Safety tips for Solo Female Van life Australia!

[@kelvinalston9349]

I once got rid a bloke that had been drinking with his mates then came over to my campervan and banged loudly on my door..It was a dark night and my gut feeling said “”think quickly or you’re in trouble”..I opened a small sliding window a few centimetres and shouted “Get away I’ve got Covid real bad and I’m in isolation”..He took off real quick and when all was clear I drove out of the campsite and found a safe spot for the night a few k’s down the road 👍

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Good thinking 😊

[@delfisky3012]

Great quick thinking!!

[@debbiekiefer4938]

That is an awesome tip😂!

[@charlaville7658]

I normally yell out “I’ve got a gun AND I’M NOT AFRAID TO USE IT”. That scatters the creeps real quick

[@meowc5083]

​@@charlaville7658that won't work in Australia cause we don't use guns here 😅

[@fippy]

Great advice Brenna. Aussie here and the stories we have! We have moved camp site a few times because it just didn't feel right but late one night were relaxing by the campfire and some young blokes came through the campground shooting anything that hopped, we put on every light on our camper and 4x4 on (including the roof top light bars) to let them know we were there, they drove up a bit further, turned around and took off because they knew they were illegally shooting in a State Forest campground and we have never gone back there. Another time at a caravan park during the night someone broke into every car and stole a heap of things so remember to lock your doors, thankfully our doors where locked. A few others are to always have at least 1/2 a tank of petrol in your car/van so you can go without worrying about fuel and to fit locks on the inside your van doors for that extra bit of safety...oh and if someone tries to open your door, grab your keys, get in the driver's seat and hold the horn as you're starting your car to leave, it should scare the crap out of them.

[@VanventureswithKaia]

My favourite safety tip is to listen to my intuition

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Definitely 👍

[@andrewmcphee8965]

I'm a 62 yo male, and for a few months in 2017 I lived in my car and learnt some valuable safety tips: 1. Beware of staying overnight in highway rest areas - I found a few of them turned out to be 'cruising' spots. Men would crawl slowly thru in their car or stop to find a casual encounter. I'm not homophobic (each to their own is my motto) and I didn't feel threatened but I found it tiresome. 2. At the time I was working night shift so I had to sleep thru the day, the safest locations (and the coolest spots in summer) were in busy mall carparks where I could park up in a quiet corner under cover and with lots of people coming and going - I never had a problem. The bonus is that when I woke up I could get a coffee and a feed inside before I went to work. 3. Have window coverings but make sure you can see what is going on outside.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

I try and stay in the country areas as much as possible.

[@delfisky3012]

Great advice. Thank you

[@PabloP169]

I am an 80 year old solo bloke and several of your tips are also quite valid for solo males as well as females, but some I wouldn't worry about such as visibility from road as that can be an advantage at times. One other tip that I would give is to not park under a larger tree that has a brank leaning over where you plan to stop. There are others of course as we all have our own little ideosyncracies.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Very good advice about parking under trees👍

[@hankcuccina5260]

Good one Rob.

[@missirina6912]

Oh, yes! 🤔 Trees may crack anytime, but... that's the idea: to have some shadow, or not? No, not for a roof with PhotoVoltaic panel. 🙄 Hm! Huf, it's a lot to decide, to pay attention to...

[@deecarter147]

Good tips for anyone, not just solo females. The 'is there evidence of partying' check is gold.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

True 👍

[@JonTanOsb]

Good safety tips regardless of gender. :) As a guy, I feel I can take care of myself, but I am short and old, so caution is a good thing. Jon in rural BC, Canada

[@rivernelson7239]

All good tips Brenna. Another one to considering is buy a second hand pair of large mens boots and leave them outside your door, I know women who live on their own in houses and have done this, there are no guarantees of course, but hopefully people think twice if they believe a large male is inside! Only downside is the need to carry around a big old pair of boots 😊 stay safe Brenna and keep the vids coming Den

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

That is a good tip, I have heard of people hanging mens clothes on the line too.😂

[@fionaludbrook8193]

I tried the boot thing. Just extra to lug around and if anyone is watching, they will soon realise you are alone. Think it is important to remember that the majority of attacks on women actually happen in their own homes and are by people thy know well and often love.

[@charlaville7658]

Camp where there are numerous other campers who don’t know each other. No single camper will try something on if others are there who can intervene. Same goes for parking at trucking sleeping bays. Don’t stay if there is only one other vehicle...you are safer at a busier camp ground.

[@Amanda-uc5jq]

Get yourself something like SPOT so you can send some pre written text messages if you need help and no reception or you can also send emergency signal etc.

[@mothbythesea]

I was long adamant about free camping but sometimes it felt good to just take a break and stay in a holiday park where i knew i was safe. Its funny (sad) to realize just how tense and anxious i actually can be once i am staying somewhere where i can fully relax.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

There is no right or wrong way to do this. I also spend time at caravan parks when I feel like a bit of luxury.

