4) How To Survive As A Runaway
Once you run out of money, which will happen sooner than you expect, you will need to know how to survive without it. And this is the most difficult part about running away. You will need to adapt to sleeping on the street and learn how to find food. More, you will also need to know how to travel for free. In the following section, I will introduce you to a few of the techniques that will help you survive and live as a runaway indefinitely.
Although sleeping on the street is uncomfortable and often frightening, you can get used to it. In order to avoid being questioned by police or harassed by the homeless, prostitutes and rapists, you are going to want to find a place that is out of sight. Some ideal spots are the bushes, in a park, or deep in the woods. If you are in the city, try to walk out towards the countryside. If the city is too large, you may want to sleep in a 24 hour train or bus station. However, if you stay here, there is a higher chance that police or concerned pedestrians will question you about your predicament. Therefore, you should always be prepared with a back-story. For more information and tips on sleeping on the street, please refer to this guide, “How To Sleep On The Street.”
In order to find food, you have to be somewhat creative. One of the best places to begin your search is in the dumpster behind large supermarkets. Here you can usually find an abundance of produce and meats only a few days past their expiration. Another place to find food is at a buffet. Finally, you can always steal food. However, karma is real, and when you steal, more times than not, you will experience the repercussions. For more information on finding free food, check out this guide, “How To Eat On The Cheap.”
There are a few different means of transportation that you can use as a penniless runaway. The first method is to hitchhike. If you are not familiar with hitchhiking, please see this guide, “How To Hithchhike.” A second means of travel is to jump trains. This is possible both on Amtrak and on European trains, and can be done with little risk of being caught. However, jumping trains is illegal and not recommended, but if you still want to know how, check out this guide, “How To Jump Trains.”
Surviving as a runaway is no easy task. You will be constantly exposed to the harshness of both nature and society. Though it is arduous and you will suffer, if you refer to the former supplementary guides, you will learn how to overcome these hurdles and adapt. Click here to view all of the Runaway Guides. Or for more advice, you can contact me on Facebook.













{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
thanks for so much helpful advise.
This is so motivating you are still on the run,I am thinking of running away soon …is there any advice that you want to give me? I have read things on the internet of what to take and also when to do it ,but i also want to know how life is when you actually run away.Annonomous xx
Hey,
I am not actually on the run anymore. While I am on the road, I am not avoiding police these days. When I was on the run for real though, life was hard. It was really intense and I despite all the adventures, I don’t think I would do it again.
What great insite. Thank you Leif for telling your story. You may help other in more ways than anyone can imagine.
xoxo
Aunt Trish
Hey :)
First of all I have to say I love your website. You’re my role model.
Second I was thinking of running away. Not sure /when/ hell it may not be for the next year or two. But maybe you should make a guide on that little extra protection? Being a girl that weighs less than 100 pounds, is only 5″2 and cannot protect herself for her life (which I guess would be a common problem on the run), this is virtually my only fear. Any suggestions?
Thanks and love the site again, me.
Hey thanks!! I just met a chinese canadian girl with the same stats. She is going all over the world over the next two years. As long as you don’t take chances you should be alright. Best,
Leif :)
i feel like running away some days, but this actually make me think; should i really run away? and the honest answer after i read this, was no. not really.
I might just be over-reacting.
so thanks, i’ve changed my mind.
ab xx
Wow, I’ve never seen a blog quite like this! I don’t even know what to say! Gosh, I thought I was alone on my feelings of escaping. I’ve had just little tastes of freedom. I’ve been traveling to Europe on my own since I was 15, but I need more! You just can’t trap a free spirit, not mine at least. I must break free. I feel being to be plugged into a puzzle piece because I will break..! Anyways, thank you for this section or blog altogether. I needed some guidance! I’ve looked through books and movies and documentaries but never have I heard, read or watched something on a person who has actually “escaped” and shares their experience and advice. And slowly but surely I will be free too.
I hear ya! Go for it again! Let me know if you ever need advice. Best, Leif :)
Medical conditions. Have you ever met a type one diabetic on the run? Just wondering, as I am diabetic myself, and can’t really imagine doing any of this without seriously getting sick. :(
Hey, no, I am sorry. I have no idea about how you would make that work.
hey, what`s the best season to set up a journey?
Definitely Spring.
do you ever wonder what would have happened if you didnt run away…
To be honest, I actually never have. It is such a big part of my life that I don’t think it could have happened any other way. I wonder though where or what I would be.
I`m 22,after 4 years be away from home for university.. now I came back to home,and i really depressed more befor 4 years ago,i want just leave home,i cant bear this situation ……..why i cant go home??? i`m a girl and really fear of sick people in society,if i`m hurt,what can i do????
Hey Donya,
Where are you from?
I would tell you to go travel and trust in the good in people.
Kids have been running away- successfully and not so for a REALLY long time. Instead of looking for a cause for their son’s need to flee- they are looking to blame. I think it’s reprehensible that they picked you. I’d chat with a few barracuda attorneys about suing for slander- this hurts your reputation and causes you to do damage control. Maybe someone will want to sue Fox’s butt off on a contingency. Be worth a try!
Blame the teens for running away not the info online they used to do it through research
thankyou Leif i finally found the courage to runaway from this place ^_^