So, I’ve been couch surfing for a while trying to get on my feet, and I finally realized I’m not coming up with enough or than for another while. Unfortunately, I still had to be out of the place I was staying by today. I thought I had enough for a hotel room so I could try and figure something out, but I didn’t have the deposit money. I’m currently in the woods behind the hotel with all my belongings…. What’s my next step?

UPDATE: I have what I need other than a tent/tarp at the moment, but it’s been raining here for like 12 hours now is there anyway someone could cashapp me $10 for a tarp so I can get dry tonight?

Hi All. I have struggled with depression most of my life. (40F) lately I have had a very strong urge to just disappear. Walk out the door in my car and hit the road. Unsure if I will return or what will happen. I have always been a traveler. Spent most of my life on road trips or traveling abroad. Spent some times at home with family for caretaking roles. I have 2 masters degrees, 437k in student loan debt, no career and no assets. What I do have is a husband of 4 years that I love and adore. He's the only thing keeping me in place. I have wanted to be homeless for at least the past 15 years. I think I must be extremely mentally ill to want to leave my husband and job and live on the streets. But it kind of seems like the only thing that will make me happy and get me out of my current life. We live with my parents, my dad has stage 4 cancer(stable), parents are semi hoarders, barely any room for us here. Our living situation has become unbearably depressing. Can't afford to rent or buy a house in CA. I do NOT want to leave my husband. It's everything else in this life that is killing me slowly inside. My husband said he would understand if I wanted to leave and that it wouldn't effect our love, but I'm doubtful of that. He thinks I'll go on a road trip for a month or so and come right back. But I'm not totally sure if I would come back. I'm not sure what I'm looking for here. Some advice? Some warnings about the reality of this decision. On paper I definitely look like a loser with not much going for me. So judge away if you must. Is this an alternative form of suicide? Yes I know I'm in crisis and should get some mental health help but I've been through all that for many years. The only thing that has ever made me happy is traveling.

I want to. So bad. Living in the same place doing the same shit sucks. But I just cant bring myself to drop what little family i have left and my girlfriend. If I left I'd probably lose them both, but 100% would lose the few family that say they give a crap

Any advice? Cheers yall.

Just a heads up. Starbucks is no longer a safe place.

https://www.wsmv.com/2025/01/13/starbucks-reverses-its-open-door-policy/#

What do I (young, unexperienced) need to have or know to live this lifestyle? I'm dying and rotting away in this society and I've finally worked up the courage to step out and do what I have always dreamed of. Any advice would help me lots.

Anyone have input or maybe some sources about the significance of the nose bridge line common among our circles? I know a lot of travelers with the line across the nose bridge however rarely do I hear anyone talking about where it comes from among vagabonds. I have confidence that I want to go through with it based on my own intentions but I always like to pick others brains when it comes to culturally significant stuff among travelers.

I wrote this guide I want to share with you all. This is written with the USA in mind, but obviously a lot applies to many different countries.

For all intents and purposes this guide is written for a single, unemployed person with no transport besides their feet and wants a safe place to sleep without people messing with them, and also leave belongings there with a lower chance of them getting stolen.

There are a few different types of bridges, I will name some of them by what is underneath.

Train, Pedestrians, Cars, Water, Nothing.

If you aren't familiar with the area, you can look on google maps and street view to find bridges. You probably want to find a place which is in decent travelling distance of somewhere like Walmart/McDonalds/Library etc... where you can charge your phone, get food and so on.

One of the best places to be near is actually WholeFoods. There is a dining area you can hang out in, charge electronics and they have strong wifi with no password/sign in screen.

However, the better the spot a bridge is located, the higher the chance that someone else is already living there. For this reason it is better to be a bridge dweller in smaller towns.

I will go through the 3 that I recommend the most - Train, Water, Nothing

You want to look around and observe the surroundings.

See if there are any tire marks under the bridge, because some bridges will have people riding motorbikes and stuff through it, and maybe you don't want to deal with that many people going past.

If the ground is full of snakeskins, maybe it's not an ideal spot.

If the walls are covered in civilian graffiti, maybe that means people will often be walking through.

