing her things before hitting the road for five to seven hours. She spends about $556 monthly on gas and $453 on food. “I’m comfortable in small spaces. I can spend all day in the camper,” Kaye shares.

While she enjoys life on the road, setting up her camper can be a hassle. “Even though it’s simple, it’s something I have to do every time,” she admits. Despite not completing her journey on the Pan-American Highway, Kaye considers selling the truck soon. “Part of me wants to move on, but I’m not tired of this lifestyle yet.”

Currently, Kaye is wondering about her next steps. She’s eyeing potential lives in places like the South of France or Spain, with thoughts of creating a new home for future travels. For now, she relishes her adventures, having traveled to over 20 countries in her Tacoma.

This quest for freedom and adventure reflects a growing trend. According to a 2023 survey by the U.S. Travel Association, about 24% of Americans are considering remote work options to travel more. Such travel styles resonate with those seeking an escape from routine and want to explore the world on their own terms.

Kaye’s journey isn’t just about adventure; it’s about living life with purpose and confidence, inspiring many who dream of a lifestyle beyond the ordinary.

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