Living in a Van | The TRUTH About Finding Overnight Parking 😐
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ย. 2024
- I'm setting the record straight on some of the negative talk that's been going around about van life overnight parking. I've heard a lot of people putting down the van lifestyle, saying that it's impossible to find a safe and legal parking spot, or that I should just give up. But lI've been living in my van for years now, and I've had plenty of success finding great overnight parking spots. So if you're tired of hearing all the negativity and want to learn the real facts about van life overnight parking, buckle up for this honest video.
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A few years ago a gentleman in a van parked in front of our house every night. I was friendly to him. My neighbor thought he was homeless and called the authorities. He told them he lives in his van by choice. I sometimes offered him left overs and water. I was glad to sit and talk with him from time to time.
That is very kind and nice of you to do. Thank you for sharing.
There are over 500k "Van Lifer's RV's Van's remodeled Van's and etc...that are on Instagram and TH-cam. That's not homeless.. Homeless people don't have a Post office box,car insurance, driver's license,bank accounts, credit cards, and social media.. All of those accounts on TH-cam and Social Media..are people that refuse to pay expensive rent's and mortgage's... anymore.
I once tried renting my drive way for $19 a night, or $29 a night with water and electricity hookup and grey water dump. A traveling construction guy rented for a month at $29 a night. An Asian Student stayed all summer session ($99 a Week Special). I really liked the Asian guy. He was always quiet as a mouse with never a visitor. Alas, I bought a second pick-up truck and needed the full driveway for myself. My driveway rental business ended.
I wish more people had this attitude. I travel in my van and just want a place to sleep in a safe neighborhood. I don't bother anyone. I move on. This man seems the same. He's just a guy who lives in his van, he doesn't want to bother, rob, or even interact with you unless you want to like you did. Thank you for that!
@@nclare7 great comment. Thank you 🙏
Some people are just plain ignorant. I live a house but there have been a few times when I was so upset about something that happened to me that I just sat in a Walmart parking lot and bawled my eyes out. NO, I was not shopping, but I didn't want to cry while driving.
Yes exactly! Sometimes you just need a safe place to pull over and park for a bit. Thanks for sharing this!
Same girl, same❤️
I hope you are feeling and doing better
Exactly
I’ve done this at Wally too. ❤
Nothing wrong with being a nomad. I think some people just don’t understand it. Do what makes you happy 😃
People assume the worst. SMH. LoL
So I am going to let out a secret. I travel with a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with attached Runaway camper. When I boondock, I usually stay in the woods for 14 to 16 days. Then I have to head into town to resupply fuel, food, water. When I travel and I need a quick overnight spot to get some sleep, I go to a boat ramp. I've never seen any no overnight parking signs. Just don't park in boat trailer parking spaces. Never had the knock.
I am a hybrid! I've been in the desert for months and in the woods. I've traveled the country and stayed at night for a week at a Cracker Barrel. Your channel has been a GREAT help!!
That’s awesome. I’d like to boondock a bit more. Thanks for watching!
I definitely prefer the challenges of vanlife over the challenge of remembering not to punch my landlord in the throat for painting the scuff mark on the floor, only accepting checks hand-delivered to a building across town, expecting me to mow the grass, not shoveling the walk, insisting I use their dryer and not my own, cockroaches, silverfish, outlets that don't work, switches that don't connect to anything, noise restriction, (that are never enforced), the swimming pool always being locked, and a million other reasons. I love vanlife, yes, especially even in a Prius.
I've never owned a home, but I'm pretty sure I'd rather vanlife than pay a mortgage, pay property taxes, have HOA headaches, building permit issues, yard maintenance, termites, cleaning headaches, furnace failures, school restrictions, obnoxious neighbors, urban decline, gentrification, and so on.
