Van life has become super popular lately, and it’s easy to see why. The idea of living in a van and traveling wherever you want sounds amazing. But for women, especially those going solo, there are some extra things to think about when it comes to safety, comfort, and having a good time on the road.
Whether you’re thinking about starting van life or you’re already living it, these tips will help make your journey safer and more enjoyable. From staying safe to building the perfect van setup, we’ve got you covered.
1. Embrace the Imperfect Journey
Van life isn’t always picture perfect like you see on Instagram. Sometimes it’s hot and sweaty. Sometimes it’s freezing cold at night. Your van might break down or you might get stuck in bad weather. That’s all part of the adventure.
Instead of trying to make everything perfect, learn to go with the flow. These challenging moments often turn into the best stories later. Van life teaches you to appreciate simple things like a beautiful sunrise or finding a great camping spot. Remember that the bumps in the road are what make the journey interesting.
2. Create Privacy and Security with Window Treatments
One of the most important things you can do is add window coverings to your van. This might seem basic, but it’s really important for your safety and privacy. Good window treatments let you see outside while keeping others from looking in.
You have lots of options here. Blackout curtains work great and help you sleep better. Reflective window film keeps your van cooler and gives you privacy during the day. Some people use magnetic shades that are easy to put up and take down.
Having privacy is especially important at night when you’re sleeping or changing clothes. It also helps keep people from seeing your stuff inside the van, which can prevent break ins.
3. Maintain Regular Communication with Loved Ones
Staying in touch with family and friends isn’t just nice to do, it’s really important for your safety. Let people know where you’re going and when you expect to arrive. Check in regularly, especially before heading into areas where your phone might not work.
Set up a system that works for you. Maybe you text your mom every morning or call your best friend every few days. Some people share their location with trusted family members using phone apps. This way, if something goes wrong, people know where to look for you.
When you’re planning to visit national parks or remote areas, tell someone before you go. Cell phone service can be spotty in these places, so let people know you might be out of touch for a while.
4. Design a Van Setup That Works for You
Your van is going to be your home, so make sure it works for your needs. Think about how you like to live and what’s important to you. Do you cook a lot? Make sure you have a good kitchen setup. Do you work from your van? Plan for a comfortable workspace.
Start with the basics. You need a place to sleep, cook, and store your stuff. Think about electrical needs too. How much power do you use each day? Do you need to run a laptop, charge your phone, or power a fan?
Don’t copy someone else’s setup just because it looks cool. What works for them might not work for you. Take time to plan your layout before you start building. It’s much easier to change things on paper than after everything is already built.
5. Listen to Your Gut Feelings
Your instincts are one of your best tools for staying safe. If something feels wrong or makes you uncomfortable, pay attention to that feeling. Don’t worry about being rude or overreacting. Your safety is more important than hurting someone’s feelings.
This might mean leaving a campsite if someone is making you uncomfortable. It could mean not stopping at a place that gives you bad vibes. Trust yourself when something doesn’t feel right.
Stay aware of what’s happening around you. Notice if someone is walking around your van multiple times or if something seems off about a place. Keep your keys handy so you can leave quickly if you need to.
6. Invest in Paid Camping When Needed
Some van lifers take pride in never paying for camping, but that’s not always the best choice. Free camping is great, but sometimes paying for a campsite is worth it. Don’t feel bad about spending money on a safe, comfortable place to stay.
Paid campgrounds usually have better security, clean bathrooms, and sometimes showers. When you’re tired or stressed, having these things can make a huge difference. You’ll also meet other travelers and can often get local advice from campground hosts.
Think of paid camping as an investment in your comfort and safety. After several days of boondocking, a hot shower and clean restroom can feel amazing. It’s okay to treat yourself.
7. Master Essential Van Maintenance Skills
You don’t need to become a mechanic, but learning some basic van maintenance will save you money and stress. At minimum, learn how to check your oil, tire pressure, and other fluids. Know when these things need attention and where to go for help.
Find online communities for your type of van. Ford Transit owners have great forums where people share tips and advice. Same thing for Sprinters, Promasters, and other popular van models. These groups are super helpful when you have questions.
Keep a basic tool kit in your van along with spare fuses, belts, and fluids. You might not know how to use everything, but a helpful mechanic or fellow van lifer might be able to help you fix simple problems on the road.
