Furry Travel Companionship

Being a solo van traveller can become quite lonely at times. Even if you are a person who claims to love your alone time, being in a small space sometimes out remote where you don’t get a lot of opportunities to have human interaction, can have some knock-on effects. Speaking to Jade, a 23-van lifer, we gain insight into how she manages the perfect companionship… having pets! Understandably, there may be some out there who are totally against having pets with you when living in a van but a gentle reminder that some families with babies (yes young babies) live in harmony in a small space.

Jade and Ivar in their home

Security and safety

Having companionship, even if it is a tiny chihuahua, may provide you was some sense of safety and security. When talking with Jade about her overcoming issues surrounding safety she said, “My dog is super protective of our space and me, he would bark when someone came near the van which would either scare them away or alert me if needed”. When moving over to van life, it is important to consider how you are going to keep yourself safe during your travels. Although Jade had a strong sense of security because of her dog she “would always sleep with a little hammer by my bed for emergencies!”.

If introducing your furry friend into your van space isn’t something you are looking to do, there are plenty of ways to solve the question of safety. Researching security alarm systems for your van is a great idea, that way you can find what suits you and your budget. For example, Amazon provides a great range of systems for different needs. Wheel locks for when you leave your van unattended or alternatively motion lights which can be used when you’re in your van.

Accommodating your furry companion's needs

You have just realised that doing van life with your furry best friend is achievable because you have seen others do it. However, you may be wondering how exactly they accommodate their pet's needs. It is no different to as if you were living in a house with just some minor changes and new things to consider. When first travelling in her van, Jade didn’t bring her cat along but instead introduced Ivar, her dog, to van life first. During her travels, Jade’s circumstances changed meaning that she had to move into her van full-time with both her cat and dog. Jade explained that: “as I was travelling in the summer it did restrict me as if I wanted to go somewhere he (Ivar) couldn’t as I can’t leave him in a hot car”.

Whilst travelling in the summer, Jade also ensured her dog was well rested and had places to cool off, whether that be in the shade or somewhere with water access. She also had resources in the van to keep her animals comfortable, such as this little dog fan!

Ivar enjoying a light breeze

Why move over to being a van lifer?

This a question that is probably in a lot of people's minds when you mention to them your aspiration of becoming a van lifer. Giving Jade this same question, she simply stated that “being a female van traveller is one of the most empowering feelings. I love when people ask, ‘You’re a girl doing it on your own?’ because yes I am! I think it so important to just embrace life and enjoy it”.

@little_tilds