We so often just delete negative comments, not to hide them but because we don’t want to give any attention to the haters. But sometimes, there’s a comment like that one that needs addressing and I love it when you do that. You choose your battles and slap back when it’s called for. The few times I’ve seen you do that, it’s always been something that needed doing. 👏 Bravo
If I’m awake and someone knocks on my window it spooks me
People are crazy it’s that simple
Exactly!!! You get it.
My next door lady sometimes comes by my man cave window and knocks or makes a scratching sound just to have fun with me. She knows that I'm in my man cave every evening. I have three big tv screens my recliner and an remote control tilting bed in my little slice of heaven room. Especially during football season.
💯 Hospitals are a great idea! As a nurse, I'd notice certain people in the Cafeteria or restrooms cleaning up. Many are visiting family and must stay overnight in the parking lots. (make sure it's a big hospital 🏥 )
Great idea!
I completely agree with you on this. It is startling to get that knock, and even just having security come up to the van with lights.
If someone knocked on my bedroom window at night , I’d be scared too. I live in sticks and bricks an no matter where or what you live in, it is startling to get a knock! That person was just ignorant and wanted to cause some sh**. I’m 73 and when I was younger I would have loved to travel in a van across the country. Back then there was no internet or opportunities to make money on the road. ❤❤❤❤
You know I wish I knew back when what I know now about being able to stop somewhere and sleep if needed. There have been times I was traveling with my husband and kids and we couldn’t afford a hotel so we pushed on ahead. That being said, that was very dangerous driving like that when you are so tired and sleepy but we didn’t know we had an option. So I thank you Allison and other vanlifers that shared this information with us. I am now in vanlife myself and I appreciate your videos, they are so very helpful. Thank you Allison😊🙏🏻❤️.
@Resident Nomad
Hi there Raymond 👋🏻😊.
I had been planning this lifestyle, then covid hit. I am now back to planning, my biggest thing is the parking.
You can do it! 😊
@@travelsnacks I think I may try my driveway and expand from there. Working on my Xterra to get it camp ready
I purchased a vehicle Summer 2019 and Covid hit before I could get out! A different vehicle now and soon - I can do my traveling. Finding a safe place to park is my also my concern.
Covid was the best time. I should had travel to all my favorite national parks during that low gas prices.
I have lived in my Honda pilot for over a year and the east coast is a challenge to park. Thank you for all the help on every aspect of this life style. This is no easy or for the meek.
I get scared when someone knocks on my apartment door.
Yes it can be startling!
I wish you could afford cameras for the inside of your van. You could monitor your outside surroundings!❤️❤️❤️
I get startled at my house when there is a knock at the door. It’s not a regular thing, so it catches me off guard. Have people woken up and smelled the coffee in this country? There are many that choose vanlife, but because of high costs of living, people are having to live in their car or the street as well. I really feel this needs to be a more widely accepted idea of living and why does this idea come across as crazy to some people. I don’t get it. We can’t ever make anyone happy really. People are so unkind and it makes me speechless. I live right near Kissimmee, FL and I welcome a vanlifer as kind as you to stay in my driveway for as long as ya need 😊
It is getting harder and harder for people to live in a renting world , I watch alot of videos and see so many elderly people living in their vehicles. It is an alternative and sometimes not a choice. It's bad everywhere , even here in Canada. I work and I struggle still to make ends meet for me , I'm 56 years old and I'm tired of the greed and ignorance of people . I love your videos and you give alot of great information and advice. Stay safe out there.
Hey, off topic but I think you look great in the darker hair color. It took 8 to 10 years off your look. 😃 Also have you thought of maybe adding a peep hole to on or two of the window covers? That way you would not have to take them all the way down. Just a 1 or 2 inch x2 flap cut out with a velcro fastener.
