VAN LIFE | Solo Female Safety Tips: How I Stay Safe In My Tiny Van
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- Опубликовано: 9 июл 2021
- In today's video, I offer some tips for staying safe on the road. Although safety is never a guarantee wherever you are, and because I'm not sure it's possible to feel completely fearless, I've put together some tips to help you think through what to do to minimize risks. Please feel free to give your best tips in the comments below. Thank you so much for watching! If you enjoy the channel, please consider subscribing to continue receiving more content on my van and life as a part time nomad.
PATREON: / ladybugout (If you want some bonus content and to build community with other tiny red van fans!)
INSTAGRAM: / ladybug.out
SPECIAL THANKS: ImYourSpoon (Editor): bit.ly/3tdLNl6
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases and the following are paid links to products shown in the video. It helps me out and allows me to support products I enjoy:
Mag-Lite Flashlight: amzn.to/3qWfoPW
Aootek Motion Sensor Light: amzn.to/2UvBQU2
Ontel Brella Windshield Shade: amzn.to/36mH8E9
SABRE Self-Defense Kit: amzn.to/36mRovR
SABRE Bear Horn: amzn.to/3wqUlpT
ARMADILLO Defense Pepper Spray and Alarm: amzn.to/3yEaxWn
Bear Guard Alaska Pepper Spray: amzn.to/2T0FULJ
Mini Spy Camera (The exact one I have was no longer available, but this was the closest to it): amzn.to/3yGcGRn
Van Life Rocks: • VANLIFE: Gas Shortages...
Apps Available in App Store and Google Play:
iOverlander
Campendium
FreeRoam
Gas Buddy
I've been traveling in my SUV for years now and stay at alot of truckstops. Many times in the morning coffee rush, I am the only woman in line. A long time ago a nice cashier suggested to me that it is a good idea to buy 2 cups of coffee...then it's not so obvious that I'm alone. Made sense to me. I put the 2nd cup in a thermos once I'm back in my vehicle and enjoy it later on in my drive.
Good idea! Thanks♥️🐞♥️
That is a very good idea. Thank you for sharing.
There was a time when truck drivers would protect a woman because they had a wife and children at home. Then someone got the bright idea to train convicts who were being released from prison so they would have a job. Problem is that S.ks affenders were in that mix.
There are so many risks involved in living in your van.
I lived in mine for close to 3 years and NEVER had a problem, because I followed my instincts. Every thing she said was what I did except # 4.
The number one thing in my book is to never look like your living in you Vehicle. Keep your car looking clean, inside and out, keep yourself looking clean. Eliminate all clutter that can be observed by anybody walking past your car. Always allow enough room where you park for an emergency exit. Another words if you’re parallel parked allow enough room in front and back of you vehicle to escape quickly if you are in danger.
It is a good idea to also know in advance what gas stations are open 24 hours how far away they are this can be a lifeline for many reasons not the least of which is having to use the restroom if you don’t have the means to do so in your vehicle. Also when in danger, any public place that is open and well lit with cameras is your friend. If you have the opportunity to scope out a potential sleeping area do so at various points in the day & night. Take note of what kind of activities are going on outside. A really uncomfortable situation is being in the back of your vehicle and a whole group of people nearby engaging in loud conversations and potentially illegal activities. That leaves you vulnerable to being caught up in their risky behavior.
I didn’t travel around the country I stayed in one city and I had a list of no less than six places that I can go to. Rotate your sleeping area’s so as to not Arouse suspicion. People have a tendency to call the cops for the slightest inclination that somebody is up to no good. I had only one encounter with the police, because a homeowner saw me eating chicken in my car. Yeah like I said people call the cops for everything.
I’m a guy and have far less fear living in my vehicle, I suspect women have far more to worry about. Girls have your head on a swivel if it feel even slightly wrong my advice is leave! I associated with other car campers and I met a woman who was raped by a guy who had told she was living in her car. She made herself a target. Tell no one your living in your car, # 1 it’s none of anyone’s busyness. If you follow all safety rules you needn’t live in fear.
