@@travelsnacks How do you find out what is legal on not without bringing attention to yourself? I'm on the east coast and I work and live there (MD/PA) I presently have an Escape (I want to buy a van and live in). I never seem to see any vandwellers talk about Mid-Atlantic area is that maybe the reason?? I hope not.
Yeah im a full timer 2 yrs.it really depends on where you live and how you act where your parking .like if you have a dog .if you up a lot at night to pee or whatever.my best advice is to do all your business before you park pull up so that you can just go sleep get up and go.shes pretty close on places to park.but if your in a place where you live like myrtle bch.where its. Illegal to sleep in your car overnight it can be alitte difficult and stealth is always my rule .stay safe and kickass
Just go to the police station and tell them you are traveling across country and you'd like to sleep in their lot for 8 hours "so you don't fall asleep at the wheel" and they will ALWAYS say yes. Many times they have woken me up at their shift change at 7 or 8 am and brought me coffee!
I would avoid bar parking because the one sure thing about drunks is you never know what they will do. Between fights and vandalism and cops. I would call bar lots a hard pass
My husband had double bypass surgery April 7, and you gave me the courage to sleep in my Rav4 in the hospital parking lot. People do come and go at all hours, and it starts to get busy around 6am. But no one bothered me or even knew I was there. Plus I felt very safe.
I'm a traveling scrub tech and I've been sleeping in my car for ten days straight in the hospital employee parking lot. I highly recommend it because it patrolled. If you appear inconspicuous its not a problem.
I drove a truck over the road for over 30 years. From my experience I strongly suggest over nighting at a Truck Stop. Especially the big ones, TA's, Flyn J's, Petro etc etc. But don't park in the truck parking area. Park up front in the car lot. Nowadays you'll find many vans (expedited services) parked there so you won't have any problems and it's much quieter. I've never seen or heard of anyone being licked out of a truckstop if your not taking a trucker's spot. And now 99.9% of them are very safe.
@@Afrocreolebombshelle you can find a Rest Area on I4, north of Orlando (between Altamonte Springs and Lake Mary) Note: cars are only allowed in the rest area westbound. The eastbound rest area is only for trucks.
It helps to buy a small item, like a snack, before parking to sleep. This makes you a "paying customer." It changes the whole dynamic. "Cat naps" are great. If somebody bothers you just move on. Just a little sleep goes a long way.
I've had really good experiences at truck stops. I'm an older woman and I feel safe there. There is a separate area for the big trucks, and etiquette dictates that if you're spending the night in your car, you park away from the entrance of the store- so it tends to be not too noisy (but then again, noise doesn't bother me much). There are usually other travelers sleeping in their cars and we greet each other in the morning, yawning in the ladies room. And truck stops have the best hot chocolate.
I have not ever slept with the car running for fear of CO and cops. Also, I have only slept a couple hours at a time in parking lots while traveling. I think it's generally illegal to sleep with a car running or the key in the ignition. I have heard other people say they leave a window or sun roof open slightly. CO detectors are available at reasonable prices so I would make that purchase if I were going to sleep with the car running even very briefly.
Hospital, church and Cracker Barrel parking lots are my primary choices. While on the Interstate, rest stops are not the 1st choice unless I can snag the 1st spots for autos. Otherwise the spots closest to the exit are too noisy due to trucks accelerating to speed. Another interstate choice is the shoulder of an on ramp. The exit ramp is too visible from the roadway. Never sleep with engine running no matter the temp. A change in wind direction, speed or drifting snow can be fatal no matter how well the vehicle is maintained. A friend died in his idling truck due to CO poisoning. Met a guy living in the University parking lot during his senior year. He modified his van for comfort. Cold temps required him to park next to light poles with electrical outlets to connect the space heater. He moved the vehicle every 24 hours and was never rousted.
I was homeless in Central FL. once and I asked a guy behind pizza place for food. He said go next door to Chinese restaurant. Tell them you're hungry. It was buffet. All I wanted.😁
Thats kool. Im doung it now at a friends shop .and me and my pit bull frankenstein disrupted some thieves at 1 am and they took off running and left their car hereby friend and other business ownerz appreciate my looking Out..like having security all night..
When I was living in my car I slept a lot of nights in Sheetz parking lots. I would call from my car. Also I would go in and use the bathroom and then purchase food or gas and then go back to my car and call and ask. Most times those young people were so very nice. One young man told me to park toward the back outside of a side window so he could keep an eye in me so no one could bother me. He was such a kind young man.
I had to Google 'Sheetz', never heard of that before!! We don't have that on the West Coast. Glad you had good results staying there and they were nice about it. We need more people like that!
@@travelsnacks - Also, many municipalities have outlawed sleeping in any parking lots, such as around Las Vegas suburbs, so it's not just Walmart being difficult. My niece lives in west L.V. in a gated community with no overnight street parking, so if I have my van I can't sleep on her sofa because I have nowhere to park at her house (my car can fit in her driveway, but not my Roadtrek van). I used to just drive a mile away to Walmart for the night, but now NO parking lots are lawful to sleep in around there.
