Hitchhiking - what you need to know

Hitchhiking is a whole culture, it is not just an opportunity to get to your destination with minimal financial costs. This is a chance to test yourself, look at the world in a new way, feel the fullness of life and meet new interesting people. If you are tired of the daily routine and dream of hitchhiking, even to the neighboring city, immediately pack your backpack and go on adventures. But first of all, learn some rules that will definitely come in handy on the road.

Hitchhiking rules

Mikhail Lomonosov is jokingly called the first hitchhiker in Russia. The future poet had such a great thirst for knowledge that he single-handedly covered a distance of 1000 km to get from the Arkhangelsk region to Moscow.

And in our time, hitchhiking is considered a youth, student entertainment. Of course, the financial issue in this business means a lot, and why not combine business with pleasure - to satisfy your stupid thirst for adventure almost free of charge. It's so nice to feel that you don't depend on time, distance and transport schedule. You can afford to go out in the nearest settlement, stay there for a day or two, and only then move on.

But, as in any business, you should not rely only on your own enthusiasm. To avoid force majeure, consult with experienced tourists and learn the rules of hitchhiking.

Step-by-step organization of a hitchhiking trip:

1. First, decide which city will be your starting and ending point, which settlements you plan to visit during this time.
2. Prepare in advance a plate made of thick cardboard, on which the name of the settlement will be clearly written.
3. Find the starting point of your journey. What does it mean? Take a map and ask the locals which route is the busiest in the direction of the final destination. It is desirable that many trucks move along it. Then find a roadside café or gas station closest to your starting point. This will be the first point.
4. Now decide how you will get to the first point of departure - by bus, train or on foot.
5. After all the movements are thought out, take a map and put the information in the form of dots, so it will be easier to navigate and explain the route to the driver.
6. If the trip takes more than one day, consider where you will spend the night. This can be done in a tent or hostel.
7. Knowledge of the language is a significant aspect. It is not necessary to know a foreign language perfectly, it is enough to buy a phrasebook and rewrite the basic phrases for communicating with the driver. Please note that often truck drivers do not speak English. In this case, an online translator is an irreplaceable thing.
8. Pack your essentials in your backpack before traveling. Obviously, with a heavy bag, you won't be mobile, so only take the essentials. Do not forget about water and food in case there are no shops. Be sure to bring a change of underwear and first aid kit, which will contain first aid supplies, a raincoat, a minimum set of dishes, spare shoes and a hunting knife. Pack money and documents separately.

Valuable advice from "experienced":

• It is best to go to the first point early in the morning. At dawn, you are more likely to meet the driver and reach your destination before dark. Some people vote at night - this does not make sense, since most truckers are resting at this time.
• As stated, the ideal starting point is a gas station, a large curb or a heavy truck stop. Standing in the middle of a highway, where a large stream of cars rushing at high speed is not a very good idea, especially since it is illegal.
• If you have been standing for a long time and still no one has stopped, try talking to the drivers at the gas station. As a rule, no one refuses if they are going in the direction you want.
• Agree in advance with the trucker where exactly he will drop you off, it is better if it will be a gas station, where you will continue your journey in the same way.
• "The first car" is the most difficult, as experienced hitchhikers say. Stop at least one, and then it will be much easier.

Travel safety

In Europe and America, hitchhiking has long ceased to be something unusual. The drivers there are friendly to tourists and would like to grab a couple of travelers. But it is not recommended for beginners to “stop” in South America, especially in Brazil. The crime rate in this country is very high, and the situation is aggravated if you are an attractive young girl.

But still, the basic rule is trust, because the driver risks the same as you, allowing a stranger to get into the car. Trust your intuition, even if you are very tired, do not agree to go with a person you do not like.

Other nuances regarding security:

• Do not get into the car to the drunk driver, he will not be able to correctly assess the situation on the road. Of course, a drunk person cannot always be recognized in the first minutes of acquaintance, rely on your observation and intuition.
• The most optimal number of people for hitchhiking is no more than two. If you are alone, the chances of running into trouble increase dramatically. At the same time, drivers do not favor companies of 3-4 people, as they themselves are afraid of attacks.
• Most often, tourists travel by trucks. Private car drivers are worried about the safety of the car and rarely agree to give a lift to strangers, and truckers are less scrupulous in this regard. If, nevertheless, you were offered to go by car, pay attention to the brands of the middle price segment.
• Never forget about different means of communication. The phone or tablet computer must always be charged in order to call for help in case of anything.

Hitchhiking Tips

• More often than not, hitchhikers stop the car not with an outstretched hand, but with a raised thumb, this is a special hitchhiking culture that will distinguish you from everyone else. But when traveling in a foreign country, do not forget to find out if this gesture means something offensive.
• Think of hitchhiking as relaxation, entertainment, and an opportunity to meet new people. Be sure to vote with a smile, a benevolent person is more likely to be noticed. It is advisable to look the driver directly in the eyes, even if he is moving in the wrong direction, reciprocal smiles and benevolent gestures will cheer you up.
• The hitchhiking philosophy condemns disregard for basic hygiene and behavior. Observe cleanliness and tidiness, never get into the car after alcoholic libations.
• More often than not, hitchhikers change drivers every few hours, so no one sleeps, listens to music with headphones, or goes about their business. The meaning of such a trip is active communication with the driver.
• Sometimes tourists use visualization, that is, they imagine who, when and in what car will drive up to them, they say that it works.