Great advice and very well spoken as always! I had an experience one time with a hotel in GA, so it doesn't just happen in a van. I booked a hotel thru' a travel agent and when I got there, I picked up my key and ut ohhhh! There was a bunch of real rough guys outside messing around and to get to my room, I would have had to walk by them. They were drinking and loud and boisterous, so I turned right around, went back to the office and asked for a refund. I went down the road a ways and found another hotel where the desk clerk was very understanding of the circumstance and said, "I will put you on the second floor here, high enough to make you feel safe, but close to the elevator and office." I was there for a long 4 day weekend and he watched for me everyday, checking on me and asking if I was okay. So yeah, it's not just camping that a woman alone has to use good sense and trust that gut feeling. You have great videos.... very detailed and so well spoken. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing this Pat! Very important for others to see 😊
The best way to "win a fight" is not to be there (an ancient proverb).
@@jolly7728 ...but then you let others (low-life/street trash) run your life, telling you where you can or can't be. No, we tell THEM what's up, not the other way around.
Go where you want, let THEM beware of YOU!
CARRY! There's no substitute. Never has been.
-- BR
@@billredding2000I hear you, but if those kinds of folks (low-life/street trash) were there, we wouldn't want to be in the same space with them anyway, right? Something would have to be wrong with a place that attracted those kinds of folks. Better to just stay away.
@@jolly7728 True, I don't want to be around primitive/violent savages/nut-case homeless/transient trash, but sometimes I'm forced to be in those areas...like recently when I had to go downtown for Jury Duty -- how many city downtowns are "safe" paces to be nowadays? ;-)
But I see it opposite of you: It's not the PLACE itself hat is bad (or good), it's the PEOPLE there who make it good/bad. Get rid of the bad people and the place is fine. But yeah, I tend to avoid trouble -- shouldn't we all -- but at the same time won't be intimidated or run-off from any place I have a right to be. Let them try at their own (and great) personal risk (don't care).
Stay safe, HOWEVER you do it!
-- BR
A former Manager of mine at a security company, who was also a retired Police Sargent, Had a saying " Just Because You Feel Safe, It Does not Mean You are." Basically know your surroundings.
Good word!!! 😎
Good advice Dee. Here's a few more tips; a pair of men's boots outside your door, dog barking app, police siren app, car alarm app, gun cocking app, set up 2 camp chairs. Smile and enjoy yourself.
Thank you Linda! Great advice.
Great tips!
I like how you think!
thank you for the info. great tips .. always take care & be safe travels🙏
Dogs and especially pit bulls work really well too! My big boy Blanco has protected me in my travels across mainland MX. He probably wouldn't hurt a flea, but he has a powerful bark! (Loves people... lol)
My Mom taught me another fantastic idea to use if you need protection! She said to keep a can of wasp spray handy! It shoots farther then pepper spray and would stop anything, animal or human! Never tried it on either myself, but always sounded like a winner to me!!
That does sound like a good idea! ❤️
Wasp spray should be a last ditch effort because you will likely blind your attacker for life, which opens you to criminal charges and/or civil lawsuits if you can not prove your life was in danger, depending on what state you are in when the problem occurs.
Not saying don't use it, especially if it's life or death, but do try to drive away before resorting to that.
Priority #1 is getting away to safety, not defeating an attacker.
I've heard that using wasp spray as a weapon is a felony. Not sure if that's true or not. I mean if I was defending myself I'd use anything as a weapon, but I'd rather not get arrested along with my attacker.
I just looked it up. Holy crap it actually is a felony!
@@mongoose9851 Only if you get caught. Just drive away after you drag his blind carcass back out of your van. It's not like he'll be able to pick you out of a police lineup after that. 😂
for self defense a good choice also is a fire extinguisher. a good fire extinguisher works on the principle of suppressing oxygen. if a person or an animal is unable to breathe they immediately forget about their original intentions. a fire extinguisher is not restricted anywhere. in fact, in europe every car is required by law to have one.
Great advice. Thanks☺️
You can also smack someone with it. Granted - you could actually kill someone doing that as they're very sturdy to contain the high pressure of the gases in the extinguisher so don't do so without good reason.