Gee, maybe I should stop living in my house because a knock in the late evening or even middle of the night would scare me!!! Sheesh! It's crazy how some people will pop off at the mouth online. I am a part-time urban camper. I like to stay in the city/town. I'm not much into being out in the woods. Everyone is different. I love you and your channel just the way you are!!! ((HUGS))
I never thought about it that way! I wonder if the negative comment guy likes knocks on his windows when he’s sleeping? Maybe we should find him and take turns banging on his bedroom window for a few weeks!🤣
@@daafy6390 That is a different. However, the troll was condemning her for being scared by a knock.
I love the brunette... You never ever explain how you live. During Covid 19..there became a surge of .. "Van-lifers"..that were facing eviction, loosing their homes, businesses and people who wanted a change of pace. Honestly why should people pay 1500-4k per month for a rental property that you don't own. Unless you have children or caring for a loved one. Roommates are great ..but you give up your privacy and risk thefts. To each their own. ..live life and don't forget you are your own Boss. 📿🥀🙏
You are looking very beautiful today. The topics you pick are interesting and you're doing a great job! Hugs from Germany
Thank you so much 🙂
@@travelsnacks I#Ve been watching your show for a while. I think you are so very courageous and I admire your values and positive attitude. Learning a lot from you. Best.
You are in fact very strategic about stealth parking, and I find your content informative.
ONE THOUSAND PERCENT AGREED!!! 👍👍👍 That knock sounds like its BARELY 1 inch from your face when you're asleep in a van and its almost always HARD, LOUD, and aggressive AF!!! I'm an Army veteran and that knock is MORE Jarring than a drill sergeant banging on your bunk at 3am!!! 🤯🤯🤯
I agree. As long as there is nothing loud, obnoxious, or illegal going on, why do people care about who parks where? Allison, if you're ever in Northeast Oklahoma (specifically the Broken Arrow area) you are more than welcome to park in my huge circle drive! It's safe, quiet, and very peaceful. Police are at one end of my street and fire department at the other end.
One more thing, if someone knocks on my house door after going to sleep, I would be just as startled as you were in your van.
I agree with you, plus I live in SW Oklahoma. Allison would always be welcome here. Many times I have been trying to get somewhere and got sleepy traveling especially after dark. I have pulled off in parks, Walmart parking lot, hospital parking lots & hotels to sleep a few hours!
Allison the fear of the knock has never been enough to stop me from enjoying van life. The knock is startling but you recover.
The first knock I had was ftom a van lifer that was next to me during a snow storm we were parked in a hospital multi level parking area on the 1st level. They knocked to tell me too not start cooking until I smelled the food from the careteria. I was grateful for the advice. Sure enough the smells surrounded the area and no one noticed our cooking smells. We became bad weather buddies and stayed at the same spot during 3 snow storms 2 of them the city closed down no cars were allowed on the roads. We had a ball.
The 2nd knock came from a police officer that told me if I was going to stay to move up against the side of the Walmart building because the winds in the parking lot were severe he escorted me to the best place. After I got over the shock I settled down and went back to sleep. Its been 4yrs and zi have not gotten another knock.
I sleep at places where I feel comfortable noises dont bother me so I have gotten some good sleep on the side of a main street where other people have parked the light traffic at night lulled me to sleep.
Van life is my life and the anticipation of a knock is almost non existant. I let my gut be my guide where I can sleep.
Be Blessed Allison
I'm anticipating boondocking or 'wild' camping. But I do find your videos interesting. Thank you for your content. Be safe and do what makes you happy! I couldn't do town too often, but I may have an event or two! Again, thanks!
Praying for you while you're traveling. We all need to have someone lifting us up before the Lord. Be blessed 🙏
Amen 🙏
Hey if you are in Missouri, check out Missouri conservation areas. They have some free overnight dry camping. Most have, not all, have out houses, so you can dump your toilet and grey tank. Some have water where you can fill your water tanks. Although the water is seasonal, the other is mostly year round. I hope this helps you if you come to Missouri.
