A woman has revealed how she stays safe while living alone in her van - by installing secret hiding places and taking self-defence classes. <br /><br />Sarah Yak, 26, has been travelling around America since 2018 and has so far visited 16 states.<br /><br />After realising that university wasn't for her, Sarah dropped out and started working as a carer to save up for a van.<br /><br />After 12 months, Sarah was able to purchase her 2017 Ford Transit for $28k. <br /><br />Sarah then spent $10 renovating her van - including a kitchen, a queen-sized bed and solar panels on the roof.<br /><br />As she started out travelling alone, Sarah has since added extra security like an alarm system, hiding spots for items and a tracker inside the van. <br /><br />Sarah, a videographer, from Austin, Texas, US, said: "Four years ago when I got my van it wasn't very popular so not many people were living in them.<br /><br />"I took safety really seriously. I started taking self-defence classes. I learnt everything - from how to choke someone, to break someone's arm and to even kill someone.<br /><br />"Doing those self-defence classes boosted my confidence on the road. <br /><br />"Once I started travelling I added a lot more safety features.<br /><br />"I installed a hefty alarm system and the van has a tracker inside, so if anyone steals it I would be able to track it.<br /><br />"I also have an off-grid satellite phone so I will always have a signal in case of an emergency."<br /><br />Sarah was studying marketing at Colorado State University when she realised she wasn't happy.<br /><br />She said: "I was doing a degree and chasing a job I wasn't happy with - I really wanted to do art and see the world.<br /><br />"I wanted to pursue a more unconventional life and that is why I decided to drop out."<br /><br />Sarah bought the 10-seat transit van in 2018 and stripped it down so she could add her own touches.<br /><br />Sarah said: "I installed solar panels, an induction hob, a fridge, toilet, outdoor shower with a water heater - everything you could possibly need to live full time.<br /><br />"It took me around six months to complete and cost me around $10k." <br /><br />When she started out on the road, Sarah said safety was a big issue - especially as she was travelling solo.<br /><br />Recently, she installed Starlink - a satellite internet constellation - so she has Wi-Fi 24/7.<br /><br />Sarah said: "Starlink has been a lifesaver. Whenever I can see the sky, I can get Wi-Fi which is a great safety feature.<br /><br />"I also keep weapons stored in the van and I have secret hiding spots in the van to keep myself safe.<br /><br />"I have a CCTV around the van too."<br /><br />Recently Sarah's girlfriend, Tori Prince, 25, a videographer, from Austin, Texas, US, moved into the van with her in July, 2022 and the pair have no plans to stop travelling anytime soon.<br /><br />Sarah said: "I can see myself settling down but not anytime soon - I am selling my current van and I have already bought a bigger one.<br /><br />"The new one is higher, longer and newer - I am very excited.<br /><br />"We will travel in that for a few years before we think about settling down in a permanent home.<br /><br />"I have always loved travelling - I really wanted to see the world.<br /><br />"I didn't want to retire to do so, I wanted to do it all that when I was young."<br /><br />Sarah's safety tips for travelling in a van -<br />- Do a self defence class, especially for women <br />- Being conscious of where you park<br />- Making sure you have mobile service <br />- Putting black-out curtains on everything in your van<br />- If you are in a public place don't leave your van late at night
