15 hitchhiking tips for newbies

15 hitchhiking tips for newbies

There is no worse form of transport than hitchhiking. Conquer your fear with these top hitchhiking tips from experienced travelers

I hate hitchhiking. Maybe it's the retired Brit in me, but I hate the feeling of embarrassment when I'm rejected and the feeling of imposition when I'm accepted.

I hate the feeling of throwing a request at the feet of strangers and expecting them to say yes. I hate the awkwardness of small talk and the pervasive feeling of guilt. If I could help it, I would never do it.

Of course, traveling through remote villages in the South Pacific meant I had to swallow my hatred and hope for the best. Sometimes buses wouldn't show up for days, let alone hours, so hitchhiking was the only option.

Despite the countless warnings surrounding hitchhiking, it can be a cheap, easy and safe way to get around, especially if you know how to do it.

To help other newbies, I interviewed a number of experienced travelers and compiled their best hitchhiking tips.

Check local laws

Hitchhiking is illegal in some areas and on certain types of roads, so check the rules beforehand. Ask a local if hitchhiking is common and safe. If you are carrying substances that may cause problems with the police (tut tut), be aware that hitchhiking may attract the attention of local law enforcement.

Hitchhiking with a partner

A lone hitchhiker looks like a drifter while two hitchhikers look like traveling friends. If possible, travel with someone else. Some experts swear that two women work best, but we've been told by several hitchhikers that a mixed-sex couple works better. A driver who picks up two women may fear being accused of something unsavory, while a male-female couple seems like a safe bet with fewer complications.

Learn the correct gesture

Make sure you know the local gesture for stopping a car, as the thumbs up sign is not always appropriate. For example, in parts of the South Pacific, you are expected to extend your hand, palm down, and move it up and down as if commanding the car to slow down.

Find a good location

Instead of trying to hitchhike within a city where most people travel within the city limits, set up at the last traffic light in the city or an access road/ramp. This increases your chances of finding a driver who will travel a long distance. Make sure drivers have enough time to see you and that there is a safe place to stop. Use Hitchwiki to find out about specific places. If your driver is only taking you part of the way, ask to be dropped off at a similarly good location rather than in the city center.

Think twice about making a statement

On the one hand, a sign is helpful because it clearly shows where you are going and minimizes the number of false starts. However, it can also work against you: some drivers who may have given you a ride some distance may not stop because they are not going all the way to your destination. Instead, consider general directions (“east” or “west”).

Wear clean clothing in light colors

Wearing a bright color not only makes you more visible but also more approachable. White is a good choice because it implies cleanliness. Try to look clean and well-groomed. No one wants to sleep next to the stereotypical smelly backpacker on a long trip.

Let the shadows fall

Do not wear shades or a hat; Let drivers see your face. Make eye contact and offer a slight smile. This will make you appear more trustworthy and approachable. A hitchhiker friend has a theory that keeping your forearms uncovered (i.e. not hiding anything in your sleeves) will make you appear less threatening. I have no idea if this will work, but it can't hurt.

Be confident

Don't extend your hand with an embarrassed shrug. Stand near the road, hold your hand up, be confident and smile. Drivers only have a few seconds to make their decision, and if you're half-hearted, they will be too.

Wave your thanks even if they don't stop

Smile, nod, or wave thanks to drivers who make eye contact, especially when they indicate that they cannot give you a ride. It will help dispel the general fear of hitchhiking.

Be sure

• Scheuen Sie sich nicht, eine Fahrt abzulehnen. Wenn der Fahrer betrunken, unberechenbar oder einfach nur gruselig wirkt, fragen Sie ihn, wohin er fährt, und sagen Sie ihm entweder, dass Sie einen anderen Weg nehmen, oder sagen Sie ihm einfach allgemein „Danke, aber ich hoffe, dass ich weiter fahren kann“.
• Notieren Sie das Kennzeichen des Fahrzeugs und idealerweise auch Marke, Modell und Farbe. Wenn möglich, senden Sie die Informationen per SMS an einen Freund.
• Setzen Sie sich nach Möglichkeit auf den Beifahrersitz, da die hinteren möglicherweise eine Kindersicherung haben.
• Halten Sie Ihre wichtigsten Dinge griffbereit, falls Sie schnell aussteigen müssen. Wenn Ihr großer Rucksack im Kofferraum eingeschlossen ist, seien Sie darauf vorbereitet, ihn zu verlieren.
• Halten Sie Ihr Telefon aufgeladen. Kaufen Sie ein Solarladegerät, um es unterwegs aufzuladen.
• Erwägen Sie das Mitführen eines persönlichen Sicherheitssystems (z. B. Pfefferspray). Sie werden es wahrscheinlich nicht brauchen, aber es ist am besten, vorbereitet zu sein.
• Wenn Sie eine Mitfahrgelegenheit angenommen haben, aber unbedingt aus dem Fahrzeug aussteigen möchten, tun Sie so, als müssten Sie sich übergeben. Sagen Sie dem Fahrer, er solle nicht warten und an den Straßenrand gehen.

Learn the language

If you're traveling in terrain where you don't speak the language, it's a good idea to learn at least a phrase or two beforehand. In particular, individual drivers are allowed to pick up hitchhikers for the company. A fatally awkward silence won't calm either of you.

Keep some candy with you

Whether it's a box of candy or a bar of chocolate, offering something to the driver is a useful way to break the ice, especially if you don't speak his language.

Consider pushing boundaries yourself

Land borders are a good place to get a ride, but keep in mind that drivers may be cautious about transporting hitchhikers across borders. You may find it easier to cross the border yourself and try to find a ride on the other side. Note that some borders have a strip of no-man's land between them that may not be possible to cross on foot.

Always carry a good card

Even if you have Google Maps, great coverage and a fully charged phone, you should always carry a paper map and preferably a compass too.

Have a backup plan

You may have to walk all day or pay for an overnight stay. Wherever possible, have a plan B. If it means doing the same thing again the next day, try not to get discouraged. The key is to look happy, clean, friendly and approachable. Ask yourself, “Would I pick myself up?” and change your behavior or appearance accordingly.
.