Saftey is a priority
There are few things we love more than traveling the back roads in our shuttle bus, but anyone who embraces life on the road knows that safety has to be a top priority. Some safety measures are obvious from the start, while others we tend to learn along the way–sometimes painfully. With these van life safety tips, you can learn from our experience and be as safe as possible while you travel!
- Create a Secure Campsite
Arriving at a campsite can seem like the perfect opportunity to relax, but before you collapse into bed, it is important to secure the area first!
To begin, start by backing into your spot so you can make a quick exit if you need to. This can help you pull out quickly if you run into someone dangerous, or if there is a medical emergency at the site. If possible, research the area’s crime and natural risks in advance and consider the closest hospitals and police stations too.
Staying safe at your site means knowing what is around you, which is why it is helpful to arrive and assess the area while it is still light outside. For added security while inside your shuttle bus or van, be sure to keep the doors locked and to maintain emergency essentials, like plenty of water and food. It might not seem glamorous, but it can keep you safe!
- Trust Your Instincts
The average person doesn’t have to rely on their instincts very often, but for vanlife travelers, instincts are essential. No matter where your adventures lead you, it is important to always trust your gut while you are traveling. If a person, area, or animal makes you nervous–trust your instincts. You might be picking up on something that could very well save your life.
We recently had a scary experience in the backcountry while camping on public lands. We made several mistakes during this encounter with a suspicious person and it reminded us to never let our guard down. After 8 years of travel in our van and now our shuttle bus, we realized we’d become a bit too comfortable and neglected several very basic safety procedures from this list. The biggest safety tip that helped us that evening was trusting our gut. Your instincts are there to keep you safe – listen to them!
- Make Sure Friends and Family Know Where You Are
Life on the road can leave you feeling disconnected from the people you miss back home, but calls, texts, and emails can help you to maintain a stronger connection–and it can save your life in an emergency. Making sure that someone knows where you are when you are on the road can make it much easier for them to know if something has gone wrong, which means you can get the help you need much sooner. Share general locations and timelines to make it easier to find you!
- Prioritize Personal and Vehicle Security
Whether you are riding in a van or living the shuttle bus conversion life, security should always be one of your main focuses. To protect your van or shuttle bus, consider adding security systems (or security stickers if you are on a budget), motion-activated lights, and cameras. It is also good to sign up for roadside assistance to stay safe on the road if possible. For your own safety, consider carrying self-defense tools, like pepper spray, sound devices, or even a taser. Bring whatever self-defense item you will feel comfortable using in a scary situation.
- Find Power in Numbers
Many people enjoy vanlife alone as a solo camper, but traveling alone can come with its own set of dangers. When traveling alone, it is often best to give the impression that you are traveling with someone–especially for women.
Setting out two chairs, placing someone else’s clothing in a visible space, or even lying about being alone to the people you meet can ward off attackers. For certain areas, particularly those without cell service, consider waiting to visit until you have another person or a larger group with you. It can keep you safe and allow you to make great shared memories too!
- Protect Your Valuables
Travel can take you to many unexpected and incredible places, but it can also put your possessions at risk, even when camping in remote areas such as on public land. Keeping your valuables safe is a matter of keeping them out of reach (and out of eyesight) from strangers. To accomplish this, you will want to keep as much inside the van as possible and avoid leaving visible high-value items out. For your personal documents, it can be beneficial to scan them and email them to yourself, so you can always access them if you need them.
- Build a Safety Kit
Having a safety kit on hand is a lifesaver when traveling. Even the best shuttle bus, van, or RV can end up breaking down on the side of the road (trust us, we know from experience!), and having a safety kit with repair essentials can really help.
Common Safety Items Include:
- First-Aid Kit
- Car Jack
- Spare Tire
- Tow Straps
- Jumper Cables
- Chain or Ratchet Strap
- Shovel
- Extra Gas Can
- Have a Vehicle Checklist
It is important to protect yourself from people and wildlife, but breakdowns and accidents can be even more dangerous. Create a comprehensive vehicle checklist that allows you to look over your vehicle before departing from a new site. A quick scan before you leave can save you from an accident on the road.
Common Checklist Items Include:
- Tire Pressure
- Gas Level
- Mirrors
- Wheels & Tires
- Battery and Electricals
Keep on Drivin’ and Stay Safe!
Vanlife leads us to beautiful places and unbelievable experiences we just can’t get at home. While it might not seem all that fun to focus on safety in the moment, it allows us to enjoy more great experiences while helping us to avoid the bad ones too. When you are on the road, always stay alert, have a plan for emergencies, and trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right. You will be glad you did!
Check out our video below for more safety tips we’ve learning during our time on the road: