According to research, 76% of Americans consider themselves to be adventurous. That doesn’t necessarily mean you want to climb Everest tomorrow, but many people crave things like exploration, the open road, and new experiences. Now that we’re living in a digital age where you can work and communicate from almost anywhere, those experiences are more easily-attainable than ever.

That means you can ditch traditional living options for an RV, or join the #vanlife movement. If you’ve always thought about leading a nomadic lifestyle, now is a perfect time to do it.

But, going on a great adventure requires preparation. Your safety and well-being should always be your top priority.

So, what are some practical preparations you should take care of before living a nomadic lifestyle? How can you plan for the unexpected and keep yourself safe before you tackle your next adventure and follow your passions? We’ve got a few tips that will help you out along the way.

Make Financial Plans

The first thing to get in order before you head out on the open road is your finances. Living in a van or RV is likely going to be cheaper than renting a home or paying a mortgage. But, there are still expenses – including unexpected ones – to consider.

How much money you’ll need to get started depends on everything from your mode of transportation to how often you plan on traveling. Other factors to consider include:

• Food
• Accommodations
• Cost of living in different states/countries
• Seasonal expenses
• Whether you’re traveling alone or with others

Creating a budget before you leave is the best way to determine whether you can afford a nomadic lifestyle. Factor in your career and how much you currently make vs. how much you’ll be able to make while traveling. You might need to start a side hustle or find work in the gig economy to make ends meet, but that’s totally possible as long as you have the right equipment and a strong Wi-Fi connection.

It’s also important to consider things like gas prices and the maintenance of your vehicle. You can save on gas by keeping your vehicle tuned up, checking your tire pressure, and optimizing your driving. But, you won’t always be able to predict gas prices, and you may not be able to prevent things like a flat tire or problems with the engine.

Being financially prepared for these things – especially roadside emergencies – will make your nomadic lifestyle less stressful. A good rule of thumb is to start off with more money than you think you’ll need before you go out on your adventure. It’s always good to have a cushion to fall back on, especially if your workload isn’t always consistent.

Keep Yourself Safe

While the road can be an exciting and beautiful place, it can also be a dangerous one – especially when you’re traveling by yourself. Crimes like sex trafficking are very real and very serious. In 2018, the National Trafficking Hotline received 466 contacts. You might think of sex trafficking as a problem that mostly impacts young people. But, a 2017 study found that over 78% of trafficked victims were adults.

Unfortunately, that’s not the only risk of the road. Some other potential threats to be aware of include

• Vehicle theft
• Abuse/physical altercations
• Scams
• Mugging/personal theft
• Cybersecurity issues

Use good judgment and trust your gut when you’re in unfamiliar situations. One of the most important “rules of the road” is to always keep your wits about you. It’s easy to believe that most people are genuinely good and wouldn’t do anything to harm you, but that’s not always the case. Paying attention and staying focused will help you to stay safe, no matter where you are.

If you want to take extra steps to protect yourself, consider carrying pepper spray with you whenever you get out of your vehicle. Pay close attention to your surroundings – especially at night – and try not to go anywhere unfamiliar on your own, if possible. You can also keep your most valued belongings safe by having a “secret spot” in your van or RV. A safe, or even a lockbox that’s tucked away somewhere will keep would-be criminals from taking the things that matter most.

Have the Right Gear

We’ve already touched on keeping yourself financially secure by preparing before you head out on your adventure. However, it’s just as important to prepare yourself and your vehicle in practical, physical ways.

The last thing you want is to be stranded somewhere unfamiliar with no way to help yourself and no gear or tools to make a difference.

The right gear to bring will look a little different for everyone. It depends on how long you’ll be traveling, where you’re going, and whether you’ll be alone. Some of the basics every nomadic traveler needs include a first aid kit, roadside emergency kit (including flares or reflectors to attract help), a spare tire (or two), and a few basic tools. You don’t have to be a handyman or mechanic, but knowing a few DIY fixes can make a big difference if you have some minor issues while driving.

If you’re going to be heading somewhere cold, make sure you have an extra sleeping bag or layers of clothing with you. If you plan on sleeping in your van or RV, you’re not going to want to keep it running all night, and certain areas can cause freezing temperatures to seep into the inside of your vehicle. Things like snow tires or chains, an ice scraper, and rock salt will also help you be more prepared for frigid weather.

On the surface, over-preparing for a nomadic lifestyle might not sound so adventurous. But, when it comes to your health and safety, you should leave nothing to chance. We’re living in a unique time where being nomadic and still having a successful career have come together. Whether you’ve got a travel bug or you don’t want to be tied down somewhere, use this opportunity to experience the world – and stay safe while doing it!

About the author:

Frankie Wallace is a freelance writer from the Pacific Northwest. She writes about a variety of topics, and spends most of her free time in her garden. 

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