View source for Appearance

[[File:Eurizons hitchhikerneverdie clown.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Bright colors are good]]
'''Your appearance''' '''is''' important when [[hitchhiking]]!

== Clothes ==

The first and most important details are the '''clothes''' you wear. Try to wear bright colored, well visible clothes. This is extremely important during the [[night]] or in bad [[weather]], but also during sunshine. A yellow or orange shirt, pullover or jacket works best. If you don't want to spend much money on new gear, a reflective warning vest pulled over your jacket will perfectly do the job. This is also extremely important while walking on a dangerous road trying to find a good spot.

To limit the amount of clothes you take with you; use layers. In the morning you start with several layers, as it gets warmer you take them off and at night you can wear them again. It's great if you can adapt to your driver's air conditioning, or the sudden rain or 4 km tunnel when you're in the back of a pick up truck.

Obviously there is a difference between hitching in [[Spain]] in the summer and in [[Scandinavia]] during wintertime. Nevertheless, it is often smart to buy some good outdoor stuff. It is light and dries very fast. There is nothing worse than wet jeans or cotton-shirt if it's below 10°C. Plus, you can wash it and it dries fast. Outdoor wear differs a lot in the degree it adopts smelliness. You can wear some for days without smelling, others stink after two hours hiking. 

Hitchhiking is an outdoor sport and it pays off to wear good shoes. They might not be best for dancing when you reach your destination, but it is important while walking along the road. At times you might need to cross rocky areas, puddles, mud, snow etc. Sometimes you have to be quick and step off the road due to big trucks etc. 
[[File:Parnu-riga.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Warm clothes can save your life - [[amylin]] hitching to [[Riga]] in the snow]]

Avoid dark or military clothes, they do not create a lot of [[trust]]fulness. Looking too much like a colorful hippie will possibly scare other drivers off. Take off your hat (unless it's a really funny one), don't wear gloves, open your jacket, even though you might freeze.

== Looks ==
[[File:Moose hitchiking.jpg|thumb|right|200px|This is probably NOT a good way to hitch a ride.]]

Show '''both your hands''' and, if possible, forearms. '''Don't''' wear a '''hat or sunglasses'''. 

'''Your mood''' is very relevant. So always be happy, or at least pretend to and '''keep smiling'''. This will get you a ride much faster, than if you're looking tired and unmotivated.

As a guy, try to shave before you hit the road. It'll reduce your waiting time.
When hitchhiking in foreign countries it might pay off to look like a foreigner.

== Hygiene ==

You are more likely to be picked up when you look somewhat decent and clean. Wear '''fast drying, easy to wash clothes''', avoid cotton. 

'''Avoid stinking!''' This might not be the easiest part while hitchhiking on long distances, but remember: '''You are not the last hitchhiker this driver might pass!''' Having a stinky passenger in his car will make the driver think twice before picking up someone again. This will make it easier for the whole hitchhiking community! Carry a second gear with you, '''wash your clothes regularly''', use fast drying gear. Some outdoor gear adopts smell faster than others, ask in the store or inform yourself before buying. 

Use '''deodorants'''. Clean your shoes of mud before hitchhiking (not in front of the eyes of the driver).

== Behavior ==

'''Look''' the approaching driver '''in the eyes! Smile!''' 

As a Girl, don't behave and look too salacious. This might give a wrong impression. 

If you've been waiting a long time it might be good to do something funny, like waving at random cars or play some small musical instrument. Hitchhiking a bike or a motorbike will also cheer you up easily – they always look so funny showing that they would love to take you but don't have the space.

[[Category:Practical info]]

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