20 Safety tips for solo females doing van life in 2024 

Talking about gut feelings. I lived in MT for many years, and had a favorite trail that I loved to day-hike. It was gorgeous, through some foothills, easy and beautiful. Until the day I went there, and had just started my hike, maybe 500 yds in. The feeling that came over me was horror-movie sinister, like nothing I'd ever felt before. I was actually startled; it was a beautiful, fresh morning, nothing appeared to be different than usual, but there was something. I immediately turned around and went back to my car, my head on a swivel the entire time. I didn't see anything, but I was sure glad when I got in my car and locked the door! To this day, I have no idea what it was, but I think I dodged some real trouble of some kind.

When I am camped and have a campfire, I always put 2 chairs around the fire. I hang a men's flannel shirt on the back of one of the chairs as well as a coffee cup in the cup holder of the chair. I do travel with a dog as well.

From my late Mom: If you are attacked &/or someone is trying to drag you someplace, yell FIRE. Many people will look away, not look at all, not wanting to get involved in situations. They may think it is a domestic or... However, everyone has a vested interest in their property and their bodies not burning up. When you yell FIRE people look! The more witnesses the better.

I have never let my gas tank go below 1/2 or1/4 something my father always told me as a young girl. Im 77now.

Lock your doors as soon as you get into your vehicle.

If you sleep with your keys, you use your alarm on your fob

These tips are for Everyone, Van Life or not! TAKE HEED, Sound Advice. Thanks. 👏♥️👍

I appreciate that you refer to your previous occupation as "peace" officer. I have tremendous respect for law enforcement.

I’m not a van user , but I do enjoy videos. Your words are full of wisdom

Thanks for the advice! Another good idea I heard was to put an old pair of men’s boots outside by your door. Good Will may have some for a good price, or, ask someone to give you theirs instead of trashing them. Take care & safe travels.

I often think your "gut" is your subconscious picking up on something that you aren't consciously seeing right away. Always, always listen. Thanks for your tips!

I would also say if you wear glasses put them in the same place every night. Close at hand

I've traveled alone a lot. My job had me driving lonely and sometimes dirt roads as much as two hours from home or office. I and 98% of my coworkers carried enhanced protection. Even before that, when my children were growing up I did the same. As an older lady and often driving hundreds of miles a day and boondocking at times I still carry EP plus a big dog. Even a small dog is a good alarm system and most bad people don't want anything to do with a potentially mean dog. They don't like the attention a barking dog causes either. A dog is a good consideration and gives company as you travel, too. Plus security for your vehicle while you are shopping. Keeping in contact with God and listening to the warnings He gives, that gut feeling, & others, too, is critical.

Wow so many good ideas! This won’t sound like much but when I stay at rest areas I put on a podcast with a male host so people can hear a muffled male voice from inside the car.

God bless you! You are still protecting and serving! Lord keep you safe in your travels!

Great tips for everyday life not just nomad life. Glad my dad taught me what they used to call "street smarts" to stay safe, especially back when I first turned 16.

You are an enormous service to this community. Not just nomads, but those of us who are wanna be nomads - campers. Thank you for your service!

Great tips. I’d add never park near a van or a cargo van. Ever! If one parks by you when you are in a store, enter your vehicle from the opposite side farthest from the van.

Love your Tips, and I completely agree with them. I especially encourage people not to wear headphones or earphones out in public, especially when seemingly alone, which prevents you from being able to hear any sounds around you. Also when people bury their faces in their phones when they are in an area/situation they are somewhat vulnerable and not paying attention to their surroundings, I think is really not a good idea.

Thanks, these all are great tips with some common sense. Beware of your surroundings and trust your gut feeling.

Sleeping in your vehicle: Add a device to each door, on the inside, which can latch/lock/prevent the door from opening. IF the glass is broken, bad person can quickly reach in and open/pull up the lock pin and enter. Simple dead bolt, or trunk hasp, can provide this security. Another method, use a heavy strap/cable through the door armrest, across to the other door armrest. Surely you get the idea. Have a knowledgeable handy friend help with the idea and install. Keep it simple, and not in plain sight, so that YOU can exit quickly in an emergency.

