Thanks to hitchhiking, you can travel across half of Europe
Today, many people do not buy any tour packages to see other countries, but instead go on foot, taking only a backpack with belongings and some food. Naturally, you can't walk too far, so you have to catch a ride on the highway.
Hitchhiking began to gain popularity about 40 years ago and today it is considered one of the most economical types of tourism. For example, to get to the Mediterranean Sea, you don't need to buy plane tickets to Montenegro; in a week or two you can get there by hitchhiking. Tiring, but so many impressions along the way!
Before becoming a hitchhiker, you need to study the psychology of this activity in general. There are many rules, and to put them all in writing, you would need a thick notebook. So we will focus only on the main points.
So, first of all, every hitchhiker must clearly understand that not all cars stop for a raised hand, so there is no need to jump onto the road and put yourself in danger. Usually you stand on the roadside and look at oncoming traffic. The hand is raised up, slightly bent at the elbow, the thumb is folded. Secondly, some drivers willingly stop because they expect you to pay them after all. Therefore, you need to immediately make it clear that you intend to ride for free. Thirdly, if you see that the driver is behaving inadequately or is simply drunk, try to leave the car as quickly as possible.
In Russia, a hitchhiker is best off stopping trucks, but in Europe, on the contrary, you should try to avoid any large trucks. The fact is that here such vehicles have speed limits – no more than 90 km/h. In a passenger car, you can travel at speeds up to 160 km/h; the high quality of European roads allows drivers to drive fast.
In Europe, it is better not to stop a car in the middle of the highway, but to do it at gas stations. Moving from gas station to gas station, it is always easier to follow a pre-planned route. In addition, you can usually take a shower and buy food there. And if you want to rest, set up a tent nearby and sleep for a couple of hours. No one will pay attention to you, because truck drivers often sleep in the same way, wanting to be in the fresh air rather than in the stuffy cabin of their truck.
On the Internet, virtual hitchhiking clubs have emerged, whose members join together and organize a group trip to some country. These can be tours to Prague, Berlin, Paris, London and other European cities. Group members move separately from each other, but always stay in touch, meet up, and discuss further plans.
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