A Beginner's Guide to Hitchhiking

• Choose a map that includes road numbers, rest stops, and gas stations for a smoother journey.
• Having a solid map will not only help you navigate but also present you as knowledgeable and well-prepared, making you more appealing to potential drivers.

• Ensure you’re on the correct side of town, in the direction you're traveling. For example, if you're heading west, position yourself on the west side of town.
• Pick a straight section of road (about 700 meters in either direction) so drivers have enough time to spot you. An incline is even better. Avoid standing near turns, as it increases the risk of being unseen and hit by a vehicle. It's the most dangerous place for cars to stop. It's also wise to avoid bridges entirely, including the approaches, the bridge itself, and the exit points.
  • Avoid tunnels as well.
• Choose a location where vehicles are traveling at under 50 mph (80 km/h), and ensure they are headed in your direction.
• Pick a well-lit area. This will not only enhance your safety but also make you more visible to passing drivers.

• At least two bottles of water
  • Stay hydrated and energized. Even if you're exhausted after waiting for hours, avoid looking defeated. A weary posture signals: Not fun to travel with! Hitchhiking is a mutual exchange, and drivers often pick up hitchhikers for pleasant conversation. They might be trying to stay awake or bored of staring at the road. What they really want is someone to chat with. So, be ready to engage in some conversation, tell a story, or share a joke.
• Snacks that provide energy
• Sunscreen and bug repellent
• A sleeping bag and a compact tent
• A change of clothes, a light jacket, rain gear, extra socks, long underwear, a hat, and boots
• Cell phone charger, if needed
• Avoid bringing items with sentimental value.
• If you're a female, consider carrying pepper spray, but remember it may be illegal in some places.

• It's a good idea to write the name of a major town or city in the direction you're heading, like: LONDON, PARIS, NYC. Keep the distance within 20 to 50 miles (32 to 80 kilometers).
• Writing a specific distance is also helpful, like 12 miles (20 kilometers), as many drivers travel shorter distances.
• Adding a funny message can catch a driver’s attention. If space allows, consider writing something playful like "Free Hugs," "I Like Tacos," or "Doesn't Bite."

There's no need to include your destination on your sign. Experienced traveler Lorenzo Garriga advises: "Some hitchhikers prefer writing their destination on the sign. However, this can sometimes discourage drivers from picking you up if they aren't heading that far."

"Before you start hitchhiking, make sure it’s legally allowed. Even if it is, talk to the locals to ensure it's safe."

• Before you leave, write down the phone number for your credit card company. If your card is lost or stolen, call them immediately to cancel it and arrange for a replacement to be sent to an address where you can access it, such as an embassy.

• If it’s raining, carrying a poncho or umbrella that’s easy to remove might reassure drivers that their car won’t get soaked.
• If you can, waiting out the rain indoors might be a better option. Find a warm place like a diner, cafe, or library to ride out the storm.

• If you’ve been waiting on a busy road for more than two hours and no one is stopping, you’re probably either on the wrong road or on the wrong side of the road.
• Never accept a ride from someone who seems intoxicated. Even though drinking and driving is illegal, some people still do it.
• It’s okay to ask the driver questions to get a sense of their character. Ask where they’re headed and why. This can help you gauge their intentions.
• Taking short rides can actually benefit you. Sometimes a short ride can get you to a better spot for catching longer rides, and the journey could be more fun. You never know who you’ll meet—drivers of all kinds of vehicles stop. So, wait your turn and don’t reject a ride just because it’s not going far.

• Dirty cars. This could indicate that the person doesn’t take care of themselves or their vehicle, and might not be reliable.
• Cars with bottles or cans, especially if they’re empty. If they’re alcohol bottles, avoid them—the driver might be intoxicated.
• Vehicles with multiple passengers. More people in the car means more potential risks.
• Drivers who avoid or give too much eye contact. This can indicate they are hiding something.
• Angry or impatient drivers. Not only might this make the ride uncomfortable, but they might also be unsafe on the road.

• "Sorry, I thought I was looking for a ride further along."
• "Oh, I think I left something back in town. I need to head back. Thanks anyway!"
• "Ugh... I’m feeling really sick." Make sure to look a bit nauseous—most drivers won’t want to risk having you vomit in their car.
• Always have an exit strategy, just in case things take a bad turn. But be confident—being overly anxious could make the driver uncomfortable and cause them to act negatively. Remember, in a dangerous situation, you have control. The driver’s hands are occupied with the wheel and the pedals, leaving you with the ability to stop the car if necessary.