THIS IS A MUST WATCH! As a solo female traveler I truly appreciate this video. Although I know these things it is important to be reminded. Some things that came to mind: 1. Be careful who you talk to and what you say. Be aware of who may be listening. 2. REALLY LOOK ATOUND ANY POTENTIAL OVERNIGHT SPOT! I like to sit there a while and observe. 3. If you have to put anything in the front of your vehicle try to put it on the floor and cover with a black towel. 4. Check your tires OFTEN. That is what the truckers do. 5. Always have cash. I hide at least $100 in case I get robbed or lose my wallet. Again, thank you so much for this. Well done!

Excellent tips Carol I have used most of these when traveling alone but learned some new ones too. I no longer travel at night nor vear off onto lonely roads alone to see the sights. The world has really changed in the last few years and I no longer feel safe traveling long distances and camping alone. The old saying holds true there really is safety in numbers.

I definitely would carry and place air horn throughout my vehicle too to draw attention to me or my vehicle

You did a great thing when u did this video. I don’t camp but I sure took your advice as a ❤78 year old lady. Thank you

Great tips Carol, and I think can be applied for anyone for their personal safety. #1 is especially important for us seniors as we are more prone to sudden health issues and accidents. I agree on the self defense items, whether it be a spray or something else, practice and make sure you know how to use it without fumbling around. Hopefully you never have to use it, but if you do, you don't have the time to read instructions or figure out how to use it. Thanks for an informative video that can keep nomads safe out there.

Always know where you're at. When you pull off the highway check the exit number and the number of the road and or Street you're pulling on to. That way if you have to call 911 they can easily find you. Usually the first thing they say is where is your emergency. Blind views says to hang out a dog leash on your door or something. I remember that from a live stream. Excellent video thank you for posting

Your best advice yet Carol!! Thank god you had a call box when you broke down…unfortunately, not every State has call boxes ❤ From this fan with 30 years working in the criminal justice system. Listen to your gut instincts!! Best advice

Thank you so much for this priceless video! I was watching some other RU-vidrs (males) do their van life/stealth camping and thought it would be fun. THEN I thought, wait, I'm female and if I wanted to go on an excursion alone, can I do so safely. After watching your video AND knowing you are a peace officer, I find your advice very, very helpful. Thank you again. Take care and be safe in your travels. 😊💖🙏🏻

I even remind my son of these things, he travels alone a lot. I always keep an eye out for cars following me when I pull out of a place, especially in the evening, if I am out after dark. Which I try not to be out after dark by myself anymore. I have always remembered what someone said to me a long time ago, that sometimes nothing good happens outside after it gets dark. Make your life in the daylight hours, especially out of the home if you are alone a lot. When I was younger I did not always heed this advice, but now that I am older I always do. I have had younger people watch me in the oddest way a few times, that gave me a really creepy feeling. Now most younger people I have come across are very kind to me, but there have been a few that were not, and let me know it. You just never know.

You give good advice especially for seniors. I always remember. I can no longer run fast I am easy to size up as a good target for criminals because I have mobility problems but refuse to let it stop me from the lifestyle I love. In parking lots I sleep under the light because it's less likely to be robbed in a well lit area. Because my window covers fit perfectly the light doesn't bother me. If I am going into a area that I don't know and it's going to get dark soon I sleep at a truck stop welcome center or someplace like Walmart. Then the next day I have daylight to check out the area. On dark rainy days I do the same things. And I always trust my gut.

You are a very wise woman! Also, you look so beautiful today, Carol! Gorgeous! Thank you for your very helpful advice.❤TN Nana

