Tips for hitchhiking attracting a ride · Attracting a ride in Tips for hitchhiking
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Attracting a ride in Tips for hitchhiking
Attracting a ride in Tips for hitchhiking
Asking around doesn't hurt. If people notice you're friendly and speak their language you have a much higher chance of getting a ride from them.
Walk in the direction you want to go, especially if nobody is stopping to pick you up. However, if you wander too far from town, people may wonder what you did to get stranded there. The wisest strategy usually consists of standing at the last traffic or street light in a town on smaller roads, or the last highway on-ramp in larger ones. Also, walking away from town may put you in an inhospitable environment such as a desert, and be counterproductive. Statistically every on-ramp you pass while walking increases the chances of a person going to your final destination passing you, and hitchhiking truly is a numbers game, the more cars that pass you the more likely you are to get a ride.
Make sure you know the right gestures used locally to stop a car. The thumb up sign doesn't work in many parts of the world. An outstretched waving arm is another common gesture, but generally defer to locals. Drivers may also use gestures: pointing downwards with the index finger means that they're staying in town. A swirling motion with a downward pointed finger is the same, but can also mean that you might see them again in a minute or so as they make the trip again. A flat hand down means that the car is weighted down, aka full.
Nod or wave thanks to all who at least give you eye contact and especially those who give you gestures explaining why they cannot take you. Not only does it lighten the fear of hitchers and make you feel much better along the way, some may even come back and pick you up. Not to be counted on though.
Be aware that solitary male drivers are the most likely to pick you up. Do not completely discount female drivers as a possibility, but families are near impossible.
Wear bright clothing so that drivers can see you.
A big cardboard sign with an indication of where you want to go can help. Short general directions like North, or West can be written bigger - and seen from further away - than a longer city or town, but a city is more useful for drivers.
- Nonspecific 'general' directions are really only useful at on-ramps where traffic goes in two directions, like standing before a toll plaza, otherwise, the next town with a truck stop is recommended.
- Avoid writing destinations far away, this gives you a good excuse to get off if you feel uncomfortable with the driver, you can always agree to go further if the driver turns out to be going your way. Also, indicating close destinations will attract short lifts. In Germany 200 km seems to be a good distance.
- It can be a good idea to not indicate your final destination. If you can get a ride in a direction that is not exactly the best one, it could still be a good idea to take it, since you might be able to get more rides from that spot.
- Some people do not believe in direction signs, and suggest funny ones ("I DON'T STINK") or nothing at all.
- Holding your sign upside down may sometimes help to get a ride out of pity.
- If you speak the local language, saying this on your sign may also be useful.
Some drivers will not stop based on their own racial, cultural, or gender prejudice. While this can be upsetting, consider that you may be better off not riding with such a person.
If you are travelling with a companion, stand together and make it obvious that you want a ride together. Drivers don't want to be surprised by an extra person. Do not let someone split you up unless you are very desperate.
Always stay happy - even if people react nastily.
If you are more of an adventurous type, try hiking around with a large or unusual object. Tony Hawks hiked through Ireland with a fridge (see ) and wrote a book about it. It seems to help getting rides and... there's always something to talk about!
If hitchhiking in the USA, you may want to buy a military-style carrying sack at a Military Surplus Store. These items are easily recognizable and can incite interest/sympathy from drivers. They're also relatively cheap. If the driver asks about your military background, a white lie such as "My cousin gave it to me" will usually do the trick. Be prepared to have a small, believable story ready if you use such an explanation. The downside to a military carrying sack is that they're harder to carry than a framed backpack.
Another writer, based on decades of hitching in the USA, has developed these rules:
- Wear white or a very light color. It implies cleanliness and is far easier to see, plus the cops react favorably.
- Remember that the driver has only a second to see you. Stand near a highway sign so drivers have a better chance to focus in time to stop.
- If you cannot walk where you're going, don't try. Better to spend some time at a fair spot than waste that time trudging through the boonies.
- If possible, carry your belongings in a large briefcase or similar. You'll be welcome in clean new cars and in places where a duffle bag is inappropriate. Visiting a laundromat pays off in better rides.
- Use signs. A piece of yellow lightweight plastic sign material is ideal, along with strips of black electrical tape to make the letters. A big LA works better than a smaller Los Angeles.
- Do not smoke while trying to catch a ride. Decide which is more important to you.
- Finally, ask yourself...would I pick me up? Think like a driver who might enjoy giving you a ride.
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