Hitchhiking
Photo: Roger McLassus, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Hitchhiking is one of the cheapest ways of traveling. By tradition, hitchhiking is defined as soliciting a ride by standing at the edge of a road, facing traffic, with one's thumb extended/upwards. You can meet a lot of people and make lots of friends. You can also become very frustrated, or encounter danger on the way; today's drivers are more fearful of picking up hitchhikers than in the past. But it's also a great feeling to get a ride after you've been waiting for a long time. People who do pick up hitchhikers tend to be very friendly. However, hitchhikers also risk being picked up by someone who is an unsafe driver or even dangerous to their person.
Although hitchhiking is easier in some regions than in others, it is possible to get nearly anywhere by thumb. In some regions you are expected to pay a share of the expenses.
PrepareHitchhiking in itself is rarely illegal, but there are often rules about where you can do it, so read up on the local rules to avoid getting booked for "trespassing" or "obstructing traffic".
AppearanceYou should have clothes and gear for the weather, but you should also think about the impression your clothing gives.
Getting a rideFor hitchhiking long distances, some parts of the world, like parts of North America and Europe, are densely populated and make for easy hitching.
BackupAlways have a backup plan in case your hitchhiking is unsuccessful. This may include:
CopeWhile a mobile telephone and automobile association membership may be all that prevent the average motorist becoming a hitchhiker themselves the next time their vehicle breaks down at roadside, most drivers have their…
Stay safe
CountriesBelow is a map showing the length of time hitchhikers in different parts of the world have reported waiting until they find a ride.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Hitchhiking" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Roger McLassus, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons