I worked in a hospital and my best advice is sleep in an ER parking lot . I used to fall asleep on my steering wheel all of the time from pure exhaustion. No one bothered me . If you want to step it up a notch buy a pair of cheap scrubs 😂❤
Plus so many people are in and out they don’t know whose vehicle belongs to who.. there are so many employees there they would just assume you work there and are getting a rest in before driving home. No one will bother you.
Fall asleep on steering wheel LMAO! My first knock by 5 cops at 2:30 am was at a brand new (90% finished) huge emergency room type hospital towards end of covid...hospitals seem to have security watching for troublemakers then... no fun! I think hospitals can be a good option, but don't be surprised if your kicked...cops also are going in & out of then for biz so...
Late to the party here, but regarding hotel parking lots, I've worked for multiple hotels in different hotel groups and the only time we'd check on cars is say we had a 100 room hotel, a 120 spot parking lot, and registered guests were complaining they continually couldn't find parking spots. Then we'd go and see which cars weren't ones we knew belonged to registered guests.
Town library parking lots, it's public property I've asked the police in the area and as long as you're not there all the time, the local police are usually good with it
I just did that for the first time a couple of weeks ago. Called first to make sure and gal I talked to basically said as long your not dealing drugs or dumping stuff I should be ok. And I was! Except for getting woken up by the trash collector 5a next morning. 😒
When I see a lot of trace, I pick it up. Just to keep this attitude in check. I appreciate the places I park and want to keep using them! Too bad others r so crude! I see them thru my limo tint a lot! They think nobody sees them leaving their mess be hind! Ha!
That's basically the story of people. They're always a big group in any activity that screws things up for those who are discreet,considerate, and have a long-term perspective.
The comment you made about the "free breakfast" at hotels should not be taken since you are technically not "a guest". That is some sound advice. I hope people put there gets this message. Stay true, stay honest and stay humble.❤❤❤ You just got a new subscriber.🥰
I just found you this evening while traveling in our van. I was looking for stealth camping in Yellowstone and stumbled into your channel. My husband and I have done this type of traveling for several years. Hotel parking lots. Walmart. Truck stops. Casinos. Beaches ( ahhh ) Rivers. State parks. Scenic pull offs. Unfinished subdivisions. Dennys. Trading posts. Behind businesses closed for the night. Cracker Barrel. Shopping center lots. Down lonely roads ( kinda scary though) A city park once but got a knock on our door during the night from a police officer.
Businesses that are closed .... Great idea, and i have seen many of these opportunities ... As a single male camping in a car, i pass them up because i always get the thought ... "they will think i am trying to break in and steal things"
I stopped at a Cracker Barrel that did allow overnight parking, but when I went in to use the restroom there was a sign on the door that for that particular night there was no parking because they were painting lines in the parking lot. I moved on to the next one several miles down the road. I would hate to have been awoken to leave. I'm glad I saw the sign on the door.
Here's a suggestion that may work for some business owners but takes a bit of planning. I own a small business on the east coast and am able to basically live in any of my 3 office locations. I am almost to the point where my staffing at those offices allows me to run things without me being there for months at a time. My next step is to find a small office to start with on the west coast where I can do the same. Then I can use these offices as home bases and go on trips to basically anywhere I want for a week or two and use the other 27 methods on those trips. Because my business pays for the office spaces and I have no mortgage or rent, I can even afford on occasion to stay at a hotel of paid campground if neccesary without breaking the bank. Another suggestion is for musicians.
My city has this near downtown and right across from apartment complexes. Because of the apartments they allow overnight parking. But most of these multi-tier lots dont. Plus high roof vans are too tall.
1 Walmart 2 24hr business 3 24hr Gym 4 Casino 5 Truck Stops 6 Auto Dealer/Repair 7 Rest Area 8 Highway Pulloff 9 Park & Ride 10 Mid-level $ Hotels 11 Cracker Barrel 12 City Parks 13 Marina 14 Residential/Apts 15 Construction zone 16 Indistial Businesses 17 Cabela's BassPro Camping World 18 Home Depot Lowes 19 Trailheads 20 BLM 21 Church Parking Lot 13 Hospitals 21 Cemetary Funeral Homes 22 Hospitals 23 Cemetary Funeral Homes 24 Self Serve Car Wash 25 City Welcome Center 26 Tours 27 Your Job
I find a auto dealership the same make as my van and park overnight in the repair area. I found a Walmart vest and when I use Walmart I leave it on the seat and get a good nights sleep. YES hotel parking Iots just tried and it went well. Last year I parked on a street of row houses in a regular parking spot. I have never stayed in a construction site but will put it on my list. Most cemeteries lock their grounds I have picked a nice tree lined area and stayed knowing it woyld be locked and slept very well. The airport was iffy I was a little nervous but parked in a long term parking area with no problems I had to pay but that was ok I needed the rest..
I always wonder why I’ve never heard a list include bars (in safe areas, of course). You’re encouraged to leave your car there and Uber or whatever if you’ve had too much to drink, so no one would question a car there overnight.
Ive been watching van life vids now for almost a year in preparation for finally getting a chance to travel and see the US outside of NH,this idea was seemingly less and less of an option till i watched this video thank you. I know what with out a trace means theres always a handful of people who f it up others. NH is a very touristee state some people just dont care, Loud and obnoxious leave litter all over. Ill just need a few nights here and there till i get out west and can stay at national parks and blm areas will only be on the road for 5 or 6 months to get away for New England winters..liked and subed
I am going to be needing this information starting next week. I’ve already had some semi major maintenance on my vehicle this year (plugs & ignition coils replaced) and just got an oil change today along with a quick inspection. I have some cash as well as some investment assets that I know I’ll have to tap into. I’m definitely going to have to find work in the next month or 2 or 3. But I have a little room to take a break & clear my head while I figure out my next steps.
Yeah. I’m looking at finding some dispersed camping on blm land and just stay out for the max time. I’ve been looking at the rules for moving 25 miles away after & not returning to the same area for 30 days.
I also learned recently that most Home Depots and Lowe’s allow dogs inside. :) Our pup loves coming along. We’re just very careful not to let him near people who look uncomfortable around him, but most people want to pet him.
She makes a good point. Parking at a hotel that’s not crowded is free, but the breakfast isn’t. Even if it says “free” it’s technically included with the cost of the hotel room. But the parking lot is free game. Plus you aren’t really stealing anything. That asphalt is still useable after you leave. These are such great tips! Also: I just looked it up and Florida where I’m from doesn’t have any BLM land. So van life is a bit harder here, but I’m thinking it can still be done.
BLM land is out west. Here in the east we have National Forests. In Florida, there are three National Forests - Apalachicola, Osceola and Ocala. In a National Forest you’re typically allowed to camp out for 14 days. Research dispersed camping in National Forests.
@@juliadawnyel3648you can just do an ER . I used to fall asleep in my car before or after my shift all of the time no one bothers you. They will just assume you came off of the night shift
Missoula Montana. Indefinite parking for the most part, as long as people aren't littering beyond belief, being loud at night etc. Best to avoid during winters and forest fire season. Friends and I do Missoula for the warm months...Moab UT for the cool ones.
I stay in an industrial park and go there after work when everybody's gone home and it's a huge parking lot. There's a little place in the I just park against the fence and I'm good to go and nobody bothers me Even on the weekends if I want to hang out there's nobody there. 😅😅😅
Love your videos they are awesome! My husband did long haul trucking weekly through the states from our home in Canada and he mentioned that some truck drivers have issues with people in regular vehicles other than a big rig taking up spaces that tractor trailers need. The drivers by law HAVE to stop every so many hours. Something to think about. Maybe stay out of those as the truck drivers really need the spaces. Thanks!❤
@@jeffnorbert1871 u do what ya gotta do! Back East, many places aren't kind to truckers. I've seen evidence why! They are leaving trash behind, having unsavory visitors, leaving pee bottles in grass or parking lots for something to roll over it and the bottle explode. Some truckers don't want to be caught up in a situation like that. So they park where they can. Plus it's a lot quieter than a truck stop and easier to get in and out.
City parks are many times closed at night, which includes the parking lot. The problem is it’s usually not posted all that well. So scout out the entrance and parking lot for signs. If there’s not a sign, I highly doubt that a cop could give you a ticket.
I'm fortunate to have several parks in the town I'm in, all with clean bathrooms, water fountains, and free WiFi even! But all are only open from dawn to dusk, and have gated entrances that make sure no one thinks above staying later, sadly...
Hey. Great content about car and van camping ! I just found your channel. I need to live in car for next 3 months bcs of work. It is ski resort and i can't find anything to rent with resonable price. And i wanna work here. It is good money . Its going to be rough to live in car during the winter. Your channel is great. New sub
@@LolaIzKola I’m glad you’re able to stay at an RV park. Wish the whole parking thing wasn’t such a challenge in this lifestyle. Thanks for sharing, I pray you know Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, beloved ❤️ much love and stay warm. 🔥
@@LolaIzKola yes, rent is ridiculously high! But trust in the Lord and He shall provide ❤️ “Look at the birds in the air. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. And you know that you are worth much more than the birds.” (This scripture isn’t saying to not work of course. I like the KJV Bible but sometimes I share a more modern translation.) have a good day today 😊
I prefer dispersed or primitive camping over Walmart cracker barrel ..truck stops...i have had a couple scary situations while at rest stops ..i avoid them
Thanks for the information on parking. My husband and I are planning to buy a motorhome and driving to Florida (from Canada). We are retired seniors on limited funds so your information is useful. Thanks so much. Also, I’m a retired counselor and just started my own RU-vid videos (lots of fun) highlighting the value of being creative (CounselorSue Creativity & Living Life). Right now it’s a kind of marrying of psychology with knitting, however I may change direction soon with our RV hunt and all the changes that will mean for us. We plan to live full time in our RV (motorhome). Cheers!
Sadly many businesses have signed up with tiwing companies who routinely patrol lots that have signed up with them....not sure how they can just try to tow your rig when somone is in it....maybe just the attempt to tow is enough for them to charge you for a tow? Idk but thats just evil! FYI there are tow truck scammers who will try to STEAL your rig too! That opens up lawsuits for businesses
Thanks so much for your list to help us. Another idea you might consider is a friends tiny area and could visit for a while too . Or, a friend if a friend. A fast phone call and they might just say, " sure ."
Not sure if anyone has mentioned this I worked at a hotel we only asked for the license plate #s in case the alarm was going off or they left the lights on. A lot of people had rental cars and didn't know how to use them or what rhe alarm sounded like. I park in hotel parking lots to use the wifi lol
A lot of the places can not be welcoming due to local ordinances that forbid overnight parking (includes the lots of these places = fined or towed) ☮️💟
From my understanding it's illegal to tow a vehicle with someone in it so if tow truck driver comes along and starts hitching you up he better have some sense and knock first make sure nobody's in there or he could be big trouble.
@@dianabanana6724 :: would that qualify for kidnapping? I would hope they would not tow with a person inside, but if you are a well hidden heavy sleeper - yikes!! ☮️💟
Amazing video!! Thank you. Since you are an experienced van lifer, are there options for 2-5 day visits? I know about the just overnight sleep options and boondocking for 14 days but is there any other options? Wonderful video. Thank you
I would also suggest SOME public libraries. YMMV and always check with staff but many will allow it, especially if they offer 24 hour free wifi in their parking lot like mine does.
I don’t think it’s good idea to tell anyone you are living in a vehicle because it is look at by society as going against the norms. This can in some instances cause people to hate you. So better to keep it personal and live like that in secret. Human nature can be nasty and unwelcoming. Keep your personal life personal and don’t reveal too much of yourself and put yourself in vulnerable situations where others can exploit you. Learned from my own mistakes in past and have wise up since.
😂 I’m telling everyone that I’m doing this. Saving $3000 a month. Traveling, Showering at Planet Fitness. Working from my office. In about a year I’ll be looking for a house to buy. It’s becoming the norm.
Telling someone it’s none of their business is easier said than done especially for open people , but I get what you mean some people don’t like different and that’s sad people should be able to live how ever they want to live and if you don’t like someone then you can leave, where are not trees
POLICE STATIONS are my URBAN go to in a pinch… Been “spotlit”, sleep in the bed of my Tacoma with my dog, “just me n my dog, out in the morning”. Never a problem, Cops actually think it’s funny… Safe!