Hotel lots can be great places to stay. I was driving x-country and got so tired when I hit Wisconsin, I pulled into a hotel to get a room. But the Cranberry Festival was going on (yes, that's a thing in Wisconsin!), and they didn't have a single room available. The desk clerk suggested I park in the rear of the lot and get some sleep. Very nice of her! I was gone by dawn.
Cranberry fest! That would be fun I think. And yes, hotel lots are usually the way to go plus typically quiet (depending on the area). Thanks for sharing your experience!
I park away from the dumpster or maintaince guys shack so that I don't have to get up early. But yes it's true you should leave a hotel by 10am at the latest.
Hotels have security cameras too . I parked at a hilton late at night and the security guard came out walking around the cars peering in the windows very risky
I work at a large Senior living in Ca we are 24/7 facility its Private Property we have lots of cameras, Security Patrol. & all Employee cars have a Employee Stickers Might work at the smaller Senior facility
I thought the same until they called the cops on me I was awakened to 3 police cars with cherries on And was interrogated for 20 minutes accused of being drunk! Really scary
@@jimparsons4312 Just depends on the facility and how stealthy you are. Obviously if you see active security patrolling the parking lot or other additional security measures (just like any possible overnight stealth camping location) it's best to find a better location for the night. The result you suffered can happen anywhere.... you need to pick your location taking all these factors in to account.
Yeah! I think it depends on the managers. I’ll never forget the cops and how rude they were when they were interrogating me...They were making fun of me because I said some weird stuff (half asleep with flashlights in my eyes) being woke up by them! It was baddddd! Definitely an experience you won’t forget 🤣😂🤣
@@jackiemacdonald7212 Yeah, and the smaller facilities that don’t have security tend to be in bad areas and have frequent vehicle break ins. Trust me, I know.
I did my first solo road trip last month. I stayed at Cracker Barrel in Missoula, MT. I called ahead and they told me the area to park. It worked perfectly.
Hello Allison, how are you doing today? I just came across your video by chance... Have you ever or would you consider acquiring a CDL License to become a truck driver? You can surely get paid and travel the country while working and fit some free time in etc... what do you think? I'm a truck driver, just sharing. Have a great Friday!
@@barryjohnson409 Hello! I'm doing very well, thank you! I actually considered this for a hot minute but I don't like being on a tight schedule. At least this is what I heard from a trucker friend of mine. It is a great gig though for anyone who enjoys driving and wants to earn money on the road. Thanks for sharing!
@@travelsnacks - sounds good, if you ever change your mind...check out some of the mega carriers by name, Schneider,,Werner Kinght Transportation etc...all of the schedules are not always air tight each day, there is flexibility. Have a good day.I 😉🕊
One of the things I really want to do is purchase 10 acres to live on. But also create 6 or 8 spaces for tiny houses and a few spaces for RV's to stay. Perhaps even cheap housing as well. Affordable housing is in such a crisis mode right now. It's shameful in these United States.
I had a similar dream. Obtaining the necessary permits and zoning laws will challenge you. You should research prior to buying. I sold my land because it did not allow alternative housing.
Me too and plant a community garden/ courtyard for cooking and lounging like an extension of our home, was mostly hopping for me and family, but so far only my son is down, lol
That's such a nice caring idea David. It would be nice if there were several places like that in various states. I want to take to the road, but I don't want to be moving ALL the time. Gas or fuel is expensive. It is also dangerous for women.
@Joey Mitchell Watched by who? .. there are lots in more urban areas that require a sticker, but most suburban and rural lots are free form, your not going there to live but a couple of nights and who's to say you haven't just moved into the complex from out of town
@@gregcoste5332 well you could try staying in an Apt. Parking lot but in Oklahoma a lot of them have people that troll complexes to rob people. And here we have open carry, with cancelled carry too. Better to stay at a police station.
From someone who used to live in an apartment complex, please don't do this. There's a domino effect that screws over paying residents when you take up our guest parking, especially when there isn't designated parking spots. I personally have been put into unsafe situations because I couldn't park in my lot. Don't be an asshole. Don't fucking do this.
@@co7314 First of all your comments do not have to use swear words. Lets keep this clean, Second of all I never stay more than one night in one spot, park for the night late and use extra spaces and I also stay in industrial areas, walmart, cracker barrel and off street parking.
@@MilesCobbett I live in a sticks and bricks. I was out camping and had to wait for the local game warden to recover a poached dear I found on my hunt.
I'm a Truck Driver so even in a car or whatever, this is my go to when traveling. Tip: if you can fit where cars and construction vehicles park, usually up front, and not park where tractor-trailers park that would be wonderful. There is VERY limited parking for us due to Hours-of-Service laws due to the government taking over the trucking industry. Just a side note here: please do NOT cut tractor-trailers off, especially before a traffic light. Been having A LOT of Travelers and such doing that lately. We have cameras and sensors on our trucks and if y'all set them off then we get called into safety and can actually be fired. Yes, for not anticipating vehicles cutting us off. Safe travels and see y'all out there.
