solo female VANLIFE: safety tips + vanlife horror stories

I wouldn’t worry about broken plates or anything else if I felt that uncomfortable somewhere.

Walking in nature it can be helpful to carry a whistle, like a ref’s whistle. Compact, light, and loud.

We are gifted with freedom, but with that freedom comes the reality of the unknown and the responsibility to be aware of our surroundings and on guard against those who would do us harm

I highly recommend cameras all around your van so you can see inside who or what is near you. Stay safe 🙏 your a beautiful soul ❤

You might want to pick up bear spray that has horseradish in it as well as peppers... It the strongest stuff you can get. Also like with the ammonia, before spraying the bear spray quickly check wind direction, so you dont gas yourself. Its hard to get away from a bear if you cant breath :)

1- cameras outside
2- multiple guns
3- self defense classes
4- protection system aram
5- protection system locked
6- GPS tracking number
7- listen to your instinct
8- don't drove any intention
9- don't share location
10- park in save place
11- don't drive at night
12- put keys near to you
13- eat well sleep well
14- don't drop fitness
15- filled your gas before stopped

Fire starter! (Dryer lint packed in an old pill bottle). One of those small air horns. (Three blasts says "HELP!") A survival blanket (Hypothermia is a killer!). You already have the #1 item, the proper attitude! #2 could be a Garmin inReach Mini, a somewhat expensive (Initial cost plus service fee) but reliable "HELP!" option.

New to your channel. Wife and I are about to start our part time van life in the next year or so. I am a retired police officer. Every single thing you said here makes good sense: helping folks this way is very cool. I teach personal security and self defense. This is the lesson plan in nutshell. Thank you.

people have probably already said in the comments this but i think a compass is an important thing to bring on a hike!

Thank you, Sarah. Informative as usual. You helped a lot of hikers, campers and even viewers like me. Keep safe.

Look at that little Chrystal shelf 🥺 the van decor is just chefs kiss

I think you are a smart young lady and I pray that you continue to stay safe

I hear wasp spray shoots far and it can be used with humans in place of pepper spray because you don't have to be close to the person.

scary! I'm moving into my van this year and I am so psyched but definitely have worries about safety. This is so helpful! Thanks for the advice<3

all of these tips are amazing and honestly should be used for anyone traveling in unfamiliar places. my only suggestion is to avoid any undue anxiety and stress, if you're constantly thinking about being put in dangerous situations, you're bound to end up in an unsafe situation/ wrong place, wrong time. plus you might confuse your gut feeling for paranoia or vise versa and unknowingly make a situation worse. A clear/positive mind will help with your instincts and guide you to where you're trying to go. Trust in your ability to be your own guide.

Thank you for this! I just started traveling solo in my van and had a attempted break in while I was sleeping a few nights ago. Thankfully the alarm scared them off, but I'm definitely going to add more pazazz

One time I got caught out too late (Daylight savings time switched to Standard time) on a good trail but it was heavily treed. It got so dark I couldn't see the trail. Then I remembered from my old snowmobile days to look up and pay attention to the gaps in the trees. If the terrain is heavily treed you can see the trail by the continuous gap in the trees. While this won't work in drier climates, it can be helpful when the trees are thick. But walk carefully as there are random "short" gaps in trees along the trail that aren't the trail.
Thanks for the note on bringing a lighter, fully charged phone, flashlight, whistle, and maybe a few snacks and water, etc. Seems a day pack of fanny pack with these items would work well for solo excursions.

I love and appreciate this video. Thank you.

Thanks for sharing your experiences and your tips.

G'day Sarah Greetings from Australia. What a remarkable young woman you are. Love the van and thanks for taking us along for the ride. God bless you