Living in a van alone and traveling solo can be one of the most liberating and self- discovering experiences of your life! When traveling with a partner, you don’t even realize how much you rely on that person to share some of the daily “chores” or even just have to keep you company. Being solo forces you to get very personal with yourself and go on this entirely different journey of learning who you are and what you can do! If you think you want to build out a van and travel but are doubting it because you don’t have a partner, do not let that stop you. You are entirely capable of doing it on your own.
However, safety is typically the biggest concern when going into a life on the road alone. But you cannot let this fear stop you from living the way you dream because as long as you’re prepared, there’s absolutely nothing to be afraid of! I encourage you to do your research and take precaution. The more prepared you are, the more comfortable you will be.
These are my best safety tips for any of my fellow ladies embarking on their own solo van life journey!
Parking overnight is probably the biggest concern we have when going into van life alone. It seems intimidating to deal with any potential problems you could have at night by yourself. And I’m not going to lie.. It is sometimes. I still look out the windows any time I hear noise or talking too close to the van. But I’m confident that I have thought through what I would do if various things were to happen and I have set myself up in a way to take care of them if they ever do. I recommend:
- Always have your keys and phone right next to where you sleep so you can jump in the front easily if needed
- If parking in a lot, park near a street light and cameras if available
- Park in a way so that you can drive forward or back so no one can block you in
- I even included a pocket door in my van build to lock the front of the van from the back
- Have some sort of defense planned in case of emergency whether it be pepper spray and/or a knife
- Be cautious of where you are parking if in an unfamiliar city; you should be able to tell if you're in a safe area or not
Who wants to deal with the van breaking down with a partner or solo? No one. But it happens and when you’re alone, it’s on you to take care of! This was a huge reason I went with the Transit this time versus the Sprinter. So definitely consider what type of van you’re getting if you don’t like dealing with stressful situations alone. Like everything else I’ve said, it comes down to you being prepared. These are things I have ready for any mechanical issue that could arise:
- Have a binder with all your insurance info, and necessary contacts if a break down occurs
- Learn how to change a tire if you don't already know!
- Keep a tool box in the van even if you don't know a lot about it (even better if you do!); But at least you may have what's necessary if you end up asking someone for help
- I highly recommend having jumper cables AND a portable car jump starter that you can learn more about here
GOING ON HIKES AND LEAVING THE VAN
Leaving the van for hours may not seem like a big deal until you fill it with all of your belongings and valuables.. Then going on all day hike and parking the van somewhere easily visible but desolate may seem a little daunting. I have quite a bit of camera gear and other things that people may view as having value and the idea of coming back from a long, hot hike to all of it being gone is a nightmare. But there are things here too that definitely help prevent people from thinking you may have items of value and from keeping them away from your van all together.
- Start by hiding ALL things someone think is valuable when you aren't in the van; even if you are running into the gas station, do not leave your phone on the dash. Just bring it with you.
- Also hide your nice things even in the back when you go on a hike. Consider installing a hidden safe in the van that isn't visible to anyone but you
- Don't hide a key under a wheel or even leave a door cracked when you leave. Lock it up entirely.
- It might seem weird but I have a "Beware of Dog" sign that I put on the windows sometimes to detour people as well
I have a stun gun and pepper spray in the van at all times. The stun gun is so loud when you hold down the button. I always consider the noise alone to by my first line of defense if someone tried breaking into the van and I was inside.
I know it’s a bigger responsibility that has to be consider carefully but maybe you can get a dog! Not only can some dogs usually detect if someone is near the van or messing with a lock, but they can keep you company on this solo journey! Dogs are great companions and definitely a safety tool.
I always send my parents my location if I’m camping or parking somewhere unfamiliar. I simply “send my current location” on the iPhone and feel better knowing that someone else knows where I am in case something ever did happen.
So many people ask if van life is better done with a partner or too scary to do alone.. And my honest opinion is that there is no greater adventure to go on by yourself. It can be amazing to share the experience but it’s also necessary sometimes to find out what we are capable of on our own. This is the journey of a life time for us lady gypsies out there and I really encourage you not to let the fear stop you from going for it. Safety is a crucial part of van life whether you are by yourself or with someone. But you need to heighten your senses a little with you’re solo, and hopefully this gave you some ideas to ensure you’re safety but also decrease any fear you may have.
Hi =) sorry if this sounds dumb, but what do you do for money when living this way?Geniune question. Have some decisions to make. Thankyou x
Great information. I’m preparing for some solo journeys and appreciate the input. I’ve been researching the new 2019 Sprinters that are just coming out but you’ve made me rethink it. Thank you.
Buy a firearm. Search YouTube for police encounters where stun guns fail again and again, even with professional training; you’re kidding yourself if you believe the sound of a stun gun is enough alone, not to mention you probably own the hand-held type; how close do you need to be to use it effectively? What does that open yourself to? Pepper spray is probably more effective than a stun gun, but if it’s more than one attacker then forget it; you may want the jumbo can of bear spray. Police carry firearms for a reason; they work.