I think I'll add one, and disagree with one at least slightly. 22. Thoroughly test out how you lock your vehicle, and realize that an accurate test of it absolutely requires a second person. If you have keyless entry, or push button start, be especially careful. DO NOT assume that how the car locks work is the same when you enter a rear door or even the passenger door, as when you enter via the driver door. Sometimes the way around an unexpected way the car locking system works, is to use the mechanical key to lock the driver's door, while leaving a rear door open to get in and lock yourself in. But even then, sometimes that disables the fob lock/unlock function, or the keyless entry, or not. You simply can't know until you test it out every which way. In some cars, after you enter a rear door, the front doors unlock. Also thoroughly test what ways to unlock and get out work or don't work. Some rear doors act like the child lock is on, when it is not, if you entered and locked the car some particular way. This is true in my car. The only way I can get out, after locking it how I have to, is to reach either of the front door unlock buttons or handles. So, I had to remove a head rest to let myself easily reach it, or to dive into the front seat if needed. Despite spending an hour figuring out my locks and locking procedures for several different ways of getting into the back of the car, and for cases where the car is running, and cases where the car is off, I think there were times when actually, if someone walked up to the driver's door and touched the door handle while I was sleeping, the car would have unlocked! You need to test it every which way, and write down a separate procedure for each combination of sleeping in front vs back, crawling front to back vs going via the doors, locking with the button vs the key vs the fob, having the car on vs off while you sleep, and anything else you might do differently sometimes. Even a fob which becomes disabled after you lock a running car with the physical key, might still be allowing someone to unlock the car while you're inside sleeping simply by using the door handle. You might have to keep your fobs in a Faraday bag or a closed tin can in some scenarios, to disable the handle-touch unlocking. In a way, an old-fashioned car with completely manual locks and windows, is safer, because it is very obvious as to what locks and unlocks the car. 9. Regarding parking face out, that has some pluses, but also some real minuses. Either way, someone can block you in. If you really need to bash your way out with the car, it is much better to do so in reverse. If you watch a demolition derby, you'll see that smashing another vehicle with the front of your car quickly disables your car, while smashing with the rear of your vehicle, does not. Also, assuming someone is in the blocking vehicle, or between your vehicle and theirs, if you are facing out, they can see exactly what you're doing, and they can try intimidating you with a weapon as you decide whether to drive at them or not. If you are backing out, and have a curtain behind your front seats, they might not even notice when you got into the driver's seat, and if they walk around to the front of your car to try intimidating or attacking you, you have separated them from their own car, which is a good thing. You have more options to drive forward to attack them, versus drive backwards to smash their car, create a commotion, and hopefully get away with your own radiator, headlights, and driver's door still intact. Facing out lets you see what is going on a bit better as you try to escape. If that's a concern, get a backup camera. When your reverse lights come on, it will light them up pretty well, too. They won't be standing in front of you trying to convince you not to run them over, they will be scurrying out of the way. Parking facing in actually gives you the better chance of disabling their vehicle more than you disable your own, if it comes down to a battle of vehicles. It also keeps them from seeing whether you are armed. Walking up to the driver's end of a car with a possibly armed driver, is dangerous business for them, from their viewpoint. No different from a traffic stop, in that sense. But even more dangerous to them, because they've given you reason to fear for your safety, unlike in a traffic stop, where a jury wouldn't take kindly to a driver attacking an officer and trying to call it self defense. In the case of someone blocking in a solo female to hassle, rob, or attack her, the opposite would be true. Nobody would convict your for doing anything you choose to defend yourself, or to get out of there.

Great suggestions!!! The world is getting crazier....be safe everyone ❣️❣️

One lady on RU-vid who camps in her van mentioned this method for a little extra security: Any time she is camped alone, she first loops each seatbelt near a door through the door handle and then snaps it into the seatbelt lock. Anyone who tries to get inside by breaking open the door won’t succeed. And during the day when driving, she just keeps them locked in that way-except for the driver’s door of course. Pretty smart cookie.

I would add a car alarm with a panic button. Our van came with an alarm but not a panic button. We added one that can be triggered from inside the vehicle as well as from 40-50 feet away by pushing a button. This gives us additional piece of mind because we could use it if we felt like someone was trying to break into the van ( before they actually do) or if I am camping alone and doing stuff outside the van. Our is from Viper and costed around $300 installed.

Lady Bugout talked about “5 things I wont talk about” Wise Words to add as well.

Thank you Carol for those sensible tips for traveling!

Thank you for the tips in this video. You suggested ideas that I wouldn't have thought of, so I'm grateful!

I use the black curtain trick too, if I have something up front on the floor at night that I want hidden, I have a black curtain that I throw over it. It just kind of disappears, as people walk by they can't see it.

Hi Carol, hope you are having a good day and weekend. Thank you for your help and information

Thank you for looking out for us. ❤

Thank you for these tips on staying safe while traveling.🙏🏾

You absolutely write Laura with my RU-vid channel. My videos are made 34 days in advance. Most people get my videos 5 days in advance by time. They hunt me down or try to. I'm done gone from that location. You're absolutely right, Laura. Because online, especially if you on Facebook they can track you. RU-vid is a bit harder to track you down but Facebook. They can track you down and even when you're making videos on the road. I tell people don't have your camera. Show the signs on the highway. Because that will give people an idea where you are. When I make videos my camera slow down so it's fixed on me or close to the ground. This way, I'm driving on the highway. No science will show on my camera, which means you don't know where my location is.

