Many impressions from travels that cost a minimum of money – that's hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is the cheapest way to see the world and show yourself. Most often, students travel this way, whose scholarships barely cover a light lunch at a roadside diner. However, there are no age restrictions.
Across Europe with an outstretched hand
On any European highway, a person with an outstretched hand and a thumb pointing up looks as natural as a city dweller hailing a taxi. If you plan to cross all of Europe without paying a penny for travel, take note of some peculiarities of drivers' behavior in different countries.
It is easiest to catch a ride in Western Germany. German drivers believe that by picking up a hitchhiker, they encourage youth activity and their educational pursuits.
Standing on the roadside, take a piece of paper on which the destination is written in large, clear letters. You should use abbreviations accepted on license plates, for example: B – Berlin, K – Cologne, HB – Bremen, etc.
Hitchhikers are gladly picked up in the Netherlands and Belgium. But the French do not encourage free passengers, but with enough persistence, you can ride for free through this magical country as well. Italians are too talkative, be prepared for that: they pick up travelers to pass the time with conversations, jokes, and banter.
A driver picking up a passenger does not demand payment for the ride. In many European cities, there are special agencies through which you can find a ride for a fee. This is so-called organized hitchhiking. That is, you can arrange with a driver in advance, cover part of the fuel costs, and get to your destination without spending time on the road. For example, a trip along the Berlin-Bonn route will cost €30, and Cologne-Hamburg – €20.
Universal dress code
Stilettos, 'battle' makeup, revealing dresses and skirts, provocative T-shirts are not welcome on the road. However, torn jeans, a dirty shirt, and untidy appearance do not help realize the idea of hitchhiking travel.
Clothing should be neat, clean, and comfortable. A hitchhiker should not have an unpleasant smell, so the outfit must be chosen carefully: so as not to freeze or sweat. Thermal underwear is great, as it wicks moisture away from the body, preventing you from getting sweaty and then freezing in the wind.
Minimal luggage. One not-too-large backpack is enough, containing only the essentials: spare underwear, an extra pair of shoes, personal hygiene items, documents, a couple of clean T-shirts.
Abroad, you can often find hitchhikers with children. Particularly desperate parents, who have not outgrown the age of extreme romance, willingly travel with their older offspring, catching rides.
Do you speak English?
No hitchhiker can do without basic knowledge of English. It is easily understood in many countries, not only European but also Eastern ones.
However, be prepared that the driver may not be able to answer even the simplest question... due to lack of knowledge. So it is worth bringing a phrasebook to avoid serious problems.
The main inconvenience of hitchhiking is long waiting. You can stand for 5 minutes, or you can stand for several hours. This largely depends on whether you follow the rules of hitchhiking or travel however it goes.
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