Buzz
Living as a drifter presents numerous challenges, including risks and isolation. Individuals often embrace this lifestyle to seek adventure, discover new horizons, and forge connections with others—experiences that might otherwise be inaccessible due to financial or legal barriers. For many, drifting symbolizes freedom and excitement. To embark on this journey, it’s crucial to equip yourself with essential survival skills, both mentally and physically.
Steps to Follow
Securing Shelter
Understand local regulations. Laws vary by location, so familiarize yourself with the rules that impact you directly. In bustling urban areas, for instance, setting up temporary shelters is often prohibited, and sleeping outdoors may lead to fines or police intervention.
- Common shelters for those without homes include doorways, tunnels, or bridges. However, be cautious, as these spots are frequently monitored, and penalties may apply.
- Research local ordinances by visiting libraries, browsing online, consulting paralegals, or checking with city offices. Keep in mind that local laws are specific to their jurisdictions, and detailed information might only be accessible through digital platforms.
Locate a shelter. Numerous charitable groups and larger cities provide shelters at little or no expense. Reach out to churches and religious institutions to inquire about available programs. Conduct online research, consult fellow travelers, or explore the downtown area of your location to increase your chances of finding a suitable shelter.
Seek out a hostel. Hostels, commonly found in major urban centers, offer temporary lodging. Ensure the facility is secure and understand the amenities provided, as some hostels may include meals while others offer budget-friendly shared rooms. It’s advisable to book in advance, so plan your accommodations as soon as you arrive in a new area.
Set up a tent. Invest in an affordable pop-up dome tent, available online or at local camping supply stores. These tents are quick to assemble and dismantle. Choose a discreet spot, ideally in a forested area, and pitch your tent. Limit its use to nighttime and keep it up for the shortest duration possible to avoid being noticed.
Essential Resources
Make use of the library. Libraries are open to everyone and offer a comfortable space to relax, stay connected with loved ones, and access free Wi-Fi and restrooms. If an address is required for internet use, provide your previous home address or the address of your current shelter or hostel.
- Many libraries also host programs for temporary job placement, counseling, or transportation assistance. They may even provide directories or maps to help you locate nearby shelters and hostels.
Visit a soup kitchen. Take a break from cold or unhealthy meals by heading to a soup kitchen. These facilities, often operated by charities, community organizations, or religious groups, provide hot meals at no or low cost. Some may even offer packed lunches if you’ve secured temporary work.
- Soup kitchens are frequently situated near shelters or integrated with shelter services. For instance, you might find opportunities to obtain new clothes or have electronics repaired at these locations.
Shop strategically. Avoid junk food, prepare your own meals, follow a shopping list, and focus on dishes that yield large servings. Opt for lightweight, non-perishable items like beef jerky or trail mix. Plan your meals weekly to ensure your food lasts.
- Visit grocery stores late at night to take advantage of discounts on items nearing their expiration date.
- Skip name brands and purchase in bulk to save money.
- Explore discount stores, farmers' markets, and ethnic markets for lower prices compared to major grocery chains.
- Choose budget-friendly meat cuts, incorporate protein-rich beans and lentils, and consider canned fish or chicken.
Clothing Essentials
Select season-appropriate clothing. Choose durable, versatile garments that shield you from the weather with minimal upkeep. Avoid standing out with worn or dirty attire after prolonged drifting. Black is an ideal color, as it maintains its appearance and offers a streamlined look, especially when carrying items in pockets.
- For instance, prioritize waterproof clothing, particularly footwear. Comfortable, durable shoes are essential for extensive walking. Additionally, cargo pants or clothing with ample pockets can help distribute the weight of your backpack.
Carry additional clothing. Pack multiples of each clothing item to ensure you’re prepared for periods without access to laundry. Aim for at least a week’s supply of socks and underwear, along with extra sweaters and pants. If you anticipate colder weather, include warm socks, thermal underwear, gloves, and wool hats to stay insulated.
Use a backpack for all your belongings. A backpack is more practical than a duffle bag or suitcase, as it keeps your hands free and makes movement easier. Ensure the backpack is spacious enough to hold your items and designed to shift weight to your hips rather than your shoulders.
- Durable backpacks can be found at army surplus stores or online retailers.
- Consider using a compression sack to save space. These sacks compact items like clothing and sleeping bags by removing trapped air, making them ideal for travel. Simply sit on the sack while tightening the straps to maintain its reduced size.
Secure a locker. Whenever possible, store your clothing and belongings in a locker to prevent loss or damage. Keep formal attire, such as suits, in your locker so you’re prepared for job interviews or other significant events.
Maintaining Hygiene
Get a collapsible bucket and a small mirror. A foldable pail can be purchased online or at camping stores, while a magnetic mirror is often available at dollar or school supply stores. Use these items with a bucket of water for brushing your teeth, shaving, and washing.
- In public restrooms, fill the collapsible bucket with water and take it to a private stall for a discreet cleaning session.
Familiarize yourself with public restrooms. Opt for bathrooms in hotels, theaters, office buildings, universities, and high-end malls, as they are typically clean and well-maintained. Avoid restrooms in areas frequented by homeless populations, such as public squares, parks, beaches, and subways, as these can be unsanitary and unsafe.
- Gas station restrooms may be clean, depending on the area, but like coffee shops, you might need to make a purchase to gain access.
Take a hot shower when possible. Relaxing and cleaning yourself is essential. Look for showers at gyms, public pools, community centers, YMCAs, or athletic facilities. University fitness centers often allow public access, offering an affordable and secure option for showering.
- If your budget allows and you plan to stay in one place for a while, consider a community center membership. This may grant you access to showers, Wi-Fi, lockers, and spaces to rest and socialize.
- In warmer climates, natural bodies of water like lakes or rivers can serve as alternatives to showers, especially if you prefer being outdoors.
Shop at dollar stores. Stock up on travel-sized hygiene essentials such as soap, toothpaste, and shampoo from the travel section of dollar stores. You can also find containers for toiletries and pill organizers for medications.
- Include cleaning cloths and hand sanitizer in your kit for times when showers or water aren’t available.
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Stay informed and resourceful! Knowledge and awareness are crucial for drifters. Rely on your own observations and experiences rather than external sources like books or media. Self-education and self-awareness are key to building a reliable knowledge base.
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Adapt to your surroundings and embrace each location as your temporary home. Blend in with locals by dressing modestly, though occasionally appearing as a tourist can help avoid suspicion. In foreign-language areas, find polite ways to avoid conversations with strangers.
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Build connections with people and your environment whenever possible. If the opportunity arises, consider traveling with a companion. Treat others with respect and kindness, and maintain a strong moral compass. Avoid conflict, violence, and greed, focusing instead on goodwill and positive actions.
Important Warnings
- Poor shopping choices can quickly deplete your resources. Pack wisely, keeping your backpack lightweight and compact. Include non-perishable foods like nuts and muesli, and always carry at least half a gallon of clean water. For small electronics, bring a compact universal adapter, available at electronics stores or improvised from parts.
- Prioritize your safety above all else. Avoid risky decisions regarding food, travel, accommodations, or companions.
- Take care of your mental well-being. Drifting can involve long periods of solitude or introspection. Seek counseling if you feel overwhelmed or lost in your new environment.
- While short-term jobs are available in many progressive countries, undocumented drifters often face rejection from legal employers. Odd jobs may be accessible, but they come with risks, as undocumented workers lack legal protections. Legal employment options are limited, and illegal work is rarely worth the risk.