I prefer a gun
I'm seriously considering van life when my daughter goes to uni next year. This was a fab vid for single people.
Wonderful! You should definitely try it then 🤗
I love Dee's videos, they are so informative and helpful
Keep your key-fob to your vehicle close by when sleeping, and if you think someone is threatening, set off your vehicle alarm. Other people close by may hear it and come to your rescue. Pepper spray is a must, and a spray can of Wasp and Hornet spray is nice because it has a stream of 12-14 Ft. Aim for the eyes. Recommend that you practice spraying it. These recommendations would apply at home also.
My van doesn’t have a key-fob. But I always keep them in same spot. Great advice. Thanks!!!☺️
Excellent video. My same rules. The half tank one saved me. I got very lost once outside Yosemite. My other rule is , if I'm not in a place to sleep before dark. I get a hotel. I don't deviate from that.
One other good thing , is to program your car lock system to only unlock the driver side front door. No one can jump in your car that way.
Thanks Karen! I like that rule. My doors are not automatic lock. So they are all always locked unless I manually unlock them. I used to find it a pain, but now I am very thankful because it keeps me mindful of having doors locked!
Siphoning gas is more prevalent having a locking gas cap is a must.
Great information! I was in a campground and parked facing into the spot rather than backing in. I wanted my back doors to be visible to others if I had to press the alarm. Had I backed in, my back doors would have been hidden from all other vehicles. My safety plan always depends on my circumstances! Love your channel! Thank you for posting!
Hi Jen! YES...thanks for sharing that!
Good advice!
We often think of threats as human. However, safety in terms of weather disasters is something we should all be increasingly prepared for. A video on this topic would be good. Ideas on where and how to prepare and seek shelter when you are in a vulnerable vehicle would be helpful.
Great suggestion! I will put that on the list for future videos☺️
Good idea. I'd like to learn more about that, too!
Me three ❤ I also would like you to do a video on that , where and how .Thank you for sharing with us ❣️
I like the gas tip. You should never go lower than a quarter of a tank to prevent your fuel pump from burning out. I've been in places where I'm the only camper. But I have 2 dogs. Once at a truck stop, someone was skulking around my mini. Emmy started growling and barking and scared them off.
It’s wonderful you have dogs!!! I might have to settle for a growling or barking app😝
Walk softly and carry a gigantic mag light. Another great video. I usually say "be safe" but looks like you are. So have fun.
😂 love it 🔦
Hey girlfriend, Loved the video.putting those wireless cameras on top of my list. That mag light will be there too. Being an X truckdriver l have my 25 yr.old tire thumper. Talk about getting someone's attention with that. GREAT JOB.
Hey Fe! Thank you for your encouragement! 🥰
You’re one tough lady bug out
@@LadyBugout love your videos keep up the awesome work
I have a Spring loaded baton.. Drove truck for 26 years smacked more than a few fingers and arms with it trying to Put their hand in my door or over my window jamb..
They also make great tire thumper .. I actually put a 300 pound male truck driver that had the audacity to grab my butt on his knees with it in front of his laughing friends..
What kind of wireless camera? I couldn't find it in the link. Thanks in advance.
Hi Dee... Good Advice. I drive an 18 wheeler for a living more than 20 years now. Something else is always act like you belong there if you have to be outside. I learned along time ago that no matter what a hammer is always a hammer as opposed to some other tools or things that are sometimes called weapons depending on how you hold them. That flashlight is good too! I recently came across your channel and found it refreshing. Be safe.
Thank you. It means a lot coming from someone with so much experience. Welcome to the channel💃🏻🐞🚗
Your Gut is Strategically closer to your Feet than your Brain for a Reason.
When your Gut tells you to Walk Away do so, because by the time the Message from your Brain arrives, it might be too late.
Agreed!
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Very helpful! The mini security camera item was on my wish list for the future build. Agree 100% about the gut check meter. I’ve moved many a time on a gut feel and thankfully to date don’t have a “I had a gut feeling and didn’t heed” story. Have fun! Be safe!
Thank you Karen! Agreed...I don't want one of those stories either!
