Is it Foolish to do Van Life as a Solo Woman?

Since I get asked the question a lot, I figure I’ll save time and write the answer down.

Photo by Nicole Geri on Unsplash

First things first, NO, it is not foolish. Yes, you can do van life as a solo woman. In fact, you can do whatever the f* you want. It isn’t your job to make choices based on dangers that you are not causing. As women, we know the risks we face, because we have been confronted with them since we hit puberty, and often before. Everything we chose to do knowing those risks is brave, NOT foolish.

I write this knowing the full weight of the question, because yesterday night was a classic, unpleasant experience, as a woman alone in my little camper. I found a dream camping spot — with views over the mountains seeped in sunset on one side and to the sea in the distance on the other. Unfortunately, there was also a guy at the top of this hill, a security guard I think. He made to shake my hand, but then kissed it instead and wouldn’t let it go. He kept insisting I come inside his hut to see the view from there. I got in my car and drove away, my heart beating fast. I was so on edge I almost drove off the road that snaked around the cliff.

It took me an hour to find another spot, a car park in the forest on the edge of a village. I got ready for bed and, as I brushed my teeth, a…