8. Secure Your Income Stream First
Don’t quit your job and hit the road without a plan for making money. Van life can be expensive, and running out of cash on the road is really stressful. Start building your income plan at least a year before you leave.
Remote work is one option if your current job allows it. Freelancing is another possibility, but it takes time to build up clients. Some people make money through social media, but that’s really competitive and takes a long time to pay off.
Whatever you choose, make sure you have income coming in before you start van life. Don’t count on figuring it out along the way. Having financial stress while living in a small space can be really hard on your mental health.
9. Research and Choose Secure Camping Locations
Not all camping spots are created equal. Some are safe and well maintained, while others might be sketchy or even illegal to camp at. Do your research before you arrive somewhere new.
Apps like iOverlander and Campendium are great for finding camping spots. Read the reviews from other travelers to get a sense of what to expect. Look for recent reviews since conditions can change quickly.
Pay attention to what reviewers say about safety, especially reviews from other women. If multiple people mention feeling unsafe or having problems, find somewhere else to stay. Trust the experiences of other travelers.
10. Install a Private Toilet System
Having a toilet in your van is really important, especially for women. You don’t want to have to leave your van in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. It’s not just about comfort, it’s about safety too.
You have several options here. Composting toilets are popular but take up space and need maintenance. Chemical toilets are easier but you need to dump them regularly. Some people use a simple bucket with a toilet seat.
For a budget friendly option, consider a pee funnel with a wide mouth bottle. It takes up almost no space and works well for nighttime emergencies. You can always find public restrooms for other needs during the day.
11. Save Money for Unexpected Van Repairs
Van repairs can be expensive and happen when you least expect them. A major engine problem or transmission issue can cost thousands of dollars. If you don’t have money saved, you could get stuck somewhere without a way to fix your van.
Start building an emergency repair fund before you hit the road. Aim for at least $3,000 to $5,000 if possible. This might seem like a lot, but it’s much better than being stranded without options.
Keep this money separate from your regular travel budget. Don’t spend it on fun stuff or upgrades. It’s only for real emergencies when your van breaks down and needs professional help.
12. Begin Your Journey Close to Home
When you first start van life, don’t immediately head off to some remote location. Start with familiar places close to home. Maybe even camp in a friend’s driveway for the first few nights.
Your first week should be about learning how to live in your van, not about seeing amazing places. You’ll be figuring out your routines, learning how your systems work, and discovering what you forgot to pack.
Once you’re comfortable with van life basics, then you can start venturing further from home. This approach reduces stress and gives you a chance to fix any problems with your setup before you’re far from help.
13. Connect with the Van Life Community
Van lifers are usually friendly people who love to help each other out. Don’t be shy about introducing yourself to other van campers. Most people are happy to share advice and stories.
When you arrive at a campground, look around and see if other van doors are open. This usually means people are welcoming visitors. A simple “hello” can lead to great conversations and new friendships.
Consider joining van life meetups or events. These gatherings are great for learning new things and meeting people who understand the lifestyle. You might find travel buddies or just make friends who you’ll stay in touch with.
14. Avoid Traveling After Dark
Driving at night is more dangerous than driving during the day. You can’t see as well, and there’s more wildlife on the roads. Plus, arriving at a new camping spot in the dark isn’t fun or safe.
Try to reach your destination well before sunset. This gives you time to pick a good spot, set up your camp, and relax before it gets dark. Arriving in daylight also lets you see who else is around and whether the area feels safe.
If you absolutely have to drive at night, be extra careful. Keep your speed down, watch for animals, and don’t push yourself if you’re getting tired. It’s better to stop somewhere safe and finish your trip in the morning.
15. Find Female Focused Van Life Communities
While the general van life community is great, connecting with other women can be really valuable. Women face different challenges on the road and often have different concerns about safety and comfort.
Look for women only van life groups on social media. These groups are great places to ask questions that you might not feel comfortable asking in mixed groups. Topics like dealing with periods on the road or staying safe as a solo female traveler come up regularly.
Many of these groups organize meetups and events specifically for women. These can be great opportunities to learn from experienced female van lifers and make friends who really understand what you’re going through.