Another great video! I love your attitude of not letting fear control you.👍
Thank you as always!!! ☺️
Excellent video, thank you! Love the positive encouragement and your bright spirit 💖
☺️
Thank you for always leaving information in you description. I love having your information at my fingertips and ears!
D from Okc
Hey Deneen! So glad it is helpful. ❤️OKC
Another awesome video, and some great advice about being prepared so that you can still enjoy life. 😊
Thanks Coralie 😌
Good info, thanks. Have to check out cameras. Dad always said keep 1/2 tank gas and bought all girls pepper spray
Good dad!
Great advice Lady Bugout!
Thank you Irene! ❤️
Note- women should never assume you’re alone.
Keep extra large workbooks outside your tent
Keep extra large dog bowl outside too….
Good advice!
I like the new background curtain! Nice!
Thank you😊
Thank you for making this video 😊 it’s much appreciated ❤️
You are very welcome!
My goodness!!! Thank you for the information. Starting my van build next week. Saving this to my folder of "things I need".
Awesome! Glad it is helpful information☺️
Thank you for your sage advice. I respect and admire your reassuring, practical manner.
You are so kind♥️🐞♥️
Flash 'em and bash 'em -- gotta love it!
😜
Wow, I’m so amazed in your blog Lady Bugout…👌👌👌👏👏👏
Thank you so much Tess♥️🐞♥️
Ty very much for taking the time in putting these helpful tips together. Quite eye opening, indeed.💐
You are very welcome!☺️
See, thank you so much!! I love how concise you are with the information you share with us. I am easily overwhelmed and I never feel like your videos are too much. You ALWAYS have great information and do such a wonderful job explaining things! THANK YOU AGAIN!
Thank you so much Rita! You are so encouraging to me 😊
Great advice. Thank you for sharing. I’m very impressed with the huge flashlight!! 😃 stay safe.
Thanks! 😂 yep, it was a great gift-didn’t hurt that it was red🤗☺️🚗🐞♥️
Great tips and good advice Dee! Thx
Thank you again Wayman😊
Thank you for sharing safety tips, very sound advice. I am such a scaredy-cat and it has many times stopped me from enjoying my life to the fullest. I will definitely keep in mind your words of wisdom x
You are welcome Susan! ♥️🐞♥️
I might say of all the videos I watch about cargo van live yours has been the most informative. I am researching collecting information and deciding which van I really need to hit the road. Thank you for who you are and all your willingness to share.🚗
I really appreciate that encouragement Jean! It means so much to me☺️
Yup - “Trust your gut” is very important for all of us. Great video with great advice….thanks for sharing.
Thank you for watching!😃
Great tips. I love the idea of a spy camera. I hadn't heard that one before and the flashlight baton is great. Happy travels.
Thank you! ❤️
I am always looking forward to your next video. This one was one I needed. I have thought about car camping but a little scared and unsure about places to stay and if I would be safe. Thanks again for a great video
Hi Tanya! So glad it was helpful. That’s why I do them 🥰
Yes please stay safe. You are living the dream.
Thank you! I will 😊
I worked heavy highway construction for 30 some yr..Was majority of the time the only female away from home,working,staying by myself.. My crew I worked with were great.. But they were not always in the same location.. Yes. Definitely yes... Always trust your gut.. Happy traveling my friend.🚐❤
Thank you Arna! You too😊
You always give great insight. 💕
Thank you Sherry☺️
All good tips! Thank you for sharing!
You are welcome!☺️
Thank you Lady Bugout 💙 great information my friend - Ray
Thank YOU Ray ☺️
Very good safety tips for anyone. Thank you.
Thank you Rosemary!
Loved what your mom said about saddling up anyways, and that you decided not to let fear control you. Also props to your stepdad! When I worked as a fire fighter EMT we always carried one on questionable calls. I love the red color! ❤ great suggestions. 😃👍
Thank you. I’m honored 😌
Very well said touched on many good points
Thank you Natalie!🥰
Hi again DEE
Great info for self protection! Just being self alware and having plans for safety are a good start. Commonsense and keeping a level head as possible with a controlled response will be an important beginning to moving forward with a plan. Like that amazing flashlight bat! Thinking that one could really sting lol lol!
