Important: This is the 5th last article of 2024! I’ll be taking the last half of December and first half of January off from posting. I’ll be back January 20th, 2025 with the first article of the new year! (Technically I’ll be back Jan. 17th with a short story)
So, you’ve finally finished your dream tiny home and are all ready to set out on the road. You’ve got a passport and a heart full of excitement.
But, there’s a problem. Where do you start? Where will you stay?
You might think the obvious answer is ‘in your new tiny home’, but there’s more to it than that. Have you ever seen the Hostel movies? Yes, they are fictional horror movies, but they have some truth to them!
You’re going to be in a new town, city or country, possibly alone. For days. And nights. It might sound cliche, but the world can seem a lot scarier at night! Especially if you’re attempting to sleep pulled over on the side of a road in a country you’re not from. Or can hear unfamiliar animal noises that don’t sound as far off as you’d like.
You’re also going to need to refill your rolling home at some point. Food, water, laundry, some form of a bathroom or dumping black/grey water tank station. What about internet/wifi? Or cell service?
If you’re a seasoned traveller or even just someone who likes to be prepared, you’ve done some form of research into the area: the must-see sights, the can’t-miss-for-the-world restaurants and hopefully know at least some very basic words/phrases if a different language is in play. (Please, thank-you, No, where is…? are a great place to start)
Looking on Yelp, or at Youtube videos can be great for the fun side of things, but those shouldn’t be the only sources of information you use. You need to get answers for those less fun but integral-to-staying-alive questions above.
Luckily, we’re living in the future, and most places have their own website, which usually have answers to these and more important questions. (Don’t forget about different countries having different laws you’ll need to abide by)
These ‘boring’ facts are extremely helpful and can mean the difference between ending your trip early – or do to something horrific – and being able to stay out a little longer, and make a fantastic new memory you’ll look back on for years to come.
The best time to plan out your stays are obviously before you set off on your trip, but if you find yourself already on the way, don’t worry. There are still steps you can take to figure things out. It just might be a little harder if you’re already on the road. Internet cafes, tourist destination concierges, and even helpful locals can all be a great tool to figuring out your next move.
So go ahead and live your dream! C’est la vie!
Just, make sure you leave room in your dream for safety.
Like this article? Check out more tiny living/travel advice here!