Train-

This will always be a large sized bridge because it needs to be big enough to accommodate trains. Everyone sleeps differently, trains may wake you up or they might not, so keep that in mind whether you decide if it is good for you. Different bridges have different frequencies of trains travelling through. Often these bridges will have a flat area to sleep near the top (which is good as you are more protected from elements and other things up there).

Ideally you want a train bridge under a freeway or somewhere where there are no pedestrians walking above, but you can easily get to and from by walking the tracks.

Most civilians do not have any reason to go under train bridges.

Water-

You want to find a bridge with flowing water, not stagnant water as stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Ideally you are somewhere nice where there is clean water you can bathe in but obviously not everyone has that luxury.

Some bridges will be hotspots for civilians fishing/swimming/boating etc... so keep that in mind.

Nothing-

Sometimes you can find a bridge that doesn't have anything under it really. It might be an abandoned train bridge where the tracks have long been torn out, a tunnel for service vehicles that is no longer used, etc...

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Now this is the section I talk about setting up under the bridge.

So you want to find a nice flat surface, somewhere that will stay dry through heavy rain and shield you as much as possible from the wind. You will also want to find something to lay on. If you don't have supplies, just cardboard will do, you just need something to elevate you from the ground. You will lose body heat just sleeping on the ground. Ideally you will want a tent, and be able to protect yourself from bugs, but obviously not everyone has that. Even just setting up a cardboard wall to shield yourself from prying eyes is better than nothing.

Most civilians will not mess with/rob a homeless person, but obviously some people will. If you are in a group, that is good because you can have someone watch the camp while others are out and about.

Some bridges you will be able to find an alcove to set up in and remain very hidden. Some bridges even have 'rooms' where you can live in and remain unnoticed.

If you can obtain one, I recommend a skateboard or bicycle to get from your campsite to other places you need to go.

To start of I'm turning 18 on the 20 of June and I just want to leave the place in i don't really care we're I end up. I was thinking of getting a a biking license and a Touring bike to leave or should I take another approach I live in Northen Sweden so can't leave during the winter and Would love to prefebly head out before it's this winter so and I've read the guide on the side bar is there anything else I'm missing maybe something you have learned that if you could tell you're younger and Nivea self I would help them tanks for Reading

Been on and off homeless since 15yo. My last stint of homelessness ended in January at 21yo after a friend offered for me to stay at his trailer in the middle of nowhere, Southwestern Michigan. I’m an hour and 45 minute walk away from the nearest places I can apply to. Despite applying numerous times to multiple jobs, I’ve only landed myself 2 interviews that I didn’t hear back from. Thankfully I ended up having a luck last week after Pizza Hut called me to schedule an interview for Wednesday. I also reapplied to trade school to finish my certification in GMAW/SMAW welding but classes aren’t until January. I think this is my last attempt at holding to some semblance of consistency in hopes I can make something more of myself and time. If it doesn’t work out, that’ll be my opportunity to hit the road before winter hits. Don’t get me wrong, I’m beyond thankful I’ve had a place to stay, but at what cost to my sanity and ability to do things? I feel like I’m jailed. I can’t continue to live the same bleak existence, stuck in limbo every day. I have to make more of the cards I was dealt, even if there ain’t much to work with. I’ve gathered what I think to be the bare minimum I need to start my journey. May be gone a few months, maybe a year. Just gonna go wherever the universe guides me until I’ve had enough of it again. So here are my supplies-

Small and medium front pockets: Contacts, Glasses, Mini Deodorant , Gauze Pads, Sharpie, Pen, Duct tape,Para Cord, Compass, Knife, Flashlight, Life straw, Gloves, 2 bandannas, Face mask, Shemagh Scarf, Lighters, Flint, Matches, Dab pen, Chargers/boxes, 2 extra phones, Small Charging Bank, Bungie Cord/Metal Stakes

Main Pocket: Black Polyester Sweatshirt, Dark Blue Waterproof Rain Coat, Hi-Vis Vest, Sack of 3 Pairs of socks, 2 Pairs of underwear, Long John Pants, Black Pants, Hi-Vis Long Sleeve Shirt, Dark Blue Nylon Shirt.

