Living in a Van | He Wouldn't STOP Knocking 👀 | Overnight Parking at a Hotel

Come with me as I struggle to find parking at night while living in a van. It can be tough to navigate city streets and find a safe and legal spot, even with the best planning. And when you finally think you've found the perfect spot, the dreaded knock on the door can bring your peaceful night to an abrupt end. If you're a van dweller, you know all too well the stress and anxiety that comes with someone approaching your van at night. In this video, I'll give you a glimpse into my world and the challenges I face as a van dweller. Don't miss this real and honest view of van life.

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Music:
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[harleyriderstitcher]

Truck stops like Flying J offer everything and free safe parking. Use them.

[jessiehead]

I always march right up to the hotel desk clerk, show them a picture of my vehicle (if they can’t see it from where they are), slap down a $5 bill, and politely ask if I can “pay for a spot to rest for a few hours?” They ALWAYS say yes, and thank me for being honest and straightforward and for respecting the fact that they are in the business of making money, not running a free Rest Stop. I suspect the desk clerk pockets the $5, but what do I care? I don’t get hassled. In the morning I stop by and thank them, and sometimes they give me coffee! Best wishes on your future attempts!

[annarodriguez]

Too stressful to live like this. I need an apartment and definitely a bedroom indoors. Stay Safe, your very sweet

[denicebrookssings]

Hard to believe you actually let down the window!🤦🏾‍♀️ Just because he was wearing a uniform means nothing. Be careful out there!

[susangoodman]

You passed a hospital on your way to your first idea. Their parking lots can be a good place to stay.

[pamelag]

I read a nurse's comment in a similar video that hospital parking lots were very safe to park and sleep. They are monitored with security cameras. She said that families of people in the ER or hospital often take time to sleep out in their cars and therefore are not disturbed. Maybe everyone should add that to their potential list of places to sleep safely.

[michaellarenee]

As an expeditor, I would always find a Pilot, Flying J or a Love's Truck Stops to stay the night in every time. People park overnight in those places all the time and I never had an issue doing so. I was in my late fifties and what was real nice was I was able to use the restrooms and get showers at these places as well. They are a lot safer to stay in then Walmart or rest stops. Just thought I would let you know. Please be safe, young lady, and God bless!!!

[luciegagnon]

It doesn’t seem like much fun to have to look for a place to park every night and to have to move and to have to worry about who is knocking at your door. I felt stressed out just watching your video. It felt very real!

[mightymarsha]

I work at a hotel... as a night auditor... off a main highway and we dont run tired people thats obviously traveling off site. We'd prefer people not to drive so tired they might crash. Plus most of the time travelers grab a 2-4 hour nap and theyre up and going for the day

[rhyantrick]

I lasted 7 days sleeping in my conversion in New Orleans. Found a decent route of 5 sleeping spots but the last two nights i was witness to a gun fight and the last night i was there a group of teenagers were busting up the car behind me right after i made dinner.. i prompted jumped in the front and drove away asap.. i left the city the following day.. going back to Arizona now to regroup myself and figure out where i want to go next.. be safe out there y'all and always trust your gut

[LisaGrace]

The problem is--so many people are now living out of the vans--they are everywhere! I ran errands today, and saw a few van dwellers in both parking lots of the major stores. How do I know? It's a warm day, and they had their doors open you could see their beds and they were clearly living in them. The businesses are afraid of becoming "van cities" and keeping buyers or business away. It's going to get harder--because more and more people are having to live out of their vehicles as rents have gotten so high.

[ERFoxsparrows]

The idea of traveling is so seductive. The idea of driving all night to find a place to sleep, not so much. I have to admit that I'd be very scared to hear a knock, especially as a woman traveling alone. I'm going to keep up prayers for you and your well-being.

[olgaharris]

This has to be very unsettling to look for lodging every night. My anxiety would send me through the roof! Wishing you safety in your endeavors. 🤗

[virginiaedwards]

Of all the Vanlife pages I belong too, this one was the most real I've seen. This shows the struggles that I haven't thought about while wanting to do this. Makes me think twice.

[DeltaDawg]

You also have to be aware about people wearing fake security uniforms. Definitely don’t get out of your vehicle in a situation like that. You can get those uniforms anywhere. So if they ask you to get out do not listen, they have no reason to ask that.

[sadiegirlwolf]

The best protection i ever had while sleeping in my van was Bulletz and Wolf my two German shepherds!! each of them curled up and slept on the two front seats, , If they heard anything they sat right up and no one ever messed with me or my van, I aylways slept great and felt very safe, .

[a.c.]

The second you pulled in and I saw that car sitting there with the lights on I said, “Oh no, girl.” Lol I definitely never park where cars are just sitting. Never good news. 🤣🤣

[annmarieinthehouse]

I’m not sure if you always just pull in. I would recommend backing in… that way if you ever need to exit quickly you are in a safer situation. Have you tried 24 hr stores, gyms and gas stations? Places where cameras are on you? That’s my recommendation for safety.

[PatbroBro-snyo]

You have given the public a bird's eye view of what truly a Vanlifer goes through.

[eternalenigma]

If you have a Planet Fitness membership they often don't mind you parking outside! (as long as its one of the 24 hour ones). It feels so great to get a workout, have a good night's sleep, wake up and take a shower, then head out. I have a school bus with bright paintings and two dogs that need bedtime walks so I'm not stealthy at all, but I've never gotten the knock at a gym so far. I always let them know I'm there and then pick a quiet spot in the back. I've also seen people parking at YMCA and Golds, even though those aren't 24 hours.