Got to reply to this. My brother was a tractor-trailer driver for many years before he passed away. He drilled into my head that whenever I passed a semi I was to wait until I saw the entire front end and headlights in my mirror before merging in front. I’ve even had truckers thank me for doing that when we happen to stop at the same place.
@@brendanoren5047 When folks like you give me room like that I always say thank you and give a wave. It really means a lot. I'm sorry you lost your brother. I'm sure you have wonderful memories of him.
It blows my mind that people cut off big trucks. I always give extra space for a truck. Like Brenda, I wait until I can see the entire front of the truck in my rear-view mirror. Not doing so is just a huge dick move. I know driving those trucks is a lot more involved than a car, and I don't want to be a thorn in your side. At best, I'm being a dick, and at worst, you might not be able to break in time and you will crush me.Trailor trucks are not something to fuck around with.
I lived in my car for six weeks in a very yuppie town before I moved to another state. I did it to save money for my move. It was an awesome experience! I parked in a grocery store parking lot far away from other cars to brushed my teeth, changed my clothes and got completely ready for bed. Then I drove to the beautiful apartment complex that had very private parking spaces. They had a lot of parking spaces in his apartment complex and I usually got there about 10 PM and left Around 5 to 6 AM. I had no problems at all. My windows are darkened and my blankets are dark colors.
"Anna Marie Kraft" Good for you. Sounds like a great adventure. Out of curiosity (and you don't need to answer if you don't want to) how were you able to afford to do this? Do you have a job in which you work via computer ? Did you have money saved up?
Yes I made money in my business. At the time when I lived in my car I had two businesses. House cleaning Monday through Friday and my my published book. I did save up money and I was able to give extra money to one of my four adult sons.
I am not actually a subscriber. I was just scrolling through RU-vid and saw this and it made my day. Three years ago I found myself living in my car for 4 months. It was a hard time in my life but I will say I was absolutely grateful to have a car to sleep in. I never knew where to park. Finding a place to shower was even harder. We need more channels like this. I spent alot of time in the Library.
Please, please don't park in a space that is big enough for a tractor trailer when parking at a truckstop!!!! Trucks are on a clock and there is almost no other parking for us anywhere except the truck stop. There is nothing like having to do a mandatory stop and finding there is a car parked in a truck space when they could park almost anywhere else in the truckstop.
Thank you! Both of my parents and my grandpa are cross country semi drivers and this is something I keep in mind when it comes to this lifestyle and hope others will as well
Agreed. As a trucker myself, I would rather a car parked in car parking. But more importantly, I would rather you fell asleep in a parking lot - than rolling down the interstate. Hint: They sell small parkable Truckstop guides at truckstops and rate the places by size (S-M-L) and sometimes specify if parking is not free. Usually the pay to park is for the truck spots. But those might also be the places where management might object to sleeping in the car parking areas. Also, I would aim for Large or Medium truck stops first. In general they have more space. Travel Centers of America, Petro, Flying J, Pilot, and Loves are the big chains. They have showers (not free, but if you are about to boot yourself out of your own car for stinking ....) Kwik Trips are another chain, but also have excellent C-stores with limited grocery items often not available at most C stores.
Not a nomad yet. Been watching RU-vidrs discussing it all. I'm an RN, worked in hospice care, and nursing homes can be an option in a pinch. Get there later in night, as in once it's dark out and leave, if you can, 5am. Shifts come in 7am, 3pm and 7pm.
When I lost my job in 2018 I lost my apt with not much income left it took me a year to get another job . I slept in my car for 5 months . One thing I did was make every attempt to turn a negative situation into a positive one. I still had a little cash but not enough to get a hotel or anything . So I went to the local laundromat. I found it had 2 big screen TVs , free wi-fi , a washer and dryer of course and a snack and drink machine. I was like wow that's all positive. I had all that at home . I would go in the bathroom wash off then go put in applications for jobs . One thing I kept was a good attitude . I never let it get me down . Now I got two jobs but if I ever got in a situation like that again I'm not even worried about it because I know how to get by . I looked at it as a learning experience in life .I would park to sleep in neighborhoods as well or even the parking lot of the cleaners . It is amazing what you can do to get by if you just keep a good attitude
I've never slept in a car before but I've had the misfortune of knowing some truly dangerous people. Listen to your gut feeling about your safety, 'Am I safe?' is not a one-time assessment... keep assessing your safety, while you feel safe now maybe later you won't. If in doubt at any point, leave immediately!
I had enormous experiences in sleeping in my car many times in my life from my unemployed time to my low-budget traveling time. Use your judgments and see the area before you feel confident in the area to allow you to sleep in your car and cover up your window. Avoid staying in impoverished ethnic neighborhoods, wandering young people hanging around and searching for stealing and robbing in the area, and urban cities. They will break into your car and rob you. Political correctness, SJW, and leftist-dominated mainstream media ban this truth.