I've found it to be a "catch-22" - if I'm in a Cracker Barrel parking lot overnight, I definitely make use of my sun visor for my front window and tarp to cover my side windows for privacy, as I know I'm allowed to be there. But in a hotel parking lot, I might use my sun visor, but think that using any window coverings, etc. would just draw attention to my car in a place that I'm technically not supposed to be overnight.
WHAT? WHO ARE YOU? I DONT REGONIZE YOU! I HAD TO CHECK YOUR VIDEOS TO SEE IF IT WAS YOU. YOU LOOK 20+ YEARS YOUNGER FOR STARTERS. YOURE BEAUTIFUL. YOU LOOK SO UPLIFTED. UPBEAT AND WELL RESTED...
I'm not real comfortable with secluded spots unless it's in the woods. A car by itself sticks out and dishonest people may try and break in because there is no one around to see.
I’ve also gotten “the knock” even as a paid customer at a 5 star hotel. As long as you’re careful, staying in a vehicle overnight is as safe as staying in a hotel.
if your a member of a private club like a American legion or vfw those are military then there's moose and elks im sure there are many other clubs I just dont know of any....most of her advice needs to be taken into consideration how close you are to heavy populated areas such as capital cities...I would imagine anything out side 15 miles you should be good at most of those location....at the end of the day you can park anywhere if your tired then pull over and sleep park in a handicap parking spot all it is a ticket park next to a fire hydrant all there going to do is ask you to move and if you dont answer the knock all they do is give you a ticket...now dont park in those two spot im just saying its not like your going to jail...if they ask what are you doing say I plead the fifth and dont need to say anything to you now do your little investigation there just going to tell you to move and that's if you answer them knocking...as far as parking on residential roads well understand you pay taxes for those roadsssss imagine being told you couldn't use something you pay for...now I understand why some roads say no parking and and as much as I dont like it I understand why that is but as long as your vehicle can be parked on the road I dont see what the problem would be and besides all it is a ticket unless you answer the knock well then looks like your moving....happy travels
It is not welcoming at all where I live. Parking enforcement is everywhere, even carpools. Nowhere in the city is safe because of the druggies. Homeless druggies leaving trash everywhere and smashing windows out to see what they can steal from vehicles. Even the outskirts of town are not safe because they live in the forest and come out at nights. Three things that might help keep you safe are 1. Having shatterproof film installed on your windows. 2. Get inside locks so if someone does smash in your window they can still not open the door without the key. 3. Security cameras. You can buy a set of 4 backup cameras on Amazon with a monitor so you can see outside. It even has night vision and recording capabilities. It is fairly inexpensive and buying 2 sets would leave you with no blind spots around your vehicle. Yes it might get parking enforcement to mess with you more but it would help me sleep better if I was doing it. You can have an outside light that you can turn on from your bed to scare off thieves and let them know someone is in there and everything is being recorded. 360 degree (limited) night vision and takes very little electricity according to the specs. Things are getting really rough out there people. Happy travels and stay safe.
I think every person (who has lived in their car), has had a dehumanizing experience. It's when those events continue to happen and with frequency and times of vulnerability...that make people snap or disconnect. I'm saying this because it takes extreme organization to make it living in a car. I don't think the world knows or believes that.
@@eequeenoid that’s real talk , but I’d say humbling, I used to put ice packs in the supermarket freezers for my cooler , van life can be a hassle for sure
If u don’t want to steal a free breakfast from a hotel, don’t mention you slept there, but ask if they have a price for just the breakfast. They just might
That has happened to me now and then. Just make sure you keep your doors locked, and valuables in front out of sight. I like to loop my seatbelt through the front doors, so there's no way to get in, unless they break a window. Most people won't want the attention of breaking a window.
@@randall44lee Unfortunately I don't have the seatbelt loop option on my doors, or I would definitely do that. The front of my cab is clear and free of anything to see. Thanks keith for responding. 🙋♀
I have had that happen, especially at rest areas. I always double check my locked doors and don't get out at night. I tell them thru closed windows to get off my rig or they will b hopping on One leg!
@@martijordak806 I was woken up by the sound of the door opening. A man had jumped into my drivers seat. I yelled WHAT THE HELL!!! and just kept yelling get the .....out!!! He had no idea I was behind the curtain. After what seemed like a minute he got out..I jumped in my seat and drove off. I just can't shake it off. It's been ruff.
