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An exception to the "no-hats rule" is if it is just too hot and sunny to stand it with no protection. Then, if you have to choose between sunglasses or hats, choose the latter, as sunglasses hide your eyes and this makes most people suspicious. Wear a short-brimmed straw hat or a light coloured cap as long as it doesn't hide your face too much.
As a guy, try to shave before you hit the road. It'll reduce your waiting time.
As If you're likely to be perceived as a Girlwoman, don't behave and look too salacious. This might give the wrong impression.
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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 - [[amylinUser:Amylin|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. Also helpful are t-shirts that identify you with something, be it a country, a football team or a band - [[User:Zenit|Zenit]] has been picked up because of his "Switzerland" t-shirt more than once.
Sometimes, your clothes give away that you're a traveller/tourist, because the people on the street where you are usually wearing something else than what you wear. As mentioned above, it might scare people off if it is too extreme, but on the other hand it might also get people interested to look like you've stories to tell.
[[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'''. However, is if it is just too hot and sunny to stand it with no protection choose a hat over sunglasses, as the latter hide your eyes and this makes most people suspicious. Wear a short-brimmed straw hat or a light coloured cap as long as it doesn't hide your face too much. If it is raining, it's better to use an umbrella than a hood.
'''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.
When hitchhiking in foreign countries it might pay off to look like a foreigner.
Most [[rest area|service stations]] on the highway have showers. Use them in the morning if you start your journey after you camped at a service station.
Hygiene can save your [[health]] and your life, ; it can prevent many sicknesses.
== Behavior ==
'''Look''' the approaching driver '''in the eyes! Smile!'''
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 easily—they always look so funny showing that they would love to take you but don't have the space.
[[Category:Practical info]]