I put on my hazards if i see something questionable. Pull my camera out and take a fake video while im trying to get back drivers license.. They zoom away VERY fast. 2 guys? In front.. THEN I MOVE AWAY. did i help one girl?? Oh GOD come soon. So many malls are now pimps and abused womens working in cars in daylight. Most have darkened windows in the shade and futher away from other cars. I actually saw 2 other cars. Around 8 to 10 spaces away shadowing? To keep the scene away from shoppers.. Yes..this is in high price or normal biggest stores with lots of shopping. (But detectives cant arrest until i have proof. So sad to say..its very hard to do.)
Rest stops have been my scariest experiences (so dark), McDonald's and hospitals have been the ones where I have felt the most safe...well-lit...and there are a lot of reasons someone would be waiting in their car at a hospital. My husband used to watch the Super-Bowl in the hospital waiting room when we didn't live near friends/family who would be watching.
I slept at walmart parking lots for 2 1/2 years without ever having any problems...I had 3 of them I used regularly and parked mostly in spots that looked like employee parking but just a little ways away....Worked for me.
When I travel alone as a woman I am most concerned about not being noticed. I always chose motel parking lots that were pretty full. I back into spaces where you have privacy behind you, like woods or walls, and enter or exit my truck from the back. I've never heard of paid parking requirements at hotels. Security is a concern because they're most likely to notice you and kick you out (unless you befriend them and they're a decent person). I also have curtains on the windows so they cannot tell if someone is in there. Without curtains, sleeping under large tarps works well because for all they know, you have merchandise under there.
I stayed at hotel lots, hospital-ER, church lots, Denny's, rest areas, casino lots and more, all good with my doggie, I was without a home in my late 60's for 3-5 years. whenever I could camp for free BLM land or stay at a hotel/motel, I did that, too. only stayed at one Walmart.
@@juliadawnyel3648 illegal here in California too but thankfully I did not get harassed. police showed me a safe place to park one night and I stayed in that area
It has been my experience that 24 hour donut shops always have a car or two with someone sleeping in the parking lot. It’s relatively safe, cops come and go quite frequently and if you are quiet, they don’t bother you.
I (legally) parked in a disabled spot when driving myself to the ER in CA. I was super sick (sepsis), was admitted, and really wasn't well enough to even think about my car at the time. Come the time I was discharged I was POSITIVE my car would have been towed as it has sat there for DAYS. Feet from the ER! In a disabled park!! But lo and behold - my car was still there! I was shocked (and so grateful)!!!
Parking at a church: avoid those with schools, child care or adult care. They can't because of liability. Look for a church that hosts 12 step meetings. Sometimes, if people come to meetings but shouldn't be driving, they'll be invited to sleep in the parking lot till they are safe to drive. My suggestion: monasteries.Especially in rural areas. Monasteries usually have guest houses, so they'll also have unassigned parking. Nut make sure you call and speak to the Guest Director. And be respectful and quiet.
I was in a backwoods area with a camper, didn't know anything about where I was, it was dark, I was a little nervous, and exhausted. Saw a strip club -- the only thing around -- so I pulled in, locked my doors, opened the windows for some fresh air, and fell asleep. Nobody bothered me; if you think about it, strip clubs have very tight security and a camper in the back of the parking lot was the least of their worries. Slept good. I left at daybreak.
After driving a truck for 20 years, I'm telling you to go ahead and sleep at the truck stops. It's safe, albeit noisy. Lol. Plus you can pay for a nice shower if you need one. About $10. Just park in front where the cars are, not back with the trucks
@@campfireaddict6417 I had a book called "Exit Guide". That and a truck stop guide I bought @ the Pilot , TA, Petro and any chain truckstop. Invaluable for any travelers. The "Exit Guide" is just for interstates but it tells everything at each interstate exit... restaurants, stores, fad stations, truckstops and more. The truckstop guide tells where all the truckstops are on any road, including Canada.
@@gingerhurst9204 ...are you talking about THE NEXT EXIT 2020? Iam trying to look for something that gives me all kind of information. Thanks for sharing.
Don't ever park on a street anywhere in San Francisco if you have out of state license plates. Smash and grab thieves target out of state plates. Happened to me twice.
Nothing to do with license plates, locals get robbed by druggies if they have ANYTHING visible inside the car. Best to go up to Marin or down towards Pacifica / Half moon bay.
I was born and raised in Ca. (San Jose) I fixed that problem. Last time I left was 94 & I swore I would never step foot in Cali again. So far so good. lol I am planning a trip to Quartzite next year, I'll prolly get right up to the state line just to flip the bird. lol
State Visitors Information Centers are good, safe places to park overnight--you know, the Welcome to (Any State)information about the state type of places you see when you are crossing state lines, from one state to another. A friend of mine and I were traveling across the country, and a Police officer suggested those places to us, because they all have plenty of wide-open parking, they are well-lit, have public restrooms, and vending machine areas. The Officer told us that local police patrol those places, but that they never bother anyone, because the way they see it, the people parked in those parking lots are simply waiting for the information offices to open, so that they can get maps and other State visitor information about the tourist sites that they can visit while in the State.
Wow, I don't feel any more confident after watching that. It just seems so ridiculous to me that it's even a rule or law that people can't sleep in their vehicle. Just crazy.