You're absolutely right about feeling startled when you get a knock in the middle of the night! In my case, it wasn't the middle of the night, but I had just drifted off to sleep. We were sleeping near a trail head, very little ambient light, peaceful. All of a sudden, knock, knock, knock!! I jump out of bed, my dog started barking, which startled the cat, he's running around startling the bird who started angrily chirping, I'm bumping into stuff trying to figure out if I should put on bottoms (it was super hot and I only had my t-shirt and underwear on) or find my flashlight first....all this half-blind as I had knocked my glasses off the stand...found my glasses and peeked out through the window covering.....and saw that it was my sister! (It's a small town where I was overnighting) so yeah, it's startling! Sure, I have various ways of protecting myself in case of a break-in, but for those first few seconds, it's jarring to be woken out of a peaceful sleep with a loud knock. On another note...I do use iOverlander too but another app I like is RV Parks (it's not just for RV's). Thanks for sharing!
So real! Thanks for sharing.
Lol I loved how many animals were in this story :)
@@emilyjea hahaha thanks! They're wonderful to share my tiny-home-on-wheels with ☺🐺🐱🐦
I understand about being startled yet I guess a difference would be that in your home it’s your land your home is on it…as to parking a lil different because you don’t own the land and when the knock comes usually it’s innocent enough just to tell you keep it moving. I get it…don’t take it to heart…be you…and it’s sad but true when you put your life public on blast as all TH-camrs do it comes with the territory…just keep smiling do what makes you happy…I can see points to both sides….stay grounded, stay true…and never let TH-cam override common sense or consume who you are…you are to valuable for that….❤also camping sites have parking and their are lot you can pay to park in…as for home owners we can’t just build a home in the park and claim it…even when home is paid off their is still taxes on land…so as I said I see both sides
House is almost paid for, but then I will have taxes, insurance, and repairs to still pay. It will be less, for now, but not for long in this economy, I'm sure.
I personally admire and enjoy your lifestyle and very interested in seeing more overnight parking videos just to get a better understanding of the challenges and satisfactions of finding a destination to get a good night's sleep. Thank you for sharing
Can't wait to hear more on your ideas pertaining to parking. I've been parking in the same 2 places for a year, only cuz they are familiar and I can't leave the city I'm in cuz of work. Thought and been told I should get a campground spot, but they close up in the winter anyways, and they are always so stuffy; it's like being in an apartment complex.
Thanks your your videos, I really enjoy them when I have time off. as a former van dweller; I think you are spot on with the views in this video. a knock on your van is extremely disturbing and invasive, especially while sleeping and in the dark hours. I have also driven around looking for an appropriate overnight spot; very difficult when one is tired! take care now.
There is always one, isn’t there (or a multitude)? If you are ever in my neighborhood you can park in my driveway!!! Don’t let others rain on your parade. We are all just sitting here with mortgages oozing out of our ears while you get to live your life THE WAY YOU WANT TO! Live and let live! Love you and your content 💕
I'm totally thinking about Van life myself and I enjoy your content 🙂
Awesome! Thanks for watching 😊
As they say 'different strokes for different folks." If you are comfortable with your choice then enjoy it - don't let others try to put you on a guilt trip.
Looking forward to hearing about the problems with parking. I think that’s the big one. I remember the story about the guy chasing you in the neighborhood in California.
Actually I thought you were very cool and calm during that incident. You handled it well and simply told the guy you'd move. You had a very brief but rational conversation with the guy, who I believe you said was a security guard. And the truth is you didn't have to even show us what happened, but I appreciate you did.
Totally agree with you! And it is your home - I ain't answering the door at my home if someone's knocking at night!