Thx for sharing once again your super good ideas. Stay safe and enjoy!
Hello 👋 Glad it was helpful. Yes, I totally agree☺️
Thank you for the good advices.
You are very welcome! ☺️
You so sweet and kind to share your knowledge. Thx to your channel
Thank you again! I appreciate the encouragement ♥️🐞♥️
Thanks for the great information! You gave more than most!🙌
You're so welcome!
Mag lites are oldies, but goodies! I have always carried one, got one for my daughter with her first car, and will be getting one for my granddaughter in a couple years with her first car. Great video & safe travels🥰
Thank you! That is awesome!
Great tips! Thanks Dee! I was afraid of living in my RV and I'm so glad I didn't let that fear control/stop me! "Courage is being scared to death- but saddling up anyways" YAS! ❤️ Red
Thanks Red😌
Your space looks so comfy, cozy.
Thanks☺️
A friend told me about the app Life360! A couple of family members always know where I am and even if my phone is going dead so they can hollar at me (and they have) to CHARGE MY PHONE!
I also have motion sensor lights and cameras!! You rock, Lady! Love your smile and knowledge.
I heard about that app too. I’m going to check it out. Thanks!
@@LadyBugout Hey Dee! Did you just use mounting tape for your motion security lights? I just received mine yesterday and wasn't sure if you screwed them in because you haven't made other holes in the van. Thanks for all the links! I just cashed in some of my travel points for amazon gift cards to "be like Dee". haha.
@@bevuntethered Hey Bev. I used magnets. Get ceramic or heavy duty neodymium magnets and glue one to the back with gorilla glue. As long as you let it dry well before use, it works like a charm!
Great info beautiful lady, thank you so much🙏🌹
Really important tips, thank you so much! 😊
You are welcome. Glad it was useful☺️
Mag lights are great and make a good club. For truly blinding light, get an Olight or Surefire or other 21st century flashlight. Just one will light up a cathedral and completely blind a 4 or 2 legged predator.
Thanks for the suggestion! 🤩
@@LadyBugout , you're welcome. I really appreciate and value your advice.
Great video. Thanks!
Thank you Linda!
Thank you for the good advice. With every video I find something useful! I am looking to get a tiny van, but am weary of getting a used one. I am glad yours is working out.
Thank you Kay! I hope you find a good one☺️
I have that same fear. 180k miles on a van seems unsafe for an old lady alone on the road.
love the advice!!!💕
Thanks Maxine 😌
Awesome info!😍Thank you!
You are welcome. Glad it was helpful🐞🎄♥️
Great idea about those wire less camera and i like your idea about motion sensor lights.
Thank You
You are welcome!
Well done, great advice!!!
Thank you! ☺️
Thank you so much for sharing this info.
You are so welcome!
Thank you. Helpful points.
Glad they are helpful!☺️
Found the link to the mini spy cameras, thank you so much. Your videos are such a breath of fresh air and I love all your tips.
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 great!!!
Excellent advice. Thanks.
Thank you! ☺️
TY for all the gr8 tips! Bless you & TY😊👍
You are welcome! ☺️
Really great safety tips Dee. Look at your channel exploding! I am so so happy for you! Good job!
Thank you so so much! ☺️
Love the flashlight! BOOMMM!!!
😂hey my friend!!! Good to see you here ☺️
Great information especially about the gas and cell phone topics.
Thanks!
Viewing this a few months on, but Great advice! I’m a guy, but I totally agree with the precautions you take in sizing up a location. I’ve always found it’s always easier to avoid trouble, than to try and fight your way out of it! I travel in a Transit Connect too (2012). I carry some things you don’t, but I’m very impressed with how much room you’ve squeezed out of yours! And while I sometimes wish I’d gotten a full size van, with the price of gas right now, I’m glad I’m driving a Transit Connect.
Exactly! I agree. Thank you for watching, Jonathon☺️
Thank you for the valuable advise.
You are very welcome! 😊
Good information young lady thanks for sharing, keep smiling 😊.
Thank you, I will Dennis!
