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With the recent popularity of van life and the rise of social media, more and more people are becoming interested in van living, but it’s not necessarily an easy task. If you’re a solo female van lifer, there are several things you need to know about making your journey one that’s enjoyable and safe from the beginning all the way to the end. Fortunately, there are plenty of others who have already gone through this experience and have shared their top 10 tips to succeed at solo female van life.

1) Pack an emergency kit

It can be hard to know what to pack when you’re starting out and learning more about van life. You’ll want to make sure you have the essentials like extra clothes, toiletries, and first-aid supplies. We’ve put together this list of must-haves so you don’t forget anything important.

2) Add luxury items

• Invest in a quality mattress. You’ll be laying on it every night and you want to be comfortable! This will also save you from having to find somewhere to sleep every night.
• Have an emergency kit on hand – things like flashlights, jumper cables, extra clothes, etc.
• Pack lots of snacks!

3) Have a backup plan

It’s important to have a backup plan in case your idea doesn’t work out. It could be as simple as reevaluating and coming up with new ideas, or it could mean finding another way to make money. In the worst-case scenario, you might need to find a job again and go back home. But just because something didn’t work out the first time doesn’t mean it won’t happen the next time around!

4) Don’t let self doubt get in your way

Self-doubt is a normal human emotion and we all experience it from time to time. It’s when you start to believe that other people know more about what they’re doing than you do that it becomes an issue. When self-doubt starts to creep in, remind yourself of the many successful female van lifers who have paved the way with their hard work and dedication.

5) Stay connected to friends and family

If you’re traveling solo, it’s important to keep in touch with friends and family back home. They can provide a connection to your normal life that helps keep you grounded when things start to feel unfamiliar. Plus, if something goes wrong on the road, they can help contact authorities or arrange an emergency plan.
Texting is the best way to stay in touch with friends and family because it’s free and doesn’t eat up your data plan!

6) Be aware of self-care

Don’t forget to take care of yourself! You are your own best friend. If you don’t make time to rest and recharge, you will burn out quickly and be less productive. Remember that there is no shame in taking time off and heading back home if things get too tough.

7) Don’t stop exploring

Don’t stop exploring! Try new places, meet different people, and never be afraid to push your boundaries. Just because you’re alone doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone. Your van is your home, but the world is your family. Be open to what it has in store for you!

8) Try new things, but know your limits

-Try new things, but know your limits. You will get more comfortable with time and you will learn what is best for you. There are some nights when it’s best to stay in rather than push your limits by going on an adventure.
-Find a balance between work and play. It’s important to have down time to recharge, so don’t feel like you need to be constantly busy if you’re feeling burned out or overwhelmed.

9) Trust yourself!

• Trust yourself! You are capable of anything and everything you want to do – even if it seems impossible. It will take time, but you can do it!
• Remember that the world is your oyster! The possibilities are endless and there’s no limit to what you can do or accomplish.
• Keep your eyes on the prize at all times and trust that everything is going to work out in the end, even if it doesn’t seem like it now.

10) Get some sleep!

Getting enough sleep is crucial to your mental and physical health. If you’re living in your vehicle or are traveling in one, you may find yourself with less time for shut-eye than the average person. But don’t let this be an excuse not to sleep well and get the rest that you need!