Health Challenges on the Road: Lessons and Tips for Vanlife

Several years ago, I was at an event called Skooliepalooza with friends. It also happened to be my birthday, so we were in full celebration mode, enjoying the live bands. That evening, while we were dancing, I tripped on a rock and fell backwards, hurting my wrist.

At the time, I didn’t realize how bad it was, but by the next morning, the pain was intense. One of my friends, who happened to be a nurse, wrapped and stabilized it. But the pain was unbearable, and I decided to have it looked at.

I drove 30 minutes to an urgent care center, waited several hours, and finally got an x-ray. It turned out to be soft tissue damage—sometimes worse than a break because it can take longer to heal.

I quickly realized that staying in my van wasn’t going to be feasible. Simple tasks like pulling out my bed or even getting dressed became incredibly difficult. So, I booked a hotel room that night and started calling family members to see if anyone could take me in. I ended up staying with family for about two and a half weeks before I could return to my van.

Managing Health on the Road

The point of this story is that health challenges on the road can be a bit more complicated than normal. Today, I’m going to share what I’ve learned about handling injuries, chronic conditions, and other health concerns while living on the road.

• Major Injury Kit: This is stored in a backpack and is designed for more severe injuries. It’s meant to stabilize me until help can arrive.

2. Medication is a Must

Always carry over-the-counter medications for common issues like colds, flu, and diarrhea. I personally prefer to let the body take care of diarrhea on its own, but I do keep antihistamines for allergies and other conditions.

You’ll also want to have an adequate supply of your prescription medications. Running out when you’re hours from the nearest pharmacy is a situation you definitely want to avoid.

3. Learning Basic First Aid Skills

I took first aid and CPR training years ago and try to stay updated. Having basic first aid knowledge is incredibly helpful—not just for yourself but also for others you might meet on the road.

If you haven't already, look for courses online or in your area to get certified or recertified. You never know when those skills might come in handy.

4. Know Where the Nearest 911 Services Are

Before heading out, it’s a good idea to research the nearest hospitals and urgent care centers.

Some facilities also offer rescue services, which is helpful if you’re out hiking or in a remote area.

A GPS locator with an emergency button can be a lifesaver in those situations, allowing rescue teams to find you quickly.

7. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

While managing health challenges is important, maintaining your health in the first place is equally vital. Staying active and getting out into nature is one of the best things I can do for my health.

Even when the weather isn’t perfect, I make it a priority to get outside. Many campgrounds offer bikes, kayaks, or boats that you can rent, and I love to take advantage of these activities when I can.

Being outdoors also helps you become more in tune with your body. If you feel like you need rest, listen to your body. And if something feels off, get a checkup. Prevention is key.