Buzz
If you've ever embarked on a long road trip and found hotel expenses too steep, or simply wanted to save money, you might have considered turning your car into a temporary home. Whether it's for a single day or an extended period, learning how to sleep comfortably in your car can become a valuable life skill. Once you've identified the perfect spot, a bit of creativity can help you sleep through the night.
Steps
Preparing to Sleep Overnight
For cold climates, consider purchasing one (or two) sleeping bags. The items you need to prepare for a good night's sleep in your car depend on your location, the weather, and the temperature you can adapt to. In sub-zero conditions, using multiple sleeping bags (nesting one inside the other) can be highly beneficial, along with a blanket and a beanie to keep your head warm.
- A sleeping bag priced at 1,300,000 VND can keep you warm when the outside temperature is -15°C. Inside the car, the sleeping bag will help you withstand this -15°C chill. If it gets colder, simply layer up with additional warm clothing for sleep.
- Bring safety pins to keep your sleeping bag securely closed if the zipper isn't reliable. If you toss and turn while sleeping, the zipper might come undone, leaving you waking up cold in the middle of the night.
- A knit hat (such as a beanie, toque, ski hat, or similar) will enhance warmth retention at night. You can also pull the hat over your eyes to increase darkness.
- An eye mask can improve your sleep quality. You can use a bandana to cover your eyes, wrap a scarf around them, or even use a hat. Otherwise, you might wake up at dawn, and it's challenging to create a completely dark environment inside your car.
- Don't have a sleeping bag? You can pin two blankets together. Alternatively, you can sleep under a pile of blankets.
For hot climates, open the car windows for ventilation but ensure you prevent insects from entering. A thin piece of fabric, such as a bedsheet or towel, draped over the window can keep insects out while allowing air to flow. Weather is the most critical factor to consider in this scenario. Hot weather can be more uncomfortable than cold, as you might wake up feeling sticky, smelly, and covered in mosquito bites. A practical solution is to leave the car windows slightly open, about 2 cm.
- You can also attach a mesh screen to the window (or use a sunshade). Repurpose an old window or door screen, or purchase one from a hardware store.
- Be cautious of rising temperatures inside the car. The temperature can increase rapidly, especially in hot climates like deserts, which can be dangerous. Heatstroke might prevent you from waking up, leaving you unaware of severe dehydration or exhaustion.
Prepare essential items for a comfortable night. Plan ahead, especially if you intend to spend more than one or two nights sleeping in your car. Outdoor areas can become dark, making it difficult to find what you need before bed. These items include:
- Water
- Flashlight
- Pillow (or a substitute), blanket, or sleeping bag.
- Mobile phone: for emergencies, setting alarms, or entertainment.
- Books: Reading can make your evening less monotonous.
- Lidded coffee container (for men) in case you need to relieve yourself. Using a container is better than stepping out into the cold or an insect-filled environment.
- Hand sanitizer or wet wipes. Clean your hands before eating or after using the restroom. These hygiene products help prevent illness when water isn't readily available.
- If your car carries multiple passengers or cargo, you might have to sleep sitting up. While car seats aren't ideal for sleeping, use a pillow to support your head and neck for better comfort the next morning.
Maintain cleanliness in your car. A tidy car makes it easier to locate items, especially at night. A clean car is a better place to sleep—even a few centimeters of space can significantly improve comfort. Additionally, a dirty and smelly car can make it harder to fall asleep.
- Keep only essential items in the car: such as a flashlight, water, a backpack with a change of clothes (unless you're traveling), and a towel.
- A clean car is also less likely to draw attention, especially if it looks neat from the outside. Others will be less curious about your car if it appears well-maintained. A messy and dirty car looks more suspicious.
- Avoid clutter by organizing your belongings in the morning. While you don't need to roll up your sleeping bag or fold your towel, doing so can make your car look tidier and less suspicious.
Consider using a tarp. Tarps are usually inexpensive and can shield you from prying eyes—when people see a car covered with a tarp, they won't assume someone is sleeping inside unless your breath causes condensation on the windows. A tarp also blocks light while allowing airflow.
- However, this method is only suitable if you plan to park in a residential area for one night. If an unfamiliar car appears and is carefully covered, residents might notify the police to have it moved. If you must pass through this route, continue to another location.
