Valuable Tips Before You Go Hitchhiking

If, for you, traveling is more about experiencing new things and meeting new people, then hitchhiking is what will fulfill your goal. Young people are more inclined to take risks; they are attracted by the unknown. But once you have experienced the joy, as well as the possible inconveniences of hitchhiking, this way of moving from place to place will become a habit and tradition in your travel agenda.

One of the reasons, if not the main one, is that by hitchhiking people save up enough money for heading to their desired destinations. According to statistics, nowadays people are more careful when taking hitchhikers, which in their turn are more cautious while taking the care of a friendly stranger. But those people whom pick-up hitchhikers tend to be very friendly.

There are certain points one should take into consideration, before standing at the edge of the road with the thumb up. Keep up with the article to find out some of those important points to encounter the possible inconveniences to get the best out of your trip.

Tip 1. The first thing to do is to have the map of the whole of your hitchhiking itinerary. This will help you to figure out which road you should stand in to get to your destination (or how far you are from it).

Tip 2. Always keep in mind that your first means of transportation as a hitchhiker are your feet; the ride on a car is the second option. Until to manage in persuading the passing cars to stop and take you, sometimes you will need to walk long distances. This shouldn’t frustrate you as it is the inseparable part of hitchhiking inconveniences one has to have encountered in advance.

Tip 3. It is good to learn some of the important expressions and words of that particular country you are traveling in. By this you will be sure that in case the person picking you up doesn't speak English, it will be possible for you to use your tiny vocabulary to describe the destination you are heading to. Besides, many people picking up hitchhikers hope that the journey will be more interesting when there is a person to talk to, especially when the trip is a long and a boring one.

Tip 4. Keep your food supplies sufficient, especially if a long trip is awaiting you. In most cases, it’s quite expensive to make stops at gas stations for a snack or the like.

Tip 5. Having a warm sleeping bag and tent are two musts for hitchhikers, as you should be prepared for the possible inconveniences. To minimize the risks you should have arranged our accommodation before starting your journey. A perfect choice may be staying at a place of a couchsurfer (check out chouchsurfing.org) or a youth hostel.

Tip 6. Hitchhiking can be hardly illegible, though there are certain areas from where it is forbidden to disturb traffic on a purpose of hitchhiking. Areas that are illegal for hitchhiking are highways, bus stops, as well as intersections.

Tip 7. One should avoid carrying a huge backpack, when it is you all the time to carry it on your shoulders (though, be sure you take all the essential items like a hat, sunscreen, a pocketknife to make your trip as comfortable as possible). Your coat should be water resistant and light to have on.