It's only illegal if they see you. As long as you're parked legally, and they can't see (or hear you) inside, then you having nothing to worry about. If I'm parked legally, I never answer knocks. The cop might think someone is inside, but that little bit of doubt will keep him moving on.
Good list. I've done nearly all of those. In literally hundreds of nights in my vans in your country (I'm Canadian), I've been awakened twice. Once on the CA coast I'd assumed a locked gate entrance was unused. Nope. A few hours later, the owner arrived. I apologized and left. The other time, the police in PA knocked on my window at my campsite which was clearly signed "DRY CLEANERS". Again, I apologized, pleading road fatigue. They said "Be gone by sunrise". And I was. In the hinterlands, cell towers offer excellent security, quiet, dark and level. Good connectivity, too. :) Keep rollin'
Pay for a parking spot in a Storage facility that is gated. I did this for about 5yrs to make sure I was safe to sleep. In my town I paid $ 50 month, guaranteed to not be run off and was totally safe Now being a home owner, I do not enjoy people parking around my house. I know the vehicles that belong in my neighborhood Lol After being homeless I have always wanted to make a parking lot with Porta potties that is gated and rent a spot. By the night or month...
I lived out of my car (a Mercury Cougar) in the late 80s for a couple of years in New Jersey mainly. A number of times I stayed in a 76 truck stop in the far reaches of their restaurant parking lot. Btw, truck stops often have showers -- and some even have very basic rooms -- for truckers that you might be able to talk your way into using. One night I stayed in one of the 76 truck stop "trucker rooms" for around $20, as I recall. I forget how I talked my way into that one. When I "moved" to NJ from CA, I was counting on having access to free spots to camp in National Forests and BLM land like I was used to in California. Big miscalculation. The East Coast (anything east of the Mississippi) is one big parceled out, fenced off, and "no trespassing" swath of land. Your best bet on the East Coast is to find a cheap campground if you don't mind being out of the city. I know of just one area in New Jersey where you can camp out in the forest for free... and it comes with various potential problems. I did hold down a job during much of that time working for a martial arts company, and the understanding sensei let me sleep on the training mat. Apparently, sleeping in the dojo is almost a tradition among more serious students. One night I slept in the car behind a small church -- the denomination I went to as a kid (for familiarity's sake). No problems. I got up early, cranked up my propane stove next to the car, and heated water for coffee... I had a cup of hot coffee that chilly, overcast New Jersey morning, gazing across a misty, open field next to the church, listening to the world come awake. I was content.
I have used a small automotive repair shop in a small town. Just make sure you get out before they open. Your car will look like one in the queue for repair :-)
😪 Stay strong and safe. I recently began living in my car too after wasting my money to rent an expensive room from a landlord who routinely fails to pay his bills.
Great ideas! When I'm stealthing in a big city, I've had excellent luck parking by hostels. But I'm in a minivan, so I can close my curtains and no one knows I'm in there. But since it's by a hostel, there are license plates from all different states, so my out-of-state plates don't draw attention to passersby.
@@Qyeenz I've never had a problem. But I don't use any appliances in my van that could put out carbon monoxide. I do know that if you're cooking or using a heater or something like that inside your van, you need to either have a vent fan or make sure your windows are cracked open. And definitely a good idea to have a carbon monoxide detector in your van.
Back in the 70's in Oregon if you were homeless and just passing through you could go to the police station and the would give you a bunk for the night. They would run a check on you but if you were ok then why not. A couple of them even fed you in the morning. This was in the 70's.
Well this isn’t the 70’s and there are too many homeless people for them to offer a bunk .. sad … I grew up in the 70’s and hitchhiked … I’m lucky to be alive ..met so many pervs … maybe being a woman would get a little sympathy from the cops , maybe not
I was a 24 hour fitness member amd definitely parked there a bunch of times ... I got those window coverings from Walmart auto areas ... keeps out light and nobody ever knew I was there ... in many places ... but I was in a car, very incognito ...
Finding parking was one of my biggest anxieties when I was traveling like I barely got any sleep lol. Wish I saw this sooner but glad I’m not the only one who struggles with this!
I have had success in a hospital parking lot next to the ER. That's actually my go to. I don't feel bad for parking there because there has always been an abundance of free parking spaces.. Meaning, I am not taking up the last parking space. There's still about at least a dozen or so parking spaces after I park in the ER parking lot. And I feel at peace and safe.
Letting the police know you're on a long road trip looking for a place to sleep is a great first step because they won't waste their time coming out to bother you when they get a call with your description.
Hi, great video. When I was living in my car a couple of years ago, I was going to the Walmart parking lot , everyone there was looking out for each other plus the walmart was 24 hours, so if you needed to go to the restroom during the night, then that was a bonus. After that I was lucky enough to find a spot open at a womens shelter with my own room and restrooms. I was working for the state of CA the time too but they pay only once a month and the pay was 9 an hour.
For the past 12 years I used to drive across the USA 6 times a year, coast to coast, border to border. A lot of the places that you mention I already been there & done that. When in doubt use a truckstop, that's what they're there for. Trust your gut. Good advice, thanks for the tips. Drive safe.
