There are many reasons to hitchhike. This could be getting to and from the trailhead during a thru hike. Maybe you need to get to a remote area that doesn’t have public transport. Perhaps your vehicle left you stranded. You could be flat broke and just need a lift. You could simply be looking for an adventure straight out of a Jack Kerouac novel. Whatever your reason, the fundamentals for hitchhiking are always the same. Having, myself, hitchhiked more than 300 times, I’ve learned a few things about the “rules of the road”.
Disclaimer: I don’t encourage or discourage hitchhiking. This is just what I’ve learned from my experiences. Hitchhiking has inherent risks and you must do your own research before attempting it.
Here are my top 10 important things to consider when hitchhiking.
1. Be prepared to wait a long time.
This is the first thing you need to consider when deciding to hitchhike. There is no guarantee that you will get a ride. You may get a ride instantly or you may wait all day and get left standing in the dark. Hitchhiking is an exercise in patience. Try not to get frustrated if you end up waiting a while.
2. Travel light.
No one wants to pull off the road and have to lug five suitcases of your junk into their car. Maybe they just don’t have enough space or they are in a hurry. Maybe they just don’t want to be bothered with the effort. Whatever their reason, it’s best that you keep your load light. This makes you appear ready to hop in and get going. There is a flip side to this though. Don’t travel with nothing. This could look a bit suspicious.
3. Appear well groomed and organized.
Drivers will feel more comfortable stopping for someone who looks “normal”. I know, I know, everyone is a unique snowflake and should be embraced for their weirdness, but in this case, it’s best to be a cookie cut out. Now normal means different things to different people but, generally, you should be showered, trimmed, and have clean clothes on. In addition, its best to have your belongings packed up and ready to go. If you have a single backpack, be sure to have it on your back. This will give drivers the impression that you can load up quickly. Plus, they may feel bad that your have to stand there with a load on your back.
4. Hitchhike in pairs.
This is not a rule and is not always possible but hitchhiking in pairs can put drivers more at ease. The idea may be that murderers typically do their business alone. Not to mention, hitchhiking in pairs is much safer for the ones hitchhiking.
5. Limit your expectations.
Again, you may have to wait a long time. You may not get to your destination with only one ride. It may take a combination of shorter rides. Don’t expect a free ride. You may be asked to contribute some money for the ride. Go into this endeavor with an open mind.
6. Be charismatic (or reserved).
Some drivers may be very social and want to ask you all sorts of questions. They may have picked you up just to have a conversation and fend off boredom. In this case, I always try to chat and entertain the driver or other occupants as best I can. Sometimes, however, the driver just doesn’t really want to chat. It’s best to be respectful and polite. Feel out the vibe and respond accordingly.
7. Make a destination sign.
Drivers could be going any number of places or distances so making a destination sign can save you both a lot of time and energy. The benefit here is that you won’t have to check with every driver on what direction they are headed and they won’t have to check with you. It’s on the sign! Also, you get the opportunity to show some creativity. An added bonus is that you can keep the sign as a souvenir.
8. Trust your instincts.
This might be the most subtle yet most important thing to do when hitchhiking. Throughout our entire lives we have been mastering the skill of noticing when something just isn’t right. If you walk up to a car and something just doesn’t feel right, decline and walk away. The same goes for if you are in the middle of a ride. It’s always best to play it safe if you are unsure. Don’t get caught up in accepting any ride because you have been waiting all day or you don’t want to be rude.
9. Choose a good location to put your thumb out.
This has to be one of the more critical and complex guidelines when it comes to hitchhiking. The location is key. I have dedicated a section below to this very subject.
10. Keep a positive attitude.
Smile as much as possible (but don’t be creepy). Smiling will signal to the drivers that you might be a fun and happy person. Be sure to smile and waive even if you are passed by. Drivers farther back might see this and decide to pull off. There is one important thing to remember, no one owes you anything. Every ride is a gift and token of generosity. Try to tell yourself that things will be great weather you get a ride or not.
How to choose a location for hitchhiking.
- Choose a location outside of major urban areas.
- Many drivers are going short distances or could be going and number of direction in the urban area.
- Urban areas tend to have a higher concentraion of “bad actors” AKA people with nefarious intentions.
- Choose a location with a moderate amount of traffic flow.
- If the flow is too high, drivers will not feel comfortable slowing down, possibly causing and accident or angering other drivers.
- If the flow is too slow, you will not get enough opportunities for drivers to come by and see you.
- Ideally, a vehicle every 30 seconds to every few minutes is a good target.
- Choose a location where the vehicle speed is slow.
- This will give drivers time to see you, analyze you, make a decision, and look for a place to pull off.
- Intersections with a turn, stop signs, and on-ramps are generally great places.
- Choose a location with plenty of room to pull off.
- This may seem obvious but it is sometimes difficult to find a spot with room for a vehicle to safely pull off.
- Drivers are looking for the safest and easiest way to stop and pick you up.
- Pick a spot that has enough room for a vehicle to move completely out of the roadway. This can sometimes be disregarded if the flow of traffic is very low.
- On-ramps usually have and area that has already been worn out where vehicles have previously pulled off.
And there you have it. These are all my tips that I have learned over several years of hitchhiking in different countries. Now get out there and see the world.
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