Choosing the Perfect Location
Find a location where you won't be fined. Unfortunately, sleeping in a car is illegal in many places. Here are some ideas for you:
- Park in the lots of shopping malls, movie theaters, or 24-hour gyms. It's hard to tell who's sleeping in their car and who's just parked to shop, watch a movie, or work out. The downside is these areas are often busy—but this also ensures safety. Additionally, most 24-hour stores keep their lights on all night.
- Churches and other places of worship. These buildings are usually quiet most days of the week. If someone notices you sleeping in your car, they might overlook it.
- Quiet backroads and under overpasses. These spots are discreet and less likely to draw attention—ensure the area is remote and quiet. However, backroads might be monitored by locals, and you're technically not allowed to park there. Also, expect trucks and agricultural vehicles to pass by.
- Residential areas that allow street parking. In this case, your car will blend in if parked on the curb. Avoid staying too long, as it might look suspicious. Some neighborhoods require special permits for legal parking.
Consider how the location changes from day to night and weekdays to weekends. Some places might be quiet and safe on certain days but not others.
- Example: A parking lot near a soccer field. Late Friday night, it's empty and has portable toilets—perfect for you. But the next morning, it's filled with screaming 7-year-olds ready for a youth soccer match, and their parents eyeing your car suspiciously.
- Example: A quiet corner of a street, dark and deserted. But the next morning, you wake up to find signs of a break-in—thieves often target dark, isolated areas.
- Example: A roadside in a small town seems fine until a tow truck tries to move your car.
Park your car facing the right direction. Consider these two points:
- Face your car in a direction that makes it harder for others to see you or notice your presence through the windows. Parking at a corner is also a good idea.
- Face your car according to your needs the next morning. Point east if you want the sun to wake you up, or west if you want to sleep in.
If possible, choose a spot near a restroom (or similar facility). This is practical: At some point, you'll need to use the restroom. Easy access will make you more comfortable.
- However, prioritize safety. Unsupervised restrooms can sometimes be crime hotspots. Restrooms at 24-hour stores or rest stops are generally safer than public park restrooms...but not always.
- Portable toilets are sometimes available. You can find them at rest stops, construction sites, or parks.
- Occasionally, you can use paid facilities (like restrooms or showers near pools or beaches) for free if security is lax and you can sneak in discreetly.
- As a last resort, you can relieve yourself outdoors, but ensure no one sees you to avoid fines for public urination.
Finding a roadside restroom isn't always easy.
- In many places, public restrooms are available at beaches.
- Some truck stops offer paid restroom facilities. While there's a cost, they provide comfort.
- "Solar shower bags" are sold at most camping stores. These black bags heat water in the sun and can be used for bathing or washing dishes. Though they require a high hook and privacy, they're useful when running water isn't available.
Consider using camouflage techniques. If you're worried about being noticed, think about disguising your car so it doesn't stand out. You can use a tarp, stack items inside your car to block visibility, or sleep under a pile of blankets.
Creating Comfort
Remember to use the restroom before getting into the car. At night, park your car in your chosen spot and make sure to use the restroom beforehand.
Consider cracking the car windows slightly. This depends on the climate of your location. However, regardless of the weather, keeping the car completely closed can feel suffocating (for obvious reasons), so it's a good idea to leave the windows slightly open. If it's cold outside and you're sleeping under blankets, this can actually add to your comfort.
- For safety reasons, don't open the windows too wide. If the area has a lot of mosquitoes, keep the opening narrower—no more than 1.25 cm.
Take anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen. If you struggle to fall asleep in less-than-ideal conditions or your body tends to wake up due to pain, take a pill before bed. It can help you fall asleep faster, sleep more soundly, and reduce aches when you wake up.
Adjust the car seat. Try to adjust the seat as much as possible. If you're sitting in the back, push the front seat forward to create more space. Make sure to tuck the seatbelt away so it doesn't dig into your back.
- Recline your seat if possible. You can also fold down the back seats to stretch your legs (or head) into the trunk area.
Wear multiple layers of appropriate clothing, but choose comfortable outfits. Sometimes, someone might approach you, and you won't want to be caught unprepared or underdressed. So, while prioritizing comfort, ensure you're dressed appropriately. Athletic wear is a great choice because it's both presentable and comfortable for sleeping.
- Pay attention to the weather. If it's cold, cover your head to retain body heat and layer up. If it's hot, opt for a t-shirt and shorts. You can even dampen them slightly to cool down.
