VAN LIFE | Solo Female Safety Tips: How I Stay Safe In My Tiny Van

In today's video, I offer some tips for staying safe on the road. Although safety is never a guarantee wherever you are, and because I'm not sure it's possible to feel completely fearless, I've put together some tips to help you think through what to do to minimize risks. Please feel free to give your best tips in the comments below. Thank you so much for watching! If you enjoy the channel, please consider subscribing to continue receiving more content on my van and life as a part time nomad.

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[cathyphillips]

I've been traveling in my SUV for years now and stay at alot of truckstops. Many times in the morning coffee rush, I am the only woman in line. A long time ago a nice cashier suggested to me that it is a good idea to buy 2 cups of coffee...then it's not so obvious that I'm alone. Made sense to me. I put the 2nd cup in a thermos once I'm back in my vehicle and enjoy it later on in my drive.

[dennislaw]

There are so many risks involved in living in your van.
I lived in mine for close to 3 years and NEVER had a problem, because I followed my instincts. Every thing she said was what I did except # 4.
The number one thing in my book is to never look like your living in you Vehicle. Keep your car looking clean, inside and out, keep yourself looking clean. Eliminate all clutter that can be observed by anybody walking past your car. Always allow enough room where you park for an emergency exit. Another words if you’re parallel parked allow enough room in front and back of you vehicle to escape quickly if you are in danger.
It is a good idea to also know in advance what gas stations are open 24 hours how far away they are this can be a lifeline for many reasons not the least of which is having to use the restroom if you don’t have the means to do so in your vehicle. Also when in danger, any public place that is open and well lit with cameras is your friend. If you have the opportunity to scope out a potential sleeping area do so at various points in the day & night. Take note of what kind of activities are going on outside. A really uncomfortable situation is being in the back of your vehicle and a whole group of people nearby engaging in loud conversations and potentially illegal activities. That leaves you vulnerable to being caught up in their risky behavior.
I didn’t travel around the country I stayed in one city and I had a list of no less than six places that I can go to. Rotate your sleeping area’s so as to not Arouse suspicion. People have a tendency to call the cops for the slightest inclination that somebody is up to no good. I had only one encounter with the police, because a homeowner saw me eating chicken in my car. Yeah like I said people call the cops for everything.
I’m a guy and have far less fear living in my vehicle, I suspect women have far more to worry about. Girls have your head on a swivel if it feel even slightly wrong my advice is leave! I associated with other car campers and I met a woman who was raped by a guy who had told she was living in her car. She made herself a target. Tell no one your living in your car, # 1 it’s none of anyone’s busyness. If you follow all safety rules you needn’t live in fear.

[tegmapat]

Great advice and very well spoken as always! I had an experience one time with a hotel in GA, so it doesn't just happen in a van. I booked a hotel thru' a travel agent and when I got there, I picked up my key and ut ohhhh! There was a bunch of real rough guys outside messing around and to get to my room, I would have had to walk by them. They were drinking and loud and boisterous, so I turned right around, went back to the office and asked for a refund. I went down the road a ways and found another hotel where the desk clerk was very understanding of the circumstance and said, "I will put you on the second floor here, high enough to make you feel safe, but close to the elevator and office." I was there for a long 4 day weekend and he watched for me everyday, checking on me and asking if I was okay. So yeah, it's not just camping that a woman alone has to use good sense and trust that gut feeling. You have great videos.... very detailed and so well spoken. Thanks for sharing!

[lindabarker]

Good advice Dee. Here's a few more tips; a pair of men's boots outside your door, dog barking app, police siren app, car alarm app, gun cocking app, set up 2 camp chairs. Smile and enjoy yourself.

[davidleigh]

A former Manager of mine at a security company, who was also a retired Police Sargent, Had a saying " Just Because You Feel Safe, It Does not Mean You are." Basically know your surroundings.

[laleighma]

My Mom taught me another fantastic idea to use if you need protection! She said to keep a can of wasp spray handy! It shoots farther then pepper spray and would stop anything, animal or human! Never tried it on either myself, but always sounded like a winner to me!!

[danstafford]

Siphoning gas is more prevalent having a locking gas cap is a must.

[nikolaidonskoj]

for self defense a good choice also is a fire extinguisher. a good fire extinguisher works on the principle of suppressing oxygen. if a person or an animal is unable to breathe they immediately forget about their original intentions. a fire extinguisher is not restricted anywhere. in fact, in europe every car is required by law to have one.

[coolgrandma]

Keep your key-fob to your vehicle close by when sleeping, and if you think someone is threatening, set off your vehicle alarm. Other people close by may hear it and come to your rescue. Pepper spray is a must, and a spray can of Wasp and Hornet spray is nice because it has a stream of 12-14 Ft. Aim for the eyes. Recommend that you practice spraying it. These recommendations would apply at home also.

[karenb]

Excellent video. My same rules. The half tank one saved me. I got very lost once outside Yosemite. My other rule is, if I'm not in a place to sleep before dark. I get a hotel. I don't deviate from that.
One other good thing, is to program your car lock system to only unlock the driver side front door. No one can jump in your car that way.

[chantalsscaleisafibber]

I'm seriously considering van life when my daughter goes to uni next year. This was a fab vid for single people.

[Scarywoody]

Walk softly and carry a gigantic mag light. Another great video. I usually say "be safe" but looks like you are. So have fun.

[jenniferparrott]

I like the gas tip. You should never go lower than a quarter of a tank to prevent your fuel pump from burning out. I've been in places where I'm the only camper. But I have 2 dogs. Once at a truck stop, someone was skulking around my mini. Emmy started growling and barking and scared them off.

[jentommyontheroad]

Great information! I was in a campground and parked facing into the spot rather than backing in. I wanted my back doors to be visible to others if I had to press the alarm. Had I backed in, my back doors would have been hidden from all other vehicles. My safety plan always depends on my circumstances! Love your channel! Thank you for posting!

[gov]

Good info, thanks. Have to check out cameras. Dad always said keep 1/2 tank gas and bought all girls pepper spray

[gracesimplified]

Good advice!
We often think of threats as human. However, safety in terms of weather disasters is something we should all be increasingly prepared for. A video on this topic would be good. Ideas on where and how to prepare and seek shelter when you are in a vulnerable vehicle would be helpful.

[ginawhite]

I'm getting ready to start van life, I'm a 50-year-old female, and I had a friend who does van like for the last 3 years say that since van life has become so popular and so many more people know about it that crime has seemed to really go up especially in campground areas or rest Ops, so just be aware of that there's more people aware of van lifers

[feelute]

Hey girlfriend, Loved the video.putting those wireless cameras on top of my list. That mag light will be there too. Being an X truckdriver l have my 25 yr.old tire thumper. Talk about getting someone's attention with that. GREAT JOB.

[nmr]

Mag lights are great and make a good club. For truly blinding light, get an Olight or Surefire or other 21st century flashlight. Just one will light up a cathedral and completely blind a 4 or 2 legged predator.

[petmom]

A friend told me about the app Life360! A couple of family members always know where I am and even if my phone is going dead so they can hollar at me (and they have) to CHARGE MY PHONE!

I also have motion sensor lights and cameras!! You rock, Lady! Love your smile and knowledge.