I’m in Ohio, if you are rolling through Columbus at any time, let me know and I will give you some tips of places to park, offer some day chat, a shower, a meal. Like I’ve said before, I was a courier and drove over 120,000 miles per year for 15 years straight ( my husband for 30) I’ve been to ever US state and almost every US city as well as every province of Canada. I have probably slept in every type of spot that exists. We couriers have some little known secrets. If you run into a courier at the truck stops or other places, they’ll usually give you some tips on local safe places to park if you are having issues finding a place. When you see a store called Kroger, here in ohio, almost every one of them have big parking lots that allow overnight parking most are 24/7 open. There will be a sign if they don’t. Also, I’m not sure other places, but here we have “park and Ride” lots
For public transport riders. They aren’t used overnight. I worked for the bus company and we were told overnight parking is allowed in most of the P&R lots, but the Parker would have to leave when the spot is needed in the morning. Some lots get just a couple cars and have 40 spots, those you can stay as long as you want. I will get an update on this from the COTA company to be sure. Sweet dreams ~Kim~
Your hair is so pretty and I just love your REALNESSS. I pray for you to have GOD's favor continuedly. YOU are so RIGHT because that happen to me and I was in a dead sleep. So that was a normal reaction that you did.
Thanks for sharing, I'm so glad you addressed the issue with people who are not living in vehicles and feel like they need to comment on things that they have no experience with! I am looking forward to more parking videos😊
I watch so many van life videos and I have to agree with you. There's an awful lot of people that look down on people who live the nomad life or just have to live in their vehicles because there is no alternative for them. Especially the elderly and retired . Living on a fixed income or a little to none income. I love watching the builds and am getting ideas for myself because pretty soon I can see myself in that very situation.
I’ve been a commercial driver for years and if you want to sit in one spot for a while do what we do. Use warehouse districts with an expeditor or final mile magnet sign on the side of your van. truck stops have food, gas and showers but there prices are jacked up.
Your not gonna fly under the radar in residential neighborhoods but you look normal in commercial areas, you can run a generator at truck stops, warehouse districts and industrial areas. I don’t recommend industrial areas due to pollution. People will not accept us to sleep in front of there house and I do not blame them.
I follow you and admire what you do. I have had to adjust my vehicle sleeping with 3 dogs and 2 Guinea pigs. I stayed plenty of hotels, police stations, among other places. I love the advice you and other creators have paved the way for newcomers. Keep up the great work. Spot on with everything you have talked about.
You're hair looks amazing and it makes your skin glow💯
Absolutely another amazing video, :) You can't just miss the spirit of an adventure that is in this video. As someone who has been struggling with finding the path to life again, you're bringing exactly the great questions and maybe answers as well. I have been thinking of going van living for almost a year, and you really push me to do just that this summer. Finally, I started looking for a van. Thank you for such an inspiration and I wish you all the best. :)
only way I would do it is if I had a thousand trails pass and enough money for RV parks with hookups. That stress of finding a place to park is too much. So I just live vicariously through you and numerous others that do it in a variety of ways.
Ever since hearing about this life style I wonder how many nomads I pass by on a regular basis. When I go to the truck stop, I wonder how many of those parked vehicles are nomads and whatnot. I think it's a fascinating lifestyle.
I would be terrified if that was me with someone knocking on my van window people are insane ignore those negative comments. I think you're very brave especially being a solo traveler esp because you're a " single woman". Stay safe you're an inspiration to me.
I think parking in a residential area near a park, church, or school would be my choice. Arrive late at night and leave early, don’t make noise, cooking smells and just pull in and park on a public street. Once you are in a parking lot you are on private property and at the mercy of hired security. If it’s a public street in a residential area it’s a bit harder to find fault (unless you are cooking, dropping waste, making noise etc.) That would be my preference.
Love that you will be the Parking Queen 👸 ! Great and helpful video. Look forward to hearing more!
I think you are brave and a sensible woman. Who wouldn’t be nervous if someone knocked on the window or door at night wherever you lived. You handled it really well. Good luck and stay safe 👍🥂🌹
I just enjoy all your videos. I think more about parking over night and where you can cook or just rest during hot days. I'm glad you do these videos.
I would think hospitals would be the perfect spot to park overnight. Visiting hours usually end at 9 so there would be plenty of room
My wife and I got "The Knock" our very first night in our van. We are not full time but we travel a lot in our van.
