7 Safety Tips For Your First Van Life Adventure With Your Love

It’s an exciting time! Your van conversion is finished, and you are primed to join the van life community with your partner. You’ve done your research and mapped out your route. Now, you are ready to head out on your first adventure!

Keep that enthusiasm, but tap the brakes for a minute. Before you go, look at these seven critical van life safety tips.

1. Keep The Driver’s Seat Accessible For Both of You

You’ve both gone to bed for the night when things take a bad turn. You are unsafe where you’re parked. You need to leave quickly. How long will it take you to move from where you are sleeping (or sitting) to the driver’s seat, start your van, and get going?

If it takes you more than a couple of seconds to do this, you are at risk. Ensure the path between the rest of the van and the driver’s seat is cleared. Remember, that the safest thing you can do in most dangerous situations is leave. Even if you are the primary driver, your date should also be able to hop in front and drive.

2. Check Your Cultural Competence

Nobody was ever helped by panic and fear-mongering, but education is always beneficial. Your van will take you all over the world if you want. This adventure can lead to new friendships and experiences that you would never dream of otherwise. That said, some cultural competence is necessary.

There are two reasons for this. First, you want to be a good guest no matter where you arrive. The second is for safety. You need to know if you are at increased risk when you arrive at your destination. For example, there are sadly areas that you will want to skip if you met your travel partner on a trans dating app, or are an unaccompanied woman.

Think about your partner too! If they are of a different gender, nationality, religion, or orientation, they may have their own set of concerns. Respect their risk assessment.

3. Trust Your Instincts

Sometimes, you can’t pinpoint a specific danger. Things just don’t feel right. Don’t ignore that! Act on it! Choose a different parking spot. Skip that particular attraction. Listen to your gut, and if you are traveling with someone else, respect their instincts too.

4. Use Blackout Curtains

Criminals are mostly opportunistic. They go after what they can see. Invest in some blackout curtains to obscure the inside of your van. That will keep potential thieves from being tempted by valuables you have with you. It also gives you optimum privacy should things get a bit adventurous inside your van.

You can further increase your safety here by getting a lockbox. Use this for cash and other valuables you must take on your trip. Although, the best way to ensure something won’t be stolen is to leave it at home.

5. Know Your Surroundings

Be aware, but not paranoid. Look around you. Do you feel safe? If not, what makes you feel ill at ease? If you need to leave, what will your exit path be? Is this a place where you will be comfortable sitting outside and enjoying the weather, or taking a bit of a hike? Think about these things before you park, and before you start to explore.

Recruit your travel partner’s input here. Two sets of eyes are better than one. You’ll both feel much more comfortable.

6. Share Your Itinerary And Location

Update friends and family members with your location. Even better, tell them your plan before you go. Then, use a GPS device or share your location on your phone. 

This isn’t fear-mongering. The risk of you going missing is exceedingly low, but not non-existent. By taking this step, you also make it easier for emergency services to find you if you get lost, have a medical emergency, or have a breakdown.

If you and your partner decide to do some solo exploring, stay in contact. That way, you can reach one another if something goes wrong.

7. Build an Emergency Kit

Fill a box or tote with items that you can use in an emergency. This might include a set of booster cables, a flashlight, extra batteries, portable chargers for your devices, first aid items, extra water, and snacks. Think about what will tide you over if it takes several hours or even a day for help to arrive.

Assemble this kit with the help of your date. This is a great way to sit down and discuss the trip and ensure you are both on the same page.

Enjoy Your Adventure!

Think of this as your final checklist before you depart. Then, set your GPS to your first destination, and begin your adventure.