HI there.. caught part of your interview with Ray @Vanliferocks.. Looking forward to catching more of your vblogs!!! Great advice!!! Always trust your gut!!!
Thank you for hopping over here to check it out, Gracie! ☺️
Very well stated. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Those are all great safety tips, Dee! Your first one is crucial to your safety...trust your gut. I'm well prepared to defend myself but I would rather not be involved in any confrontation. If I feel or see a situation that could evolve, it's time to move on. Perpetrators strike on easy targets; taking the paths of least resistance. If you look confident and you seem to be aware of your environment, perps will go elsewhere. I have a sticker on my van that says, "Never mind the dog, beware of the owner." In 63 years of backpacking, hiking, car camping I've only dealt with one incident involving a mountain lion. I stood my ground, raised my trekking poles and yelled for the cat to go away. I used your Aootek light tip mounting one on my windshield and one on the back door of my van. While boondocking a wild horse activated the windshield light but it just continued to graze.
Wow! Thanks for sharing your experience!
Always great advices even for me who doesn’t drive :) thank you , I would get a loud siren to go along the cameras and flash light :) love your adventures , from 🇬🇧
Thank you. Yes. I have a bear horn!
Wow! that was some talk! all of it so true and very wisely given, you are a very wise lady and very brave. I think I will park near you and you can protect me oop's he he only joking!!! this has to be one of the best bits of advice for lone travellers. best wishes Ken
Thanks Ken!
Best public service video for females traveling alone educational and realistic to work with Thank You.
Thank you! I really appreciate that encouragement😌
ty for the great information!!!
You are very welcome!
What a lovely life you have nice to watch You and listen to your everyday adventures Thank you lady ☘️☘️☘️
Thank you as always☺️
Great tips, thanks 😊
Thank you Mary!
Great information/tips! Never let's down your guard and when you have no fear, you are about to be in trouble!😉
Hey Tim! YES. Thanks for watching!
Thank you your video are great. Stay safe bless and healthy 🌝
Thank you Mary!
Great video! I am interested in what else you learned from your stepdad. Awesome Channel, your so down to earth. I love it.
Thank you for sharing.
He has taught me so much about safety and survival. I’ll have to convince him to be in one of my videos😜
Great tips. Thanks.
Thank you. My pleasure🐞🚗♥️
Excellent advice!😎😎
I appreciate the encouragement🤗
All great tips 🚗🐞♥️
Hi Maitilda! Thank you as always ☺️
Thanks for the video. Good info.
My pleasure 😌
Great tips!!!
Thank you so much! 😀
Great video!
Hi Lorna! Thank you so much.
Excellent advice, thank you. ☯️
Thank you, Daniel.☺️
Great vlog LBO, came accross your channel after gutted as a subscriber of Bunny plays here (The Bunsta). Also thought about van locks? Lots of different ways and companies to do it, not only for personal security but for your "mobile" home security too. Be well and keep rollin on.
Thank you Robb! Welcome to the channel☺️
Dear Dee Again very good advice …I usually trust my gut too …carry ball bat but like the idea of mag light to shine in person’s eyes first and you still can use like a bat lol will rethink that idea …as always be careful and safe and a great weekend!
Thank you Vicki!
Going to get me one of those flashlights, great idea!
Thanks Adele! 🤗
Carry some fire power...
Keep your key-fob close-by and set off alarm if needed. Also purchase a can of Wasp and Hornet Spray, it has a stream of 10-12 ft. And aim for the eyes.
Thank you so much for sharing this great advice! I'm not yet in my tiny-home-on-wheels but hope to be in the fall (or at the very latest, by spring 2022). One other great form of protection is dogs. I currently have a Chihuahua, who's a great "alarmist" (no need for a door bell)...but once I'm in my tiny-home-on-wheels, I will be getting another dog, one that's more intimidating and will make someone with ill-intentions think twice before confronting me or trying to get into my rig :-) Thank you again for sharing and hope to meet you on the road some day :-)
Thank you Elizabeth! Yes, dogs are great. Maybe one day☺️ I hope our paths cross some day too!
@@LadyBugout 🙂🤗