To many, the thought of living in a Solo VanLife sounds like a total nightmare. The confined quarters, the lack of space, the isolation. It all sounds like it would drive anyone insane. The good news is that there’s actually nothing inherently unsafe about living in a van.
In fact, thanks to the rise of van life as a lifestyle choice, we have lots of options for safely living and traveling in our vehicles.
The bad news? Living in a small space can be pretty boring and isolating at times too and that can make it feel like a much tougher challenge than it really is. If you’re thinking about making the switch from apartment or house living to van life as your new permanent home, don’t let negative rumors deter you.
What Is Solo Vanlife?
Solo vanlife is the practice of living in a vanlife by yourself. This usually refers to people who have a permanent home elsewhere, such as a house or an apartment, and mostly drive their van to work, school, and other activities.
Solo vanlifers may be on the road full-time to visit friends and family, or they may stay at home most of the time. When done right, a solo vanlife is an incredible way to travel and an excellent way to save money.
Why Live in a Van?
Solo vanlife is about so much more than simply being in a vanLife. Living in a van is a huge opportunity for self-expression, and it also offers tons of freedom and financial security.
Traveling around the country or world in a van leads to a variety of experiences and societal interactions that you just can’t get in an apartment or house. And when you’re not traveling, you’re also in a position to make money in a variety of ways.
Whether you have a job that revolves around traveling, or you simply want to earn money by renting out your space, you can make a full-time living without any roommates, leases, or other regular responsibilities.
How to Live Safely in a Van
Living in a van requires some unique considerations. The key to staying safe as a van dweller is to avoid risky behaviors while staying safe and confident. This includes not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, not driving when you’re sick, and taking care when driving in bad weather.
If possible, avoid driving at night and stick to driving during the day. When you’re on the road, stay in populated areas. Avoid the backcountry, and never camp in a city park or forest. Finally, secure your vehicle from vandalism and theft.
The Risk of Solo Vanlife
Living in a van is a little bit like living on an Island. No, but really. You’re living in a very small space with very little in the way of amenities. It’s not unusual for solo vanlife dwellers to make their living in a van and still need to use the resources of a larger town or city some of the time.
This might be because you have a disability that requires medical care, or it might be because you simply need to go to work or school. One of the biggest risks of van life is how isolated you might feel if you’re in a very rural area.
If you’re in a rural area without close friends or family nearby, you’re going to feel isolated. This is true even if you’re only there for short stays. If you’re living in a van for an extended period of time or on a full-time basis, you might want to consider moving to a less isolated location.
The Benefits of Solo Vanlife
When you live in a van, you can travel wherever you want and explore the country or world at your own pace. This is truly the definition of independent travel. You also get to experience new places and cultures in ways that fewer people get to each day.
Solo van also offers a ton of financial freedom. You can work from wherever you are, travel whenever you want, and spend your cash as you please without having any major expenses.
Finally, the lifestyle of living van is one of the most unique and fulfilling ways to travel. No matter how many times you do it, there’s always something new to discover and discover in this lifestyle.
Road Trip Ready
A great way to show off your van lifestyle is to get a road trip underway. Getting out of your normal routine can help you gain new perspectives and make you realize just how much you truly appreciate your van life. It can also help you connect with new people and see the world in a completely new way.
If you’re already on the road, you can use your van to visit local attractions or host overnight guests. You can also use your van to explore nearby cities and towns.
Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the journey. The best road trips are the ones that you take for the sake of enjoying the trip, not for making a certain mileage or destination.
Final words
Solo vanlife is an excellent way to travel and make a living, but it’s no walk in the park. You have to be especially careful when driving at night, in bad weather, or on unfamiliar roads.
You also need to stay in touch with your friends and family while you’re in a remote location. If you can handle these challenges, the rewards of van life are well worth the effort.
When done right, living in a van is a unique and rewarding way to travel and explore the world. And even if it’s challenging at times, it’s well worth the effort if you want to truly pursue your dreams.