When i survived in my mini van, residential and industrial areas were my first choice. I made it a priority to not ever pay for parking. I'd rather spend more money on gas than do that. I notice that some Walmart's still allow some vehicles to park there. I found hotels and motels tricky. Usually parking on the street right next to them was best. Some you could use the washrooms.
I used to go trucking with my uncle every summer when i was a teenager .. truck and rest stops are the best, but you do have to keep your head on a swivel out there 👌🏽
I trucked for 20 years. Rest areas are shady af. Steer clear. They are gay cruising areas. I wish I could unsee some of the stuff I've seen. They call them pickle parks. Sometimes you're out of hours and are forced to stop at one for your mandatory break. 10 hours smh. A big rig can't just pull in anywhere to park. Some Truck Stops are full of hoes too... which ain't bad except when they knock on your door and wake you up at 3 a.m. Pilot Winnemucca, NV, T/A Ontario, CA.. I could go on lol.
Brisk pace, no nonsense, solid useful content. You got this sh* down, love it! I click off pretty quickly from ones that are slow or unfocused. Ain't got no time fo dat 😄
Walmarts in Washington state are now patrolled by private security and don't allow overnight sleeping. Usually TA or Flying J truck stops have 24 hour service and bathrooms and showers (@$15.) and are the best for sleeping at with large lots. Home Depot/Lowe's usually have good parking as well.
I'm in the UK I found if you drive out of town to a little village and park up in a layby in the middle of nowhere like no one for miles but that's just what I liked
@@anudhadutta9708 I moved to Sweden and got my residence permit before the Brexit deadline and it's so wild out here that even within 30 minutes from a city centre, I can just find an old forest access track, back into it just 10-15 metres from a main road and immediately be surrounded by trees and out of sight. Nobody bothers me sleeping in my old Volvo estate car. I can forage for mushrooms and berries, light a camp fire and if I'm lucky, even catch a fish if there's a lake nearby. 👁 👁 👁️ 👁️ 👁 👁 👄 👄 👄 Bye bye Britain, hello Sweden!!!
Even with free parking, some hotels will monitor vehicles in the lot. Obviously if you're staying just one night (during the night) they likely won't check, but don't count on staying more than one night. If you need to stay more than one night, then a truck stop might be your best choice (although probably not the quietest). Rest areas are OK if you park away from people but be advised people may bother you. At least in most truck stops I've been in, most people won't bother you as they know truckers and other people stop there to rest / sleep. I would say that a safer thing to do might be to find a camp site. Yes they cost money (usually a basic site might work best and might only be $10-$20 per night) but may be quieter and nobody will usually bother you (plus many camp grounds have quiet hours). I would be careful sleeping in hotel parking lots. And if you do, park away from people, but not too far away that it looks suspicious. You could also try to park (for the night) in a 24 hour store parking lot (like a WalMart, although many aren't 24 hours anymore due to COVID). I would not park on residential streets though (too risky--probably more risky than parking in a hotel parking lot). Regardless of where you park, you should definitely get black-out window covers (that appear black on the outside) so that people can't look in and so the car looks empty from a distance.
I didn't read through all the comments but I did want to say truck stops such as Loves and Flying J have worked out for me. Also I'm not sure if anyone else mentioned it but both Costco, Sam's and Pro Bass Shops (whiched merged with Cabella's) also allow over night in the far end/rear of their lots basically the furthest away is best.
Re Fire Station: Knock on the door, we will say yes, But it is loud. Or leave a note on the dash with your with your number. DONT PARK NEAR THE BIG DOORS, BIG TRUCKS MAKE BIG U-TURNS. Honestly just park we probly wont even notice, parking violations arent our department.
Allison, can think of interviewing the old timers, who have been stealth camping for decades... I bet many have good stories and tips for newbies... Thanks for updates AAA+++
Motels/hotels: I walk into reception with a big smile and say, Hey, I'm traveling the USA...may I have a parking sticker for the night? I promise to be quiet and not make a mess! Ditto with gas stations, private businesses, etc, etc. Ask and use the person's name while talking to them...Works 100% of the time! Good video...
I've watched a lot of different videos with this topic. But from your video I still learned a few new tips. I liked the suggestion to look for overnight decals displayed on cars parked at a hotel and to choose a lower to a mid-priced hotel, which shouldn't have security.
If you are traveling Walmart welcomes “sleepers”, my in-laws used to stop to sleep there. We did that too. You just walk in and let them know you will be there, but that you are only sleeping there. It also helps to purchase food at the store.
If you are willing to stay up all night, you can get 8 to 10 hours sleep in the daytime in a park. You can take your blanket and stretch out .It is usually safer in the daytime. Take a picnic basket and a book. Wear shades. Usually, most parks will have public restrooms too. People might think it is your day off and you are just having a relaxing day.
Love this video. I drove an 18 wheeler for years and most nights was a fight to find a place to park. Most people don't understand you just can't park your car or truck just anywhere and be safe or where it's going to be quiet to sleep.