Always keep some kind Snacks food with you when traveling, have a good Flashlight, not the cheap one from the dollar store. and at least care one gallon of water especially in hot weather. Bottled water is the best if your in a small vehicle.check your spare make sure it's above the recommended pressure if it says 4o psi then put 50 psi .everyone often forget to check their spare tire.Not all tow vehicle have a air compressor.

Great tips for everyone. Love the yell FIRE tip from one of your viewers. The best tip from you Listen to your gut.

I truly appreciated your advice on safety and coming from a police experience I will definately practice these techniques ! I also appreciated (I just found you 2 days ago) the "consider these things" on whether the nomad life is for everyone. I'm 71 and thinking about making a BIG change while I'm still able! Thanks and maybe I'll see you down the road ;-)

Most women like men who do do Van life do have a Van. I always recommend highly. Do not cover the front windows if your Van has the apartition. Just use the petition to block the cabin from the back. Because by covering the cabin windows, it's obvious that someone in there and they know that someone's in there, so leave that open so it looks and gives you impression the Van is empty.

Thanks for the safety tips that can be helpful for everyone.

carry a fake wallet and fake phone to give up if robbed, bark like a dog from inside van, don't walk between cars in parking lots

I took notes!! So many of these tips are common sense, but common sense sometimes get forgotten in the heat of a moment. This certainly makes for a great pre-travel checklist for me, who is a part-time traveler. Thank you!!!❤

All great advice, thank you for sharing these valuable tips. The world is what it is...always good to be as prepared as possible!

Great tips! Some of these, I’ve already implemented, but others I hadn’t thought about. Thanks for sharing!

❤ Fantastic tips, thank you!

Great tips....l noted all of them for sure....thanks Carol and l'll see you on your live podcast later.....

You are making miracles happen for others.

Great safety tips! Just thinking about being on the road alone gives me anxiety. Thanks for sharing.

The only other thing I would do is get the film on your windows so glass can’t be shattered. There also stickers for the window that says the vehicle is monitored by CCTV cameras. I’d go one step further and get those little CCTV cameras so you can look around outside with your cellphone. You can even get them so you can talk with whoever is out there. I’d get a pre-recorded man’s voice just to say whatever you want!

Really good tips! .. also there are 'motion sensor dog-bark alarms'. I saw a video on the 'Clifford-James brand motion sensor electronic dog bark alarm' / a tiny thing, that looked like it worked awesome. And there were many other brands also to research too.

God bless you, Carol, and thanks for the tips. Love your hats!!.

Great tips! Great to see you still in your van!

Very good advise. Most of them are common sense. One more is. If a large van is parked on your driver side but no one exits and especially if you're parked away from a public traffic area. Insert key and drive away or park closer to the business entrance if your going inside, like after parking overnight and want to go inside for coffee or use the br. ALSO, keep a large pair of mens size hiking boots to be seen in the floor of passenger side or put out at your second chair at your campsite.

Great video, so much helpful information. Thank you very much. 😊❤

All great tip Ms Carol even for ones that aren't van lifers but just traveling to another city or state alone. I'm going to add one... Like yourself you travel with your daughter and sure plenty of others might as well. Get them a whistle and teach them to blow it as close to there assailant as possible in the ear would be idea. Also one of them things you can just pull and it comes apart but that sets off a very high pitch alarm which gives them time to run. And please teach them ways to escape from someone that might try and grab them. IE two finger gab in the eyes or in the growing. Blessings and Love!

Excellent recommendations, thank you so much!

You alway dress and your appearance unblemished. Stunning

Yes, really good advise, thank you

Hi Carol, Wonderful suggestions!

That was quite a list of helpful safety tips, Carol! A lot of them I never heard before either. Thanks so much!

Regarding walkie talkies, please be aware that they can lose a charge quickly. Keep them charged as well as your phone.

These tips are fantastic and I have saved them. I can tell you put so much thought into this and I thank you.❤❤❤

Excellent video🌼Just subscribed☺

Good advice in general. Thanks for these sound reminders.

THIS Is THE Most Important video of yours I have Ever seen! THANKS!!!!

True about women all over the world Flo!

You covered a lot of ground today and thanks! From a 40+ years road warrior.

Elders and females are targeted by thieves and more nefarious characters…thanks for the tips Carol! I was seriously considering driving 14 hours to the Bay Area from my home (I’ve done this a dozen or more times in my life)…and I’m thinking no, not as a 63 yo woman

Very valuable content.....shows your care for others....hugs!