• It’s a good idea to text the license plate of the car you’re getting into to a trusted friend before you get in. This could be crucial if something goes wrong and you go missing.
• Once you’re in the car, consider making a quick call to a friend to let them know your location. If the driver has malicious intentions, this small action may make them think twice before following through.

• Always carry your valuables—wallet, phone, etc.—on your person. This ensures that even if your bag gets lost, you’ll still have money and a means of contact with you.

• On the downside, some people find that traveling in pairs can make it more difficult to get picked up.

• If someone shouts something rude at you or gestures unkindly, don't react negatively. Just smile and move on.
• If you're feeling irritable, take a 15-20 minute break in a café or a nap. Drivers are less likely to pick up someone who appears annoyed or upset.
• Engaging in something fun while you wait, like juggling or playing an instrument, will not only make you more visible but also make you seem more interesting. You'll have a better chance of getting a ride this way.
• Don't cross your arms or keep them hidden in your pockets, as this will make you seem unapproachable. Instead, smile, wave, and greet passing drivers with a friendly "hello."

• Ensure your hair is combed and that you are clean-shaven.
• Wear clean, tidy clothes that aren't torn or wrinkled.

Be mindful of your appearance and body language when you're hitchhiking. According to seasoned traveler Lorenzo Garriga: "If you want to increase your chances of getting picked up, make sure you're dressed neatly, have clean hair, and show a friendly smile. Also, be aware of local customs. In some places, like the US, raising your thumb is the universal hitchhiking sign, but in others, like Greece, it could be considered offensive. In such cases, it's better to wave your hand or extend your arm instead."

• Black clothing tends to make you look intimidating and is harder to spot, so opt for lighter or brighter shades. This will make you appear more approachable and visible.
• Extremely short hair may give off a 'prison' vibe, which could make people think you're on the run, especially if the rest of your appearance is disheveled.
• Long hair and beards are often associated with a lack of grooming and can make you look unkempt.

• Other hitchhikers can offer valuable insights into traveling and share tips about the local area.

• If you're traveling abroad, learning a bit of the local language can be a great help. Many drivers enjoy having company, and speaking their language will help keep the conversation flowing.
• A friendly exchange can even lead to additional perks like a free meal, a longer ride, or useful advice. Never ask for free food, but if it's offered, graciously accept it—just trust your instincts!
• Try to avoid touchy topics like politics, race, or religion, as these can quickly turn a friendly chat into an uncomfortable one.

• Truck stops make great drop-off locations—they often have more supplies and an abundance of potential rides waiting.

• Hitchhiking across the US typically takes about 4 to 6 days. Traveling from west to east is generally quicker than the reverse journey from east to west.
• The familiar "hitchhiker's thumb" gesture is not common in parts of Asia. In South Korea, for instance, you simply extend your arm with the palm facing down and use a gesture to beckon drivers to stop.
• Cars with children, camper vans, and areas packed with tourists or holiday travelers tend to be less likely to stop and pick up hitchhikers.

• In certain countries, like Iran, using the "hitchhiker's thumb" can be seen as offensive.
• Be cautious of law enforcement. Even if hitchhiking is legal in your area, you might still get questioned by the authorities.
• Avoid hitching in places where drivers need to focus on the road, such as near crosswalks or areas with children playing.
• Do not hitchhike at night unless you're in a well-lit area, and try to avoid hitching during payday in rural areas. A passing drunk driver could be a serious risk.
• Avoid hitching near a broken-down vehicle; this could raise suspicions, and most drivers will likely refuse a ride once they realize the car isn't yours.
• Every time you hitchhike, you're accepting the risk of getting into a vehicle with a stranger. While it's important to exercise caution and sound judgment, these won't fully protect you if you're picked up by someone with ill intentions.
• Hitchhiking is prohibited in some places.
• For females, hitchhiking alone is more dangerous. If possible, consider traveling with someone else, or find a way to make yourself feel more secure.
• Hitchhiking on highways can be perilous. Use your discretion to determine whether a ramp might be safer than the main highway.
• Be prepared for long waits, especially if you're not in an ideal spot. You could be waiting for hours or even days to get a ride. Sometimes, it's better to walk a few miles or take a taxi to a more favorable location.