You go girl! I think it's great that you are addressing those naysayers and rude people. I also think more videos about parking would be really good. I love the videos you have when you're driving around trying to find spots because it really gives me a feel of what it might be like for me out there on the road someday. It's so different than just describing it with words, but following along with you actually looking, not finding for a while, getting tired, and then finding a place and then having to leave I think that's great. I think it would be neat if you tried parking in visitor centers, which are located when you cross from one state to another. There's a woman who travels in her car, used to live in her car full-time but now she has a tiny home, anyway when she does her road-tripping she often stays in Travel Centers so I thought it would be neat for you to try. I watch about 10 different vanlifers / car lifers and none of them have gone into the detail that you have looking for a spot for the night. Some people will say what they do once they get to a pilot or loves but basically all they're doing is looking around to make sure it's safe and putting up their windshield covers and that's it. So proud of you!
The only knock I ever got was at a Planet Fitness. It was a stand alone building and I thought it was 24hrs, but nope.. oh and I was right on the beach.. rookie mistake I’m sure. 🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸
I’ve spoken about van life for yrs with my husband and he looks at me like I’m nuts. Probably won’t ever happen for me so I just live vicariously through all you nomads.I’m envious of your journey and your doing because you want to. Who cares what the naysayers have to say, they just don’t have the nerve to even try it.
Carla, start going on shirt trips yourself. Use the car that you have or get somethings that will work: Honda Element, minivan, Ford Connect, etc 😊👍
My husband did same. Until covid and last 6/7 years of political atmosphere. Now he says don't sell out rv. We may need to live in it.
Some people are miserable and want to take it out on others... live your best life and don't worry about the small stuff!
Great video! Very informative. By the way, I love your hair.❤❤❤
Oh thank you! And glad you liked the video 😊
keep being a van life nomad because that is what I like listening to you 😊
I would have been totally scared if someone knocked on my car when I was sleeping. I freak out when people knock on our apartment door. So to be completely asleep and then someone like banging on your window yeah you would be freaking out.
I HAVE to comment on this. I've watched a number of your videos and they're great and I'm a follower. The fact is, van (car) life is unsustainable. I lived in A CAR (NOT even a van) for a year and it's simply not doable unless you have a vast array of skills in (not mechanics but) diagnosing electrical problems in newer vehicles and a vast array (a garage full of) tools to carry with you to be able to maintain your vehicle while you're on the road--It's simply unsustainable unless you're a master mechanic and devote all hours of your life towards it. I lived in an RV Van for a year on top of the car and they are SIMPLY UNSUSTAINABLE. The RV industry is one of the biggest indicators of American suburban dysfunction. We have been in a DELUSION in the USA about this.
Anyone who is not use to anyone hardly ever knocking on they door at daytime let alone it happen at night will have anyone on edge n freaked out cus u don't know who or wat is waitin for u on the other side usually if ur expecting company they call or txt they there if ur waitin for a delivery (food/packages) u know someone will be coming but randomly its on edge
I love the way you use your hands when you speak, especially when you get annoyed. You will pinch your right hand like you are pinching a person, and put it aside to your right. Cool video. Thanks.
You are welcome to park in my street on my driveway and I even let you use my shower if you are in Houston.you are living your life and no one is allowed to tell you how to live it.prejudice is not only for color or nationality or ethnicity is also when you start dictating to others how they should live.you are born FREE and it’s your life and you are very smart and creative.I appreciate all your hard work.when are we going to learn to respect others and say thank you for your kindness and knowledge!!
God bless you and be safe…
The dreaded knock makes your heart beat out your chest
I just adore your authenticity and honesty. Thank you!
Allison, great way to address that comment. I don't understand why people get so judgemental about something that is not their experience. What possible good does it serve? None that I can see except for someone who already has an agenda.