My son who works construction gave me one of his old hard hats, an old pair of his boots, and one of his safety vests. I put the hard hat on the dash, the boots in the passenger seat, and hang the reflective vest over the drivers seat so that if anyone looks into my van even during the DAY, they think I'm traveling with a big burly construction worker. 😂 I also keep a "pew-pew" in an easily accessible area (hidden AND I'm very well trained as my son is a police officer). I also have multiple bear spray and wasp spray in the van in multiple places (great for spraying in the eyes) as well as other means of protection.

All excellent points, thank you

Good extra situational awareness tips from commenters on this video and others as well. Packed with valuable info!!

Thank you for the great tips. 👍

Excelent advice. Thank you.

Hi Carol, I remember when you were going to Las Vegas. You were having a bad road trip. But the Tow truck driver and his wife were so nice. Thanks for the tips. I was thinking of my travels. I travel with a driver. He's my husband and my vicious Standard Poodle Mona Lisa. She has a scarry bark. Looking forward to your next video. Maybe a cooking one? I miss those videos. See you next time.

There's also Garmin inreach, that you can carry with you for an emergency. Part of the problem is it is spendy.

Thank you so much for this! I’m about to embark on a trip across the county solo and was looking for actual advice on how/what to do. It’s comforting to know I already planned to do much of what you have spoken about but I greatly appreciate the tips for those spots where my knowledge lacks. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart and I hope this reaches all who need it ❤

Thank you for the great tips!

Thank you for this video. Great information 😊

Excellent list Carol! Before purchasing a modest RV, one of the deciding factors was having the ability to drive it away without having to go outside to do so, no pulling a trailer for me! Also, you are so right about using pubic toilets at night, going into a toilet alone in daylight is bad enough, at a Rest Area at night can be especially scary. I would also add the idea of dressing like a 'grey person', don't attract attention by flaunting valuables, and/or fancy clothes, tone it down. Driving a more modest vehicle attracts less attention. I carry freeze dried foods, being self-sufficeint means there's little need to shop along the way. Same goes for carrying extra fuel in a container, always be as prepared as possible for any eventuality, and have a Plan B and C. A folding electric bike offers alternative emergency transportation. Having upgraded Road Service is such a good idea. Having an older vehicle makes it even more important to have the mechanics gone over with a fine toothed comb. By the way, I would not have guessed you used to be a Police Officer, until you mentioned it, thank you for your service. No wonder your list was so thorough! Having a retired police dog as a travel companion would be very tempting, but I already have an older small dog, and am nolonger physically able to handle a large dog, or provide the amount of exercise one would need.

Wow! Your tips are excellent and as one comment said that she wrote them down, I shall do likewise. Also folks, read the comments. There are a ton of good tips from seasoned travelers. Be safe. Blessings!

This was a really good video and really, really good advice. It was so good in fact that it kind of scared me! Your video along with some of the comments scared me. I’m very intrigued but I don’t think I could ever do van life unless I had too! Nevertheless, you seem like a really wise lady and it seems like you sure know how to stay safe. Thanks for the great tips!

These are awesome tips Gloria!!!!!

Thanks for the tips I not a van life but these tips for everyday life thanks kindly God bless you 🙏

Holy kryptonite! All of these tips are on point ( oh.. and ..ummmm ... Learn Not to point at stuff or peeps... It's a bit like jailhouse rules out here)...**Finally .. Better than average real safety truths with common sense!!! I have left more places in my rearview mirror, when the gut started to kick in... Or the spidey sense goes into overdrive when a vehicle parks just a tad abnormal next to my rig ... I crawl into the driver seat, turn the ignition... and go... Thank you, Carol!!! Sending blessingzzz, great adventurezzz, and a woot woot 🎉... Ref the setting of Man boots outside the rig door... Look to see how many guys next to you, leave their boots outside??? Less than 1%... Just sayin'🤔

Great advice. People that talk about common sense need to realize that common sense ain’t common 😒.

Thank you much. You make good points! Take care...God's blessing.

Hi Carol. Thank you for sharing. All of these tips will keep you safe. 🙏🏼🤗💕

Great tips💫❤🌞Thank you, Carol, from another Carol.

Thanks for all the tips😊

Great Video and Comments 👍 Thank you Carol & Company 😁 ~ 🦋