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[[Image:Warsaw-poznan.JPG|thumb|300px|right|You'll be seeing a lot of this.]]
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There are some essential things you should remember when you are going hitchhiking. [[Hitchwiki]] suggests you keep these in mind when starting your career as an enthusiastic thumber:
[[Image:Warsaw-poznan.JPG|thumb|250px|left|You'll be seeing a lot of this.]]
== Take the most used route ==
The shortest is not the best in all the cases. If there is no traffic, there are no rides to share. Think where the trucks are going: industrial areas, ports/airports etc.
== [[Where to hitchhike|Be in a good, safe spot]] ==
[[Image:Amylin_hitching_northern_ca.jpg|thumb|300px250px|rightleft|This looks like could be a good spot. You're easily visible, the drivers are slowing slow down at the junction, and there is a an obvious place for them to stop.]]
Be in a place where the cars can see you from a distance and stop safely. You don't want to be driven over. This is maybe the biggest [[Hitchhiker's safety | danger]] in hitchhiking.
== [[Appearance|Types of clothing]] ==
[[Image:Img0080ow5.jpg|thumb|300px250px|rightleft|Many hitchhiking spots are dusty. White shoes not advised.]]
Although this may seem to be a small matter, types and colour of clothing are very important. Try to wear light, even bright and colorful clothes, and have your non-thumbing hand visible since light coloured clothes inspire more trust than darker clothes. Also, if the weather permits it, try to keep your forearms visible. If people can see your hands and arms, they'll be less likely to see you as a threat, or as someone trying to conceal something. A fun and colorful clothes/hat is a great way to inspire people to pick you up!
== [[Finding accommodation]] ==
[[Image:Roads.JPG|thumb|300px250px|rightleft|At night, it'll get tougher. Apart from much less traffic, people may trust you less (especially men) and you may be in more danger (especially women). Also, you're not so visible as you were before. But if someone does decide to help, they will probably help you as much as they can...]]
On longer hitchhiking trips you may need to camp along the way, if you did not receive a ride to your intended destination. Sometimes you can find a hostel or local host for the night, but just in case: bring a sleeping bag and tarp or tent with you. Make sure to bring clothes that will suit you for night weather.