[@hankcuccina5260]

I agree with Rob Priestley, your tips are good advice for both male and female solo travellers, good on you Brenna.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks 😊

[@sheilagaleano365]

Great tips, thank you : ) I never thought about checking for call service. I always park my RV so i can pull out... didn't think about having 2 ways to get out. Thanks for sharing your safety ideas : ))

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kiandra323]

Very good advice, even for couples. I always tell my husband that we have to go with my gut.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Love that! I hope he listens to you😉

[@linricks3634]

great video. when I drove from Qld back to wa. I stopped in a small camping place it looked ok. I was cooking dinner and I just felt very uncomfortable. so drove off. after I had eaten. I do follow all the tips you mentioned. and I do the same as you. lock down when its dark. unless I am in a caravan park. which is not very often. happy trails.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Good for going with your gut😊

[@shamsshams20261]

Brenna, this is the third video I've seen of yours and I totally agree with your tips, I wouldn't add any more and I wouldn't remove any. I was surprised to know we think alike on this. I wish you the best, health and happiness.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

All the best to you too 😊

[@juliewright6889]

Great tips! I used many of these strategies when I was travelling with just me and my 2 younger boys. Especially the 'trust your gut' one. Ended up driving an extra hour and a half very hangry to find the next place, but was worth the peace of mind.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Haha, sometimes the food just has to wait.😊

[@stuartriley]

Brenna, good safety tips you’ve mentioned. I would also recommend getting a sonic blaster or bear spray if two-or-four- footed critters are near by. 😮

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

It’s pretty safe here in Australia. There aren’t any animals hunting you down but great advice for other countries.

[@delfisky3012]

Oh I love this advice! ❤❤

[@kimcharters1957]

Sad that we have to worry about our safety but that is the reality today. Great tips. Another tip is to act confidently and with purpose - don't mess with me attitude. Seriously, having an escape plan and being familiar with your immediate surroundings is number one for me so that I can leave very fast.🏃‍♀🏃‍♀🏃‍♀

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

I couldn’t agree with you more👍

[@theo847sqn]

This is sounding a bit like MAD MAX

[@kimcharters1957]

@@theo847sqn 🤣

[@ians3732]

Thanks so much for your videos. As a single older male traveller, also in an Hiace, your ideas are great.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks Ian😊

[@bevfitzsimmonds3382]

Thankyou, Brenna. That was really good. Safe travels.🙂👍❤

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thank you! You too!

[@WhimsiesWorld]

Some great tips for all van dwellers there - thank you so much!

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

You are very welcome 🤗

[@della7]

Great tips, thanks Brenna. I especially appreciated the one about being aware of phone signal. Good thought. Thanks.

[@catherinelauda6948]

I put 2 caps on my dash when I park just so people may think I’m not alone. 2 chairs outside with 2 cups, and a very large size pair of plastic sandals …dont care to leave them it I have to go in a hurry! Wasp spray in last resort.

[@myaccount9498]

Great tips 💜

[@littlehippygal]

I’m a car traveler too, in Canada and USA so far. I’ve never thought to consider partying or which night of the week it is! That’s super smart, thank you!

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@janehills7929]

Go with your Gut Instinct is the best. My husband and I travelled Oz for a year and several times I just did not feel right and we moved on, a couple of times even after we’d set up, and we just left. We often reflect on how important this was for our safety and credit that with us having no real problems on our journey. My partner was adamant that I didn’t question myself just trust your gut. And don’t park under big dead branches 😅 Your other ideas are great too Brenna. Safety is everything especially for women. 🌈

[@annsspace2600]

Thanks Brenna always good to be reminded of the safety tips. And do agree with most of them but do wonder if you hide behind trees etc are you not also unseen if someone does the wrong thing to you the situation will not be seen by anyone else who happens to be passing by - hope that makes sense

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Not really, if something happens I can always turn on headlights and honk the horn. I prefer to give people as little temptation as possible.😉

[@fionaludbrook8193]

Great video Brenna. Agree with most of your tips, but I hate covering my windows, as I feel safer being able to see what and who is out there. I do not sit in the vehicle with a light on at night though. In fact I pretty much am at ease in the dark and believe I will see anyone, before they see me. I also am happy to sit outdoors by my car in a camp chair at night, often into the wee hours reading on my Ipad. No external light on, especially, if I have the site to myself, or if there are plenty of other campers around. But we need to do what works for us,, when solo camping.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks for your comment, and yes, think everyone should do what works for them 😀

[@marjorieryanl1665]

Thanks Brenna, great video, I also pray which is very powerful 🙏

[@chelleQLD]

This was really helpful, I’m looking at travelling with my mother who is in her 70s and I do worry about safety. Thank you.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Glad to be of help😊

[@monikawithakay]

Is Brenna OK? Haven’t seen a post for a while.