Starbucks great place to stay , I used to drive alot and needed to take breaks and rest ... I have only one time , been hassled and the manager apologized later and all was good ... Plus you can get coffee and breakfast for the road : )
Yes, police station are an option. Especially with driving at night. We do it most of time for quest with large size RV that can’t fit in hotel space. You have come inside to let us know you are outside and information.
I've wondered about a nomad life where I park my van in some remote, rural off grid secure vacant land I own in a small central Florida town (remote but still 15 minutes from a Walmart and Home Depot) Sunday afternoon to Thursday afternoon spending those days in isolation, blogging, coding, gardening and building things.. THEN, packing up and driving 2 hours into one of 5 big urban/coastal city centers for adventure and social Thursday night - Sunday morning. Renting a motel Saturday afternoon. Resetting, Reorganizing, Restocking... Cleaning the van, taking a hot bath and doing laundry before heading back to the land and isolation... rinse and repeat
If you've got ~$15,000 you can buy a small trailer, e.g., a Scamp, park it on your lot, and have a comfortable place to sleep and make simple meals. Would that work for you?...
I used to live in Central FL. now in Tallahassee but have to move. If you are interested in a place together. I'm semi retired, thinking of van life but part time for now.
@@haroldbeck4351 Hi. Personally I like to travel lite and not have to pull or park anything big. Camper is also not very stealthy and going to invite unwanted attention. My van has comfortable sleeping/lounge/work setup even though I can't stand inside. My strategy is I use it like a bed/couch and unless raining, mosquito or cold (ha Florida) I'm outside under a tree. I am thinking of building something tiny, insulated and watertight with Solar/USB powered ventilation on the ground right over bricks where I can stand. Paint it camo like the trees and park it behind the trees. A feature that allows it to collapses flat with enough room to secure a few things.. but I can build that for under $1k.
@@cathyschwartz7026 As a prepper and a minimalist (at least a wanna-be) I've been testing some less than traditional living ideas. IMO, Florida is a special place.. a very forgiving place. I've slept over 300 nights in my converted van, but never more than 2 weeks in a row. I've slept on my land, but most often I've slept in parking lots, at the beach, at Walmart, gyms, bars. I find the trick for me to live in a small van is sleeping in the van, but not living in the van... finding things to do outside and hiding somewhere between 11am and 4pm when the sun burns. I strongly recommend anybody thinking about van life test it out and try living for weeks in a van without air conditioning when parked and on a small 6 inch mattress. The biggest challenges might be not knowing what do with all your free time and being bored & lonely.
@@12vLife that's what I'm afraid of... bored & lonely. I used to travel for a living & found it lonely. All I do are things with my dog, sightsee, hike etc. No sense of belonging.
I was a nomad for 3 years before smart phones. I think that i slept at every spot you mentioned. The Casino was a regular, had covered parking during summer. I did 2 weeks straight with no issues.
My journey from NV to OK, I pulled in a truck stops on my way. In parking in casino parking, I have slept and have noticed that security will allow you to rest up, if you tell you need to sober up a bit from drinking or just tell them you are traveling and tell them you got hella tired and need a couple of hours of sleep
If you have a van or a car that is mostly inconspicuous you can park at some place like Home Depot or Lowe’s because they have a lot of workmen in vans coming and going. By the way if you go to any Walmart and park in the back where all the employees park you mostly won’t get harassed whether you ask or not to stay there. I used to work at Walmart and I slept in my car. No one ever came back there once a shift had started. Also movie theater parking lots.
I did park at a Walmart once that didn't allow overnight parking. They were open 24 hours and there were a lot of vehicles parked by one door that appeared to be the night employees so I found an empty spot in the middle of them and slept there with no problems. I arrived at midnight and left at 6 am.
ALWAYS, always, keep your doors locked when sleeping in your car! -- One time in Cherry Hill, NJ, I was sleeping in a motel parking lot, in the back, and about 5am, someone was knocking on my window, and trying to open my car door. Didn't wait around to find out who it was and I ASSUME it was security, but I started my car and drove off.
If you have a Hostel International membership, some hostels offer free parking. Maybe check-in at the hostel as a guest so you can use the hostel amenities, but advise them you'll be sleeping in your car. An idea worth exploring.
I work at Amazon warehouse and I would think that you could get away with it because they have day and night shifts the parking lot is always full. Kind of a way to hide in plain sight.
Thanks loves all the tips from your viewers!!! I used to stay in my car for about three months until I saved money for a rental. I stayed mostly at Walmart and ended getting a job there. Then worked in a local strip club as a waitress so all the money I was making I saved it until I had enough for a deposit and one month advance to get a rental. I must admit that it was hard sleeping in my old car but I survived I went to the gym every other day to work out and there’s where I would shower. Also, I while staying in my car I was careful with my diet so steer away from the junk food I did eat allot of noodles.
That’s always been my preference too. Sunup is my bedtime. Nobody questions a car parked in a public park parking lot during the day, and waking up in the mid-afternoon is great.
