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There are some essential things you should remember when you are going hitchhiking. [[Hitchwiki:About|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.]]

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/[[Airport|airports ]], etc.

The fastest and easiest routes are usually ones between two major cities, passing a lot of countryside on the way. If you're planning to go through an area with dense population (eg. [[Ruhr Area]], [[Randstad]], [[London|Southeast England]]) and out the other side, then remember that many vehicles will be local traffic, so it's often a good idea to find a route that avoids these areasor to find a car going through. When going to the the South of [[France]] from the [[Netherlands]], for example, it might be best to avoid [[Paris]] and go through smaller [[Luxembourg]] , passing through less densely populated areas, instead.

A list of recommendations can be found in the [[maps|maps article]]. You want to know where you are going. It also helps if [[petrol station hitchhiking|petrol stations]] are marked, and you don't need city maps. Try and find a map that you don't have to open out to one large sheet of paper every time you want to use it; you will be using it often. Book-style maps are best. A lot of times, you'Map Tipsll be okay without owning a map, though, if you use your chances well to have a look at one - petrol and service stations and lifts - and keep in mind all you need to know. If you have a digital camera, photographing the map and using the zoom function later has proven invaluable. It's recommended you have a map that is at least 1: Positive''1,000,000 ratio. 1:750,000 is usually good enough. A map with a scale of 1:250.000 will still allow you to recognize enough details to walk somewhere if you get lost. Remember that petrol stations often have maps for sale, including very local ones. If you need to find out the geography of the local area, simply walk into the shop, pick up a local map, study it, get the information you need, then put it back and walk out. Many service stations also have large maps on walls or notice boards. For the digitally inclined, Google maps now offers the ability to create and save your own routes and landmarks, and to share them. Consider making your hitch-hiking route public with comments about it's hitch-ability. Hitchwiki spots in combination with OpenStreetMap can also be accessed offline. See [[High-tech_hitchhiking|High-tech hitchhiking]].

* The ''Shell Euroatlas'' is good for [[Europe]], however, it's difficult For DIY maps i like to find.* The ''Falk Länderkarte'' series (in German, but can be understood by everyone) is brilliant for individual European countries, with write down bigest cities what i should pass and asking a useful, clever and compact fold-driver to put me out page system. It is easy at the best spots to find but only inside of [[Germany]] and neighbouring countriescontinue my route.* The maps by ''Marco Polo'' are excellent for Europe. The 1Works if your phone with Google Maos screenshots wont starts :800,000 ratio version is the best (the name of this map changes in different countries). It is printed in [[Germany]] but is available across the continent.* In Scandinavia (especially Finland) - the ''Esso'' country maps are great, and free from any Esso petrol station in [[Finland]] * For the [[United Kingdom]] and [[Ireland]] AA maps are good but can get a bit too large.* In Germany, you can get a booklet for free at the rasthof restaurants which provide a map of all the country's rasthof and the information about every one of them.D

It== [[Where to hitchhike|Be in a good, safe spot]] ==[[File:Warsaw-poznan.JPG|thumb|right|250px|left|You's recommended you have ll be seeing a map that is at least 1lot of this.]][[File:1Amylin_hitching_northern_ca.jpg|thumb|250px|left|This could be a good spot. You're easily visible,000the drivers slow down at the junction,000 ratioand there is an obvious place for them to stop. 1]]It is basically possible to hitchhike from every place, just keep a single rule of thumb in mind:750,000 The faster the cars the more space for the cars to stop is usually good enoughneeded.

Remember that petrol stations often have maps for sale, including very local onesBe in a place where the cars can see you from a distance and stop safely. If you need You don't want to find out be run over. This is maybe the geography of the local areabiggest [[Hitchhiker's safety|danger]] in hitchhiking. Also, simply walk into you should provide some space for the shopdriver to stop, pick up a local map, study it, get the information you need, then put it back and walk out. Many service stations also have large maps on walls or notice boardsnot to create dangerous situations for traffic that follows.