The "My street" comment COULD be from someone who has had a bad experience, has a fear of the unknown etc. That being said, it is no reason to assume that will be the case everytime or even "ever again". There are some cities where there is a huge growth in homeless population and there is a lot of garbage and other issues to address. These are human beings who have lost so much and some who are getting further and further into despair. People get caught up in the negative and can't seem to separate it out. Instead of getting on your case, someone who would never be a threat or cause problems they should use that energy to help those with less. Find a way to do their part for their community in a positive way. Some friends and I put together care packages to give away. It doesn't solve the homeless issue, but it is something we can do to make their existence just a little bit better.
There is one guy on TH-cam that goes around recording himself harassing the homeless. What possible good can come of that?
I love that you are saying - your experience. You are providing a service for those of us who want to hear your tips, your wisdom, your experiences. People can take from it what they can use and move on.
I feel sorry for those who feel they need to cut others down. It reflects the negative way they feel about themselves. It doesn't give license to be so negative and greater than thou. Possibly they could try stepping back and think about "What Jesus would do".
You are real. I like the video. I didn't even realize you were Travel Snacks because you're not in a car anymore. Congrats! I'm headed out in a pickup shell this summer. I've camped and stealthed across the country several times. Considering it f-t. Will have to tell myself that the daily hassle of finding parking is like a p-t job that will yield $800 to $1,500 a month (no rent) for about 30 - 45 hours a month. That will make it worth it to me. But it's tiring and you do it at the end of your day. Ugh. Sympathies. And wish me luck.
You are fun to watch...love your humor!!
Glad you enjoy it. 😊Thanks for watching!
For a single lady renting a country house or any apartment can be a bit risky. I'm going nomad and I'm going to feel less stressed and a whole lot safer. ❤😊
Hi Allison❣️Shake it off about those people who don’t know what they’re talking about!!! I love ur videos. Keep on making them & ignore the ignorant ones. Love u Allison❣️🙏✝️🕊️👍🤗😎😊
I'm glad I found you. Been watching you all day. You're a breath of fresh air ♥️!
Always enjoy your videos. I just built a Sprinter van. Hope to run into you soon. Very inspiring. People need to worry about themselves and not be mean about parking. I have tried many times to park many places. Common sense goes along way. Happy travels!
Love your new hair color! The new hair color really compliment your eyes and you look 10 years younger ☺️
Kudos to you again for taking up for yourself and addressing the negative comments
I agree 💯. It is the who that is might be knocking. It's like the phone in your house ringing at 2:00 am. It's startling!!
sister, you are totally right about every thing, and also people like you who belive in the freedom of living infulance all the world, am from algeria and i want to live that life style for ever.
The head of security at Walmart actually gave me some hints. So any of the haters please don't diss the Big W. Told me how to access the WiFi, contact secrity through the night if I had an issue...etc.
Your hair looks so pretty. I enjoy watching you find your parking spots. It is a little scary. Be safe!
If your van is inconspicuous, ie: windowless cargo van, reasonably good condition, no A.C., bumper racks, stickers, etc, ya can park almost anywhere.
Arrive between dinnertime and dark.
Don't get out.
Be perfectly quiet and don't answer the knock.
Leave in the morning while it's still dark.
Don't park in the same place twice.
I just do not understand people-and I never will. Especially watching videos on TH-cam. If you don’t like what you’re watching just move on it’s that easy. But no, they have to add their two cents. I barely have enough time to watch a couple videos before bed Certainly not gonna waste my precious time belittling because they’re doing something I don’t like.
I am a part time van dweller I spend most of the time in the wilderness. I am always cleaning up trash from people before me. Lazy annoying people are my biggest complaint. But I just keep my mouth shut and leave the campsite better than I found it. And I wish everybody would do that.
I love your channel because sometimes when I travel, I have to stay in the city while I’m traveling. And I feel you have very good advice from your experiences. So thank you. Michigan.
