Giving up the millionaire life to travel "backpacking"

Inside the $4 million mansion Caitlin used to live in. Photo: SWSN — Inside the $4 million mansion Caitlin used to live in

Before becoming a digital nomad with a daily spending of $30, Caitlin Pyle, 36, from Orlando, Florida, lived in a 400,000-square-foot, 8-story, 18-room mansion, used branded goods, and lived a luxurious life. She said she is now "happier than ever" driving a van with a kitchen and fully equipped sleeping area , traveling across the United States.

In her early 20s, Caitlin made $100,000 in her first year running a proofreading business. By age 31, she was making $4 million a year. Things were going well until she divorced her husband in April 2019 after eight years of marriage.

Caitlin was exhausted after her divorce because everything fell on her, from her corporate job to taking care of the house, hiring a lawnmower, working, paying bills, and paying $180,000 in maintenance for the mansion. She recalls feeling “extremely tired, with no energy” and having to see a doctor. She was diagnosed with chronic stress, exhaustion, and needed to rest, exercise, and eat healthy. So Caitlin decided to spend four years recovering mentally and physically. She sold her proofreading company for $4 million.

After watching several videos about converting a van into a mobile home, Caitlin decided to try the nomadic lifestyle for a while. She bought a Mercedes Sprinter for $88,000 and spent another $120,000 on renovations, including a kitchen with a full-size refrigerator. The roof was fitted with solar panels.

Caitlin's current life with a car converted into a mobile home. Photo: SWSN — Caitlin's current life with her converted car

Once the car was complete, she rented out the villa for $25,000 a month and began traveling across the country. She has now visited eight states, and every day is a new adventure. Caitlin also works remotely as a life coach, advising people on how to help themselves become happy.

Caitlin says she's met "a lot of interesting people along the way and through dating apps." She used to date a guy named Jeff. They're still friends and go hiking together.

She's also mastered finding the best outdoor parking spots from her years on the road. Caitlin has been traveling for six months now, but has no plans to go home anytime soon. "I've gone from living alone in a big, empty house to traveling full-time," she says. Her current life is as minimalist as possible, a far cry from the glitz of her past, but it makes her happy. "It suits me," Caitlin says.