This is the case that the drivers consider as well. Few drivers stop unless it is safe for them. Some do, but you shouldn't count on them, as they are the minority. Therefore consider the safety of the driver as well, you don't want to involve them in an accident if they can'Map Tips: Negative't pull over safely. Make sure to not stand on the way, the driver will usually make their decision to stop or not when they see you from a distance and will get ready to pull over just next to you or right behind you. If you stand too much on the way (of the normal pulling aside triangle) you will make it complicated for them and they might change their mind. So one good option is to 'make sure'that your body language point out the area they would pull over in total comfort.

* ''Michelin'' Individual Country maps are not the best to use== Think positive, stay positive, they do not list the Services Area smile and lots laugh ==[[File:hitch_hiker_58392_in_spain.jpeg|thumb|right|250px|left|Taking pictures of useful information are absent, the scale ratio your hitch-hiking buddy is often not good enoughan excellent way to keep up your mood.]]

== [[Where to hitchhike|Be The results that you get in life are simply a good, safe spot]] ==[[Image:Amylin_hitching_northern_cabyproduct of your beliefs.jpg|thumb|250px|left|This could be a good spot. You're easily visibleSo it is very important to belive that hitchhiking will work! Think positive, the drivers slow down focus on what you want and tell your friends at what time you will arrive at the junctionlatest (like "I will be here for dinner so I will arrive before 7 p.m.!"), and there is an obvious place for them even if you don't know how you will manage to stopdo this.]]It is basically possible Hitchhiker tawax ALWAYS managed to hitchhike from everyplace, just keep a single rule of thumb in mind: The faster the cars the more space for arrive on the cars to stop day he planned (without cheating) because he is needed.convinced hitchhiking works! Just try it!

Be in Standing on dirty boring roads with loads traffic passing by and no one picking you up is as much a part of hitch-hiking as it is to eventually get picked up by a place where kind-hearted soul. If you're travelling alone, the cars road is your only companion that is reliably always by your side. If you can see manage to have a friendly relationship with it, you from 'll have a distance and stop safelymuch more enjoyable experience. You don't want to be driven over. This is maybe Obviously, when travelling in a group, the biggest [[Hitchhiker'same goes for your human friend(s safety | danger]] in hitchhiking).

This It is the case that the drivers consider as well. Few drivers stop unless it is safe easy to become bored or frustrated when waiting for them. Some doa ride, but remember that a good attitude will help you shouldn't count on themget rides. Keep your spirits up by singing, humming, as they are the minoritylaughing and simply smiling. Therefore consider the safety A grumpy hitchhiker may get rides out of the driver as wellsympathy, but a happy hitchhiker will get better rides and go further distances in less time. If you don't want to involve them re in an accident if they can't pull over safely. Make sure to not stand on the waya group, the driver will usually make its decision to stop try dancing or not while he sees you clapping your hands at a distance and will get ready to pull over just next to you or right behind you. If you stand too much on the way (of same time, it makes the normal pulling aside triangle) you will make it complicated for him drivers smile and he might change his mind. So one good option is to 'make sure' that your body language point out the area he would pull over in total comfort.lifts come much more often!

== Stay positive, smile and laugh ==It is easy to become bored or frustrated when waiting for If you carry a ridemarker with you, but remember that a good attitude you can even cheer up future hitch-hikers who will help you get rides. Keep use your spirits up spot by singing, laughing and simply smiling. A grumpy hitchhiker may get rides out of sympathy, but a happy hitchhiker will get better rides and go further distances in less timeleaving them little messages on sign posts or crash barriers. If you're in a group, try dancing or clapping your hands at the same time, it makes the drivers smile and lifts come much more often!

It's easier to stay positive when you have nowhere to be. Getting stranded on the autobahn Autobahn isn't so terrible as long as you're not trying to meet some friends in Berlin by nightfall; not only are you suddenly worried about how to catch a ride, you don't want to miss out on what's happening at your destination. Hitchhiking is a mental sport, and planning in enough time will allow you to enjoy the road and keep your head in the right place.

Hitchhiking means making a connection with a person driving by, convincing him or her to stop. To best do this, make sure drivers can see the 'whites of your eyes'. Remove sunglasses and keep your hat higher on your head. Smile while you look at the oncoming cars. If you are looking a different direction or your head is down it is easy for drivers to pass by without relating to you. If you cannot see the person in the car, just look at the windshield where a face should be. Focus on each car until it passes. If traffic is light, let your gaze follow each car expectantly. If there is too much traffic, pay attention to each nearby car for a moment. If you are walking in between cars, be sure to turn and face cars when you hear them approach. The more you do this, the less time you will wait for rides.