[@davechristian7543]

Very good tips Brenna n me even being a male in his 50s i do basically all them things also, its all basically common sense most of staying safe hay, anyway i just today got my first proper deep cycle battery n looking forward to the Friday coming ill be off again to the Mountains 'just stealth camping i do which is like 50 to 100 meter's back from a look out on the side of the road were the dirt is which other ppl do also in the same spot n i feel really good n safe there n have another spot near by just in case somethings going wrong in the normal spot, 'anyway take care n another great lil Aussie Van-Life video ) p/s will be starting to branch out though soon haha but ya just love car-camping on my own )

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Great to hear your build is moving along 😊

[@miriamking966]

Awesome tips of safety. Thank you.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Lisa-eo9gd]

I have heard others say to trust your gut and move on if you feel uneasy. I seem to be nervous ALL the time. I think maybe I'll be stuck on my sofa forever.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Baby steps, maybe check out my video about transitioning from house life to vanlife.

[@kayemmae6733]

I will be hanging a men's hi-vis vest over the passenger seat when I eventually join vanlife

[@missirina6912]

I do agree with you, Brenna! Be blessed with all the good you may need! 🤗💞 Thank you, great tips! 👍

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thank you! You too!

[@juliannea247]

Another great 👍🏻 video 😊 Would you recommend from experience having just a divider curtain behind the seats so in an emergency you don’t have to take window covers down in the front, passenger and drivers side windows? Spotlight has a sale on and Im keen to make my own black out insulated magnetised window covers! TIA

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

I use the window covers for insulation as well as visual protection and they come down in seconds. Also, Abby likes to hang out in the cab so I am always checking on her.😊

[@_crislaz_]

Great tips! Thanks

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Glad it was helpful!

[@juliekwok5647]

Hi Brenna. I love love your videos . I’m older with health issues so you are living my dream. I can’t comment as often as I would like cos I’m on the couch watching on the u-tube on the teli. But know that I support you and always “like” So Thankyou for keeping me entertained . May you stay safe and joyful always . Blessings 😘

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thank you Julie🙏

[@michellebeavis9549]

Thank you, great tips. 😊 I always look forward to your vlogs, they are so informative.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks Michelle 😊

[@melissamiamoo]

These tips are fantastic. Thank you for sharing ☺️

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@stuartriley]

Thanks!

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thank you 🙏

[@Stax-ht9md]

Great tips for a guy as well.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Definitely👍

[@Brigand231]

This is good advice for all travelers, not just female or solo.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

True😊

[@JustOneKnight]

Thank you great tips must remember these for my mum also when she starts her travels.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Glad it was helpful!

[@delfisky3012]

Love your channel and thank you for some down to earth, great tips We're starting our canning in November and will carry all your advice with us. Greetings to you

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Have fun!

[@delfisky3012]

We will. We've travelled the world over 30 years together (Turkeye in August) but it's time to see our beautiful country following that.

[@fayhone565]

Another great video on staying safe thanks

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks 😊

[@kathleencomyn5228]

Great advice ❤

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Glad it was helpful!

[@herbalmedicinesecrets4399]

Great tips Brianna....I tend to do your last tip first...if it doesn’t feel right straight up...I’m outa there right away

[@herbalmedicinesecrets4399]

Sorry for typo...Brenna...

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Yes, that is definitely the golden rule with me too!

[@herbalmedicinesecrets4399]

@@BrennaLivingJoyfully 💌

[@SandVan]

Awesome safety tips video ❤🙏😊🚐

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks 😊

[@carolcopley3639]

Fantastic tips!

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Glad you like them!

[@bryceettwell9537]

Hello Brenna, a great video. Well presented thoughts and ideas, and also very well considered. Have you considered noting down registration numbers of those around you? I shall try to remember all these tips when I start my adventures on the road (soon I hope). Thank you and safe travells. Cheers, Bryce.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

That's a great idea!

[@bekiandlilyonzeroad]

Great tips, thank you,

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

You are so welcome!

[@pattyann7803]

Great tips. Thanks.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Glad it was helpful!

[@katrinawilliams6295]

Thank you, great tips ❤

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

You’re welcome 😊

[@andrew9569]

Great content. Thanks.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Glad you liked it!

[@LadyEdisto]

Go to a thrift store & get a pair of men’s shoes & leave them outside your door along w/ an old pair of your own. People will think there are 2 people inside.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Great tip 😊

[@kenneth7610]

Great tips for anyone to use!

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks Ken😊

[@bonniehoover8318]

All good tips.💜

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Glad you think so!