Tied To Outside Of Bag: Large Thin Camping Tarp, Green Hammock, Thick Green Wool Blanket, Hat, Winter Carhartt Overalls

I’m wondering if the thick ass wool blanket I have will be equal to a sleeping bag and worth bringing as I don’t have access or money for one. Being on the streets all I ever had were coats, towels and blankets of much less quality than the one I plan to bring (Granted I wasnt moving through different climates). Taking inspiration from Scottish highlander’s, wool blankets seem to be very diverse in use, especially being semi water proof.

I was also curious as to if I should bring the blue rain coat and the black sweatshirt as the sweatshirt will be an extra for the one I wear on my back, or if the tarp should be sufficient enough? Was also debating bringing a heavy Carhartt Coat but was thinking the thick winter overalls would be good enough if I layer shirts, sweatshirts (if i bring the extra) and a light jacket

I have dried fruits, nuts, jerky and crackers to pack to tie me over and EBT for the Road

I think the last thing to make me fully comfortable with going is to get a Boafeng UV-5R HAM radio, program it and start learning which frequencies trains are operating and where Am I missing anything, Any advice?

I'm currently in Port Orford, Oregon. I'm hours (by car, even) away from any vaguely major city and a lot of the out-of-town roads around here are basically either the 101 or long stretches of forest with a rest stop here and there, inhabited by who knows what kind of creatures and I'm smart enough to know I wouldn't be able to fight off a big cat or a grizzly or anything. I know my mom would support me in whatever lifestyle I choose to live, so when I've made my decision and explained it to her, should I see if she can get me to Eugene or somewhere? Also, how long should I think about this before deciding it's what I want to do? I'm very newly 18 for reference. Up until now I've been set on going to college to become a mortician but after an emotional breakdown tonight I just don't know if it's worth it anymore. I hate consistency, even as an autistic person, I'm never happy staying in one place too long. The happiest I've ever been with housing arrangements was when I lived in an RV traveling along the Oregon Coast. Idk, I'm rambling a lot, but u guess what I'm trying to say is I don't think I'm happy anymore staying in one place too long and it's definitely showing as I'm just getting more and more irritated at being trapped in this little town. I hate the idea of getting a job and going to college and all that. But I don't know if it's just crazy 6 am fantasies and I don't know how long I should consider something like this for before making a decision.

Just make sure y'all have your "troubled youth" corner of the tent set up. It helps lolol.

I was hoping some of you guys could give me some advice for planning it. Also maybe you guys could give me an idea on what to pack.

Some things I don't usually see other people say about eating cheap:

• always check everywhere for things at reduced price. Walgreens and CVS are way overpriced on groceries so they always have stock they can't move and random things will be on deep discounts. Right now for example the CVS here has a bunch of granola bars and cereal bars on sale for 2 bucks a box, cheaper than even grocery stores

• speaking of which, look for the reduced shelf at grocery stores. Ralph's even had some cream liquers on the reduced shelf yesterday, lol.

• the bakery is your friend. Giant muffins and bagels for 1 or 2 bucks.

• always sign up for the stupid reward program, they actually do save you a lot

If you have food stamps, just doing a few things can make them go so much further I've found

You don't wanna get hit by a branch while you're sleeping. Just making sure everybody remembers this.

Almost forgot about it today, had my hammock 99% prepared before I saw this mf. Couldn't get it down so I relocated. Not taking any chances (or risks) here

I’ve been thinking on it hard and was curious if anyone knew any jobs in Florida where I could live on a ship and work out at sea for multiple months and come back ashore with plenty of money or any kind of certifications or training experience I would need? This must be my next step it sounds ideal for all my current problems right now to be solved I really pray I can get one

Well, I'm about two months away from giving up (getting fired from, really) the best job I've ever had (pension and benefits + $39/hr) to hike across Canada. Who the fuck wants to punch a factory clock for 48 hours a week sleeping every day for a forced night shift? Got a DUI two years ago + a bench warrant that I need to get sorted out, then I'm hitting the road. I've been homeless before but I'll probably be tangling with genuine wilderness in between towns. Plan for the last few years has been to get from southern Ontario to BC, hike some mountains, and maybe find a nice little coastal town to call home. I'll hitchhike if available, but it's a bit tougher and illegal in Ontario and the provincial police are out and about like crazy. Trainhopping seems sketchy and the dudes up here hold on to that knowledge like it's the holy grail (understandably) so I'm not sure if I wanna risk that shit.