If you’ve been doing Van Life over a year then you definitely have the knowledge and experience of what to do and where to park. Oh and you’re 100%, the knock will always freak you out when you’re in bed in a dead of sleep. Being as stealth as possible is always the key.
I think parking in a hotel parking lot is brilliant. I like learning from you. Thanks for the great video. Sandra
I’m a truck driver and there’s a lot of people say dumb things about us and it’s a lot harder for me to find a safe place to park for the night so I feel you on that
About staying in residential areas... I pay to live in a house. In my mind I have bought into the neighborhood culture (friendly neighbors that you know and can help each other if needed, like a family but not quite). If I would pay to live in a campground, then I would know that I am buying into a frequent rotation of strangers. My point is that I would not like my street to be used like a campground, where I don't know who is staying outside my house each night. I have paid for the comfort of knowing well who my neighbors are (familiarness brings peace of mind... especially when we have children who play outside). Just saying. I do like your channel a lot and think you are great... just wanted to share an opinion. 😃
Hi from Wisconsin, I am a fairly new sub so I don't know your whole story. I do know that you are smart, strong, kind, brave & your van life is so fun to watch. I give you a lot of credit. I can see how van life is a lot of planning. You seem happy, healthy & you enjoy seem your life. That's all that matters. There are always going to be haters. You keep doing you & making great videos. Stay safe, happy & healthy. 💜✌
Amen Travel Snacks! People need to be more welcoming and giving. With the economy the way it is, more and more people will turn to Van lifestyle living. My rent just sky rocked by almost $200 PER MONTH! That's about $2,400 More per year.... Crazy! I'm thinking about joining you and other Van lifers ... It's the smart and economically sane way to go in 2023. Stay true to yourself and don't mine the haters 😊
Your new/old hair color continues to look great!
subbed 😀 as more people join this lifestyle it will get harder to find overnight spots, unfortunately many ruin it for the rest by wearing out their welcome and like you say noise and garbage. The last video was just bad timing with the security parked in the lot when you pulled up and yes the "knock" is startling for anyone imo
Of course, a knock should startle you. Even if you assume it is security, it could be someone else. I am just going to say, Personally, public is public. If it is a parking lot, street parking or any parking place with a lot of open spots, a person should not be harrassed for being there. I get if you are taking the last spot at a hotel (which you never do), but any public parking, even at night, should still be available for parking. I get it, if that person is taking out chairs, firing up the portable grill perhaps emptying their grey or black water, playing loud music etc, otherwise setting up camp, people who live in those neighborhoods should not have to tolerate that. However, a person that pulls in at 1000PM and is out first thing in the morning, where is the harm in that. I will admit, if a person was parking in front of my house every night I would feel a need to address that, but until I started to feel uneasy as if they were watching me, I would just check and make sure they moved along.
I love how you have respectfully defended yourself in this video I mean if you wanna go even deeper the earth heaven and earth are the Lords so Let that squash the territorial mindset periodt 😡
My go to is strip mall lots on the outskirts of cities or smaller towns. Also smaller industrial parks or ungated apartment complexes. In three years only had the knock four times. Was always friendly polite police who were sympathetic and helpful.
A knock of course would freak me out and even if I'm in our apartment or car. We love to go to the beach and camp in our car🚗⛱♥️♥️Stay blessed and enjoy your life ♥️♥️
Good points. Please keep it POSITIVE people!
Great video Allison. I believe People just be so made about someone else’s lifestyle. I live in a House and I always feel like being in a Van or Travel Vehicle to be outside and see the world. I believe you’re always going to be safe …god’s got you.
Hi, I think it would be a great series on setting yourself up for safe parking!!!
My dog jumped up startled when you knocked lol
it is great that you get to see the US some people never get out of their home town even for a weekend, some people have no choice as to where they live, home is where you put your hat, it can be on wheels, brick are even a tent, as long as you are happy with your life that is all that matters enjoy your life