[@Betru2u60]

Hi lovely, great tips. 👍 happy travels.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks 😊

[@musicalmarion]

Trouble with dogs is they give you away if you're stealth, when they bark 🤥

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

I’m not trying to be stealthy so no worries there

[@gervaishennequin]

Wow, you have learn a lot on the road by yourself, do you have friends who live in the van, come and meet up with you sometimes for company?

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

I have met a lot of people on my travels and hope to catch up with them again.😊

[@BonesAndButtons]

Good, commonsense tips. Ive been looking at car camping at a campground in August but the reviews talk about drunken parties. Freedom camping is illegal in New Zealand ao im not sure about my alternatives... Hmm...

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Do some more research, I have seen videos of people camping there in beautiful places .

[@theo847sqn]

Wonder about the heat ? I always think its gonna be to hot to full time van life it Is this a silly question?😊

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

I have spent the last two summers in Tasmania to avoid the heat.

[@theo847sqn]

@Brenna Living Joyfully excellent tip ! That did cross my mind I live in regional NSW But I like the thought of van life as a permanent lifestyle I'm not nieve,its not just a long never ending happy holiday Yet it does appeal You seem amazing An if I was out there I'd give you a massive hug an Remind you Not everyone is out to get you Most people are nice (Soz for the novel length of this) 🤣

[@judithryan5058]

thankyou

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

You're welcome!

[@judithryan5058]

@@BrennaLivingJoyfully I ve retired early and hope to be heading off on my travels soon. I have just found you on you tube and am enjoying your videos and picking up some new tips. I have been watching an American fellow on his site Cheap rv living but it is good to have an Aussie to watch. I love your vicious dog haha. All the best Jude

[@sew_gal7340]

Is it really that bad out there,?? 😭😭 Ive been wanting to do this for a long time but you make it seem so scary and frightening for a woman

[@LillyMccloskey]

Hi guys, im just starting out looking for both my first card and my first attempt at van life (most likely solo) any tips ? Especially how to save money and do it budget friendly? Thaxs would love to here about anyones experiences, tips and advice. :)

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

You can check out my expenses videos to see how much I spend and what I spend it on.😊

[@blueoceansaustralia]

what do you have for protection? just in case you come into some troublesome people

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

My dog 🐶

[@memapaula9084]

I heard from someone else living in a van that they put the seat belt through handles on both front doors. What do you think?

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Not sure how that works. Also I have a dog that has a ferocious bark so I don’t think anyone would try to break in once they heard her.

[@placestosea]

Good info for anyone, have you considered carrying a powder fire extinguisher? I've heard about leaving 2 pair of inexpensive shoes/thongs outside your door.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

I have thought about a blanket not powder, I will have to look into it.

[@placestosea]

@@BrennaLivingJoyfully great as a safety device.

[@williamoorejr]

add a little fake to your stay. Like a big pair of mens worn work boots outside next to a really big dog food bowl. THEN- if your in the USA, put an NRA sticker on the car. (nation rifle association) or a knife sheath hanging from the outside mirror. Love the covid idea.

[@gaelleg.3164]

Hi Brenna, sorry this is unrelated to the safety tips but I was wondering what solar panels you have

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

My solar panels are from itechworld

[@martaescobar7625]

Carry pepper spray...it buys you time. Don't carry a purse and keep your hands free.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

I’m pretty sure pepper spray is illegal in Australia .

[@martaescobar7625]

@@BrennaLivingJoyfully Sorry....we can carry in Florida USA. A walking stick makes a nice weapon.I worked in a prison for 20+, I know what's out there. Be safe:)

[@johnnybgood3909]

Safety tip for Solo Female Van life - stay home

[@glendasmith3704]

You shouldn't camp on your own - make sure someone (check them out) is nearby.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

People can do whatever they want to do. If you don't want to camp on your own don't but some of us want to and that is okay.

[@patrickjobling8676]

Sounds like a plan mamme..😁pip pips

[@janinejackson9477]

Great information. A point of interest Australian statistics show more males than females are assaulted. So these tips are great for everyone not just females.🥺

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Yes they are!

[@glendasmith3704]

A lot of these 'Tips' are for 'Solo, Female FREE Van Lifers'. Try some cheap camps/back of Pubs/Showgrounds/Golf Clubs etc. to be safer - you might pay $10/night or so but worth the security.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

This advice stands for all camping types.

[@glenpenrose1834]

Paranoid. Too much Wolf Creek.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

That's a shame

[@helenellsworth9556]

There's not enough Aussies doing KZbin videos in solo camping, all I ever see is Americans

[@1WHATSUP1]

Ok but please do not keep reating yourself.

[@nanniecath528]

Uh?

[@bethelcallinbethania5270]

Great ideas… I always have gone with my gut feeling & when I park up in a lay-bys or free camp I always park in the direction that I’m traveling the next day. Might catch you on the road… I’ve been a solo traveler for 6 yrs now. 🚐💖