How Do You Create a Female Safe Space Whilst Travelling?

As a woman, I can confidently say I need a lot of small but significant things to help me live a more comfortable life! But as you can imagine, prioritising the few small luxuries to bring in my van life can be difficult. Talking to Lyrik, who is currently travelling to New Zealand with her partner, gives us great insight into how to create the perfect female sanctuary for yourself in your van!

Lago Di Braies - Phoenix_adventures95

Although some of you may be looking to become a solo van traveller, some of you may be wanting to take up this lifestyle with a partner. Lyrik said that she and her "partner came up with a list of what we would like, prioritising our needs separately and together... I did have my own small cupboard which I used to store all my feminine products and cosmetics". Lyrik also mentioned that when renovating their van that "to feel safe and secure in times like getting dressed etc, we invested in tinted windows as we didn't have a panel van". Having a general idea of what your van will look like and how you will incorporate or collaborate with your own female sanctuary will really have you thanking yourself further down the line. Because let's be honest, there are going to be a few bumps in the road where you are going to want and need your own little safe space.

Another key concern you may have (and rightfully so) involved menstruating. Yes, I said the dreaded M word. You are in a small space that most likely doesn't have a sophisticated toilet that flushes, what are you going to do when it's that time of the month and you are using sanitary products? Lyrik said: "It was surprisingly easy to work around, as I just made sure for those few days we either stayed at a campsite or stayed in a fairly busier town with public toilets close by". There are plenty of ways to navigate your time of the month whilst travelling in a van, some of which Lyrik suggested in terms of staying on campsites or local towns, but here are a few others:

1. Invest in a Moon Cup, this could be a product that will work for you as it is super convenient and easy to use. Plus eliminated the issue of where to dispose of sanitary products.

2. Wet wipes/shower wipes will be a lifesaver for most situations, but if you aren't staying on a campsite these can be helpful in making you feel a bit more refreshed (I never said van life was glamourous).

3. Period underwear, against this could be a product that works for you but ensuring you have comfort whilst on the road is important.

Moving over to van life is a big life change that requires a lot of thought and time working out how you are logistically going to make it work for you. There are lots of things to consider which may be daunting but it is important to remember how big the rewards can be if you take the plunge. "I personally gained so much confidence travelling in a van, even now the thought of sleeping outside on your own in the middle of nowhere sounds terrifying but at long as you take precautions to keep yourself safe, it really is an incredibly liberating experience", said Lyrik.

Lyrik and Ellis renovating their van

So what are you waiting for?