Hitchhiking is a very multifaceted thing – on one hand, everything is simple and clear, but on the other hand, you can face serious difficulties. For many tourists from various corners of our planet, hitchhiking has become a way of life.
Plan your route!
The first task to start planning your trip is to create a route in order to determine the final point of your adventure. Mark the starting and ending points on the map, carefully study which settlements you will encounter along the way, and the types of highways you will travel. Keep in mind that the larger and busier the traffic on the road, the less time you will have to wait for passing cars, and you will be able to get to your destination faster.
You can also watch travel videos and listen to the reviews of experienced travelers, which will be useful information for you. If you plan to go on an extreme hike in the near future, remaining alone with the wild nature, video lessons can prepare you and teach you.
As your first test hitchhiking trip, it is best to choose a well-known and simple route over a short distance. This will allow you to get comfortable, gain experience, and understand the specifics of traveling.
What to bring with you
When packing for the road, you must take a minimum of things, because no hitchhiker in the world is immune from having to walk. Agree, with heavy luggage it would be an unpleasant endeavor, and drivers are much more willing to stop when they see that the hitchhiker does not have suitcases with them.
Items that you must take with you include the following:
• passport (as well as any other identification documents);
• money (you will still need some amount of funds);
• first aid kit (you can also put individual medications if you need them);
• personal hygiene products (this necessarily includes toilet paper, clean underwear, socks, deodorant, etc.);
• food and water (it is best to take compact items with a long shelf life).
In addition to this list, it is recommended to get a flashlight, matches, a knife, and a road map (with your route marked on it) during your travels, which will help you in your "survival lessons." If you decide to travel in the cold season, you should always have spare wool socks and several sets of thermal underwear in your backpack.
How to catch a car
At all times and for all peoples, the gesture of an outstretched hand with the thumb raised will mean that you are hitchhiking. It is best to catch cars outside the city, because within the city limits, only taxis are likely to stop, which are useless to you.
If you see a traffic police post nearby, it is better to move a few hundred meters away and only then start hitchhiking, so as not to attract unnecessary attention from the traffic police officers.
The next most popular question for beginners is the dilemma: should you move along the roadside or stand still? As practice shows, it is best to stand still facing the oncoming traffic. It is worth noting that truck drivers and long-haul drivers are more likely to pick up hitchhikers to diversify their journey with casual conversation.
If your first car still stops, you need to politely greet and ask the question that interests you: "Can I go with you?". If the driver starts asking how much you can pay for the ride, say goodbye immediately. There are cases when the vehicle has already stopped, but the driver does not inspire confidence. First, find out where he is going, and say with regret that you are not on the same route. Then it is best to say goodbye quickly, move away from the car, and try to catch the next one.
How to behave on the road
If you are lucky enough to catch a car that seems suitable and you are allowed to get in, you must follow a number of rules during the trip. First, behave decently and communicate courteously. You can only smoke if the driver himself smokes and you have asked his permission beforehand. Do not bother the driver with requests to turn the music on or off, make it louder, or open the window. Try to have an unobtrusive conversation, do not ignore the driver under any circumstances, and remember that he is the owner of the vehicle and you are just a guest.
If it happens that you are asked to leave the car, do not demand explanations and do not despair. You have gained invaluable experience and will now always be able to stop and travel in other cars.