Presenting Yourself Well
Remember that your behavior and appearance will influence how others treat you. Locals might react to your presence, and your demeanor and actions will determine their response. If they find you suspicious, you could face harassment or even legal trouble if you're not careful.
Be friendly. Friendly strangers tend to attract less attention. Greet people politely, engage in confident small talk, and reassure them with your demeanor.
- Generally, stay low-key. Drawing too much attention isn't wise. Sleeping in your car is often illegal, so avoid making yourself noticeable.
- If you're naturally charismatic, use it to your advantage. You can gather information, ask for help, or even make friends. However, be cautious, as not every friendly stranger has good intentions.
Maintain a tidy appearance. If you look unkempt, disheveled, or like a "wanderer," you'll attract attention. Strive to stay clean, dress neatly, and present yourself as a respectable individual.
Prepare a plausible story—even if it's entirely fictional. If you encounter authorities like police officers, store managers, park rangers, or locals, it's best to have a simple, believable, and non-threatening story ready. This could be true or fabricated, depending on your situation. For example:
- "I sincerely apologize. I'm on my way to an environmental rally in Saigon. As you can see, I'm passionate about nature. I couldn't afford a hotel, so I planned to spend the night here. I'm sorry if I caused any concern. I'll leave right away."
- "I'm truly sorry. I got lost and didn't know where to sleep, so I had to stay in my car until I find my parents' old house."
- "I apologize, sir. I pulled over because I suddenly felt drowsy. I've been driving for 10 hours straight. I'm fine, and I just wanted to ensure everyone's safety."
- "I'm sorry, sir—I'm fleeing from my abuser. I'm heading to my sister's place in Nha Trang. I don't have money for a hotel, but I needed to escape as quickly as possible."
- Police officers might even assist you. Law enforcement may address legal violations, but they're also willing to help those in need. However, not all officers are the same. Don't treat them as enemies; they can often provide support.
Tips
- Don't forget to lock your car doors!
- Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight inside the car. Thieves might notice them. Store them in discreet locations.
- Don't rest your neck on the seatbelt, as it can cause irritation and leave red marks.
- If you're in an area without restrooms, using wet wipes can help you feel refreshed. In Vietnam, you can easily find wet wipes at supermarkets for around 30,000 VND per box.
- Carry a map to easily locate facilities, and plan ahead to save fuel and time.
- Avoid starting the car or using Bluetooth.
- Having trouble sleeping? Earplugs can reduce noise and help you sleep anywhere, even at airports or train stations. If they work there, they'll work in your car.
- Bring a black towel and a spray bottle in summer. When you wake up, dampen the towel and lay it on the dashboard. After about an hour, it will warm up. In winter, placing the towel near the car heater achieves a similar effect.
- If you're a woman, be cautious when parking and sleeping alone on roads or under bridges. Even in public areas like malls, risks remain. Find a safe shelter as soon as possible!
- Cover all car windows to create a conducive sleeping environment.
- Some places to sleep:
- Mall parking lots. Many malls operate 24/7, so there are always cars nearby, making it safer. Park near the back but not too isolated, blending in with staff vehicles. A tarp can provide privacy.
- Any 24-hour store—Circle K, Family Mart, etc.—or places with overnight activity. Night shift workers are usually relaxed.
- Avoid hotels—police patrol these areas twice nightly. They might disturb you if they notice condensation on your windows. Hotels also sometimes record license plates to check guest lists.
- Libraries are great for naps after reading and are excellent for passing time. Prepare a story or scenario to avoid looking homeless.
- Truck stops are safe—bright, open all night, and have restrooms. Park in the car area away from large trucks. You'll often see others in RVs doing the same.
Warnings
- Safety comes first, and this remains the safest method: always lock all car doors.
- A car cover can protect against cold and provide privacy. However, avoid using it in hot weather if your car's ventilation is poor. Never start the car with the cover on, as it can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Don't buy cold-weather masks. They're a waste of money and disrupt sleep. There's no way to sleep comfortably in sub-zero temperatures, and warm air can cause a sore throat. Compromise by creating a "tent" near your face with a thick blanket. If your hood is long, pull it down to cover your face.
What You Need
- A mid-sized or large car
- A good-quality sleeping bag
- An alarm clock
- Earplugs, eye masks, etc.
- A 15 cm x 20 cm tarp
- A pillow or similar item
