Episode 37: Embracing Solo Queer Van Life: Safety, Connections, and Adventures on the Open Road with Kristin Holden

Ever dreamt of hitting the open road, leaving the daily grind behind, and embracing the freedom of van life? Join us as we chat with Kristin Holden, who’s been living the solo van life dream for almost four years across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Kristin shares her inspiring journey into van life, the vehicle she calls home, and the ups and downs of being a solo traveler. As a queer woman, she also opens up about the unique challenges and safety measures she takes to ensure her adventures are both enjoyable and secure.

Listen in as Kristin and I reveal strategies for staying safe and preparing for solo van life. From using the iPhone’s Find My Friends feature to employing Starlink and itags for location updates, we’ve got you covered with tips and advice that will help you embark on your own van life experience. We also discuss ways to make meaningful connections on the road, especially for those who identify as queer and might be new to the van life community. Don’t miss this fascinating and inspiring conversation that’s sure to ignite your wanderlust and leave you better prepared for your own journey.

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What We Discuss in Episode 27 of The Wayward Home Podcast:

Kristin Holden discusses the challenges of being a queer woman on the road, including safety concerns and the need to be cautious in certain areas.
Safety measures when camping alone, including using Starlink and cell phone “find my friends” tracking
Kristin recommends the Harvest Host app as a safe and affordable option for women and queer van lifers to plan their route and find places to stay on the road.
Attending vanlife meetups is a great way for new van lifers to meet people, get comfortable, and learn from others. Kristin suggests planning your start date near a vanlife meetup and caravaning with other people to make connections and friendships.
Kristin shares her experience of feeling anxious when getting back on the road after taking a break. She advises that preparation, such as watching YouTube videos and downloading apps, can help with confidence, but ultimately, it takes time to get used to vanlife.
Kristin Holden discusses how she has made most of her friends on Instagram by commenting on their posts and pushing herself out of her comfort zone.
Kristin Holden shares how she deals with feelings of loneliness on the road, including being intentional about solitude, treating herself to a drink or dinner, and reaching out to other van lifers.

About Kristin Holden

Meet Kristin Holden – she’s all about travel, lifestyle, and shaking things up a bit, proudly rocking her queer identity right here in the US. She’s not just about seeing new places, but also about inspiring other women and folks in the LGBTQ+ community to grab life by the horns and chase after their travel goals – solo travel included.

She shares her mobile mini-home with Kashi, her adorable fur-baby.

If you want a peek into her life or some solid tips on how to make your travel dreams come true, just check out her @wheretheroadforks handle. She’s always up for sharing her latest adventures!

You can also follow Kristin’s podcast at The Tiny Chats Podcast.