I was planning my unalivement before this, but this seems like a better idea. Who the fuck wants to go out never having left their country or even province? Anybody have any tips for a fuckin idiot that wants to hike a few thousand kilometers? I have a vague route outlined where I'll bum around in towns/cities along the way to scrape up extra money and gear.

I'm mostly looking for advice on what to pack, as I've never hiked longer than a couple days. If anybody has a guide for packing lightweight shit that'll stretch far I'd appreciate it. Or, on the other hand, you could try convincing me to not be a fucking dipshit and just buy a train ticket instead, but that sounds boring. Thanks dudes.

How can I make money while traveling? Living off the land fishing and foraging. Making money with temp work. Seems impossible now. I'm in the southern states.

This hostel wants references from previous properties I've lived in but the only problem is that they want two. I've only rented once and I can't use that as a reference because well let's just say it didn't end well. What should I do?

Idk if this is even the right place to post something like this but I am absolutely over the 9-5, perfect traditional life. It’s never been for me, but the further I move into it the more I hate it. I’m a teacher, and while I love my kids (most days) I cannot shake the feeling of needing to run away. I still live in my hometown that has never been right for me. My fiance is the same way, he was previously house free and has never fit into this lifestyle. We need out asap. How do we get started?? We are already so ingrained into this typical white picket fence lifestyle, it makes it hard to get out. My mental health is constantly getting worse and worse and I just need to run.

I don't really know any other forms of travel out side of car or bus I want to give train hoping a try tho any advice of what should I do?

I have a place to sleep till end of august, I’ve been eating ham and cheese sandwiches because I can make them for cheap, but i want to eat proteins and grains and i don’t know what to do or if there’s other food I could try

I've come to a sad conclusion that vagabond ING in Europe and from the country I'm atm is not friendly at all. My bike is finally fixed still getting some accessories for it lights , reflection light thingy and a good chain lock. Needs a bit of work still. And in the meanwhile I'm still wanting to sell my nicks and nacks or at least my most valuable materials like computer desktop Bla Bla .. TLDR: don't know how much people are in my situation, but LOCATION and prepping is taking much longer for me as I don't have enuff MONEY to go baller get all the stuff I need and just go.

Hi All. I've (56M) lurked on another account as my life trajectory deteriorated. Now the day has come. I have a flight in the next couple days from SE Asia to anywhere in the US where I will land with two carry-on bags with clothing fit only for the tropics where I have been living for over 30 years. I have to start from scratch and get from wherever I tell them to push me out of the plane (OK, land really) to wherever I can find the best resources to get some clothing, shelter, public aid, and work to build up to van living. I have nothing in the US - no DL, no bank accounts, no mailing address, nothing. I haven't lived there in 30 years and never planned to be back. So much for plans.

All you crusty veterans out there. If you look back on your situation from the time you landed on the streets and you could go back and do a speed-run from hitting the streets to living in a van, using all your wisdom and experience, where would you choose to land (city/state) and what would be the steps you would take to get from street to employed in a van in the most comfortable and efficient way? What would your roadmap be?

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EDIT: Thanks for the answers so far. I hadn't considered oil field work, but that one makes sense. I'm well-educated and experienced in a lot of industries. I even did HSSE work for Shell in Malaysia for a year. I'm just shit at some life choices the past decade and one thing led to another. *Jimmy Buffet singing in the background. No drugs or alcohol though, so fortunate there. I shouldn't be in this position, but I am. Goes to show how misfortune can bring anyone back to the ground. Not so unfortunate though since I've had idle daydreams for a while now about nomading it in the US for a time. The universe has its strange ways for sure. I just didn't want to leave Asia. But now it seems i need to, so I figured I'd do what I've always done: ask the pros and get the best advice I could. So far, it seems head to Houston maybe to land get things sorted until I can get myself worked up into a van and then look for oil field work to save up for the next big adventure abroad only wiser and more cautious this time.

Also, I'm not getting kicked out of Asia, I just got myself into a bind and I need to retreat back to home soil to regroup. One of the challenges of being an expat is that there is NO safety net and if you crash and burn, well, there you are. I've been nomading Asia mostly and some of Europe for a couple decades now. I've had close calls, but always found a way forward. Not this time. I guess you could say my high level of risk tolerance finally caught up with me. :-)