@@danieldaniels7571 The people I live with stress me out and have no manors or respect for me. The local library parking lot always has people sitting in cars eating lunch and napping in their cars or on a blanket on the grass. Good when it’s a nice day.
This answer is so obvious and very true. Sleeping during the day, nobody bothers me virtually ANYWHERE I park. And works perfectly with my third shift security job!!!
You pretty cover what I do. The top two I look for. Auto Mechanic shops that have over night drop boxes for keys. During hours that they are closed, especially on Sunday. Arrive at night and leave couple of hours before they open. I use Google map to look for a parking lot that is shared with more then one business. Like one with motel, gas station and restaurant, just off the highway. I park right in the center between all the businesses there. These two places, works for me all the time for 6-8 hours of sleep.
Last night was the 1st night living in my car. I stayed in a Kroger parking lot. No issues. Just moved from S. Fla to Knoxville & can't get into my new roommates place for 3 weeks. I found a great park for during the day w/restrooms & the local library. Thanks for the advice!
Second comment. Okay, I was an EMT for 7.5 years AND had a handicapped daughter who went to the ER multiple times. Most ER give the patients or their transport person a card to put on the dash so security won't have them towed. Police stations are more compromising if you explain that you are traveling and low on funds or are STAYING in your vehicle. Maybe on your way to a new job in a new state. *In some states it's actually unlawful to be "homeless." I'm a former Deputy. Another reason that I'm a Libertarian. Government needs to let We The People govern ourselves and let us live OUR best lives the way WE see fit.👍
You are AWESOME! Be safe and well. I slept 7 hours on the side of a truck stop restaurant one time. Ear plugs, eye mask and windshield screen worked great. Love, Ms Pat from southern Indiana
I usually just sleep at a truck stop, rest areas, or gas station. Nobody really bothers me ever unless the parking lot is really small. And I think that was only once out of the 26 years of road trips I've done.
Rock springs wyoming walmart. Stayed there fore a month. Kept my area picked up. Moved to different spots every other night. I parked next to drains, so i could empty my pee bottle . Im now in virginia fore a few weeks, then, moving on to the next adventure. Roadside parks are my favorite spots whyll traveling. Otherwise, im off road (-:
Oh wow, a month! That's awesome. And I'm so glad you mentioned picking up after yourself. It's so important for us nomads to be great guests so we can keep parking around the country. Thanks for sharing!
I work nightshift, so I day sleep and that makes life easier. On my days off, I go to my favorite camping spots. A good tip is to keep your car clean on the outside. It doesn't draw attention to you. Excellent tips!
I've got a couple more. Just recently here I had to spend three days in my truck until I found a place to live. My dad had a brain aneurysm about 3 years ago and I remember being camped out at the hospital for like two weeks when he was going through that in the critical care unit. So I thought to myself that's where I'll go. I knew I couldn't go in the hospital so I parked in the hospital parking lot not the emergency parking lot but the regular parking lot where I parked when my father was there. On the second night, There happened to be this Paul Blart security guard who knocked on my window and said that he saw me sleeping in my truck I don't have tinted windows which I realize now is a must. He asked me who I was waiting on, I didn't have an answer so I left.. Kinda pissed off, I didn't know where to go from there. I called the police station and asked them where a safe place to park was.. since this security guard at the hospital kicked me out of the parking lot ( you're not allowed to be there for more than one day) is what I told the police.. I feel stupid now pretending like I was some sort of victim waiting on a parent (lol) he told me I could go to QuikTrip and park because it's a "safe Zone" that police officers actually go there throughout the night, the company offers police officers free coffee and drinks, not a bad idea as a safety measure for a 24hr gas station/ convenience store. He also told me I can always Park at the waffle house just to ask the manager in charge if I could park there. So I guess the take aways from this unnecessarily long story is.. Have tinted windows, QuikTrip is safe and consider going to Waffle House.
I've had a small converted van for the past 8 years. I've slept at rest areas, Walmart, churches, hospitals, truck stops, motel lots, fire stations, police stations, city parks, McDonalds, Dennys, shopping malls, and an airport and never had any trouble at all.
Nothing beats a big busy truck stop. They by nature are busy 24/7 and in over the better part of fifty years never had a problem grabbing zzz's at one of them.
I have spent over 50 nights in the hospital over the last ten years caring for elderly relatives. And I can assure you that the parking lot empties out when visiting hours are over. As long as you leave by 8am the next morning, you would not be taking a parking space from anyone. I always had my vehicle - I drive a van - in the parking lot overnight and never had security ask me why I was there. Lots of hospitals expect a relative to be spending the night if the patient is a child, elderly, hard of hearing, etc. so they are used to random cars being in the parking lot overnight. I have stayed at urban and suburban hospitals and none of them ask for information on your vehicle or issue parking passes. I camp in my van, but if I was van dwelling, suburban hospitals would be my "go to" choice.
@@pjreads5014 This is exactly correct. I leave by 6am-7am no one bothered me yet. They don’t care. As long as you’re not drawing too much attention to yourselves its the perfect spot. Obviously don’t make loud noises and play hulu on full blast if you don’t you’ll be fine