Drivers pick up hitchhikers for lots of different reasons: some because they are genuinely helpful, many because they once hitched themselves, some because they think you might be fun/interesting to talk with. On the chance that they want to interact with you, it is great if you can meet them there in a friendly engaged place. Some hints on how to start conversations are listed under [[etiquette|hitching etiquitteetiquette]]. Also talking with drivers is the one of the best ways to get longer rides or better drop off places.Have a list of open questions ready: 'Where have you come from today? How long have you been driving trucks? What made you decide to buy this car?' If the driver is reticent it may be that they're still wondering if they've made the right decision in picking you up. Don't be afraid to say a simple 'Thanks for picking me up, it's kind of you.'then going quiet, waiting for them to indicate whether they want to talk. Some drivers are just shy humanists. Don't underestimate the energy this requires if you do long distances, "''for one of the biggest troubles hitchhiking is having to talk to innumerable people, make them feel that they didn't make a mistake picking you up, even entertain them almost, all of which is a great strain when you're going all the way and don't plan to sleep in hotels''" (Jack Kerouac, On The Road).

If it's wet, drivers may feel sorry for you, and choose to help you out. No-one likes a soggy hitchhiker in their car, so keep an umbrella handy. Better: stay dry at a [[petrol station hitchhiking|petrol station]].

[[ImageFile:Img0080ow5.jpg|thumb|280px|left|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 colourful 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 colourful clothes/hat is a great way to inspire people to pick you up, but be careful not to appear weird!If you have the option, wear clothes that area clean and decent, even if you've been traveling for days. It's worth keeping a clean 'travel tee' handy just for sitting in the car with your driver.

If you can, don’t wear your old clothes or clothes that might frighten a driver (such as a T-shirt with a skull). Conservative people only take well shaved guys with proper clothes. Liberal-minded people always take you, but even conservative (or old) people can be very helpful on your trip.(I don't think this is of overwhelming importance. I often hitch wearing red tartan pants, punk/metal t shirts and black leather boots and I get rides just as often as the next guy!)

Avoid wearing black. (Not really, it had positive impact (in comparison with a similar trip some time before) on one of my over-Europe hikes where I got on road wearing completely black clothes. Even women were picking me up regularly on that trip.) Even having a smart black shirt could keep you stuck in one place for a long time. Some have found that capsmight have a negative impact. (Though Simon from [[Sweden]], with shaved head and beard found it much easier wearing a cap always, because people seem to be afraid of people with shaved heads. ) Black or blue woolly hats are awful too. If the weather permits, wear light coloured shorts and a bright colourful t-shirt or a smart short sleeved shirt. Although you may have no choice on whether you have luggage, some hold that hitching without luggage is quicker as the driver knows you're not concealing anything. But some drivers think that carrying a backpack makes you more of a traveler and will only pick up people with backpacks (e.g. [[User:Guaka|Guaka]] and [[User:Amylin|amylin]] experienced this in [[New Zealand]]).Making your traveling backpack visible could prove to be an advantage as you will have more chances of not being perceived as a threat, as it is harder to run away with so much weight in case you steal or damage something. Stuart at http://lookingforstu.com swears by a Superman T-shirt. It's bright, colourful and is a universal symbol of hope and peace. The amount of times drivers have said that is the reason they picked him up is astounding!

A Just using your thumb or a hand gesture will work fine for hitchhiking (depending on the region). But , but in some most cases, the use of a sign displaying your destination or general direction will increase your odds. A sign just saying '''"PLEASE".''' can work sometimes. (It worked for Max, www.couchsurfing.com user:mxnnx.) When Especially when you're hitchhiking on a road that goes to plenty of destinations: . The driver will be more likely to stop if he knows that you're going the same way he does, and it makes you look like a "proper" hitchhiker.[[File:Carl_Nai_Maroc.jpg|thumb|327px|In the [[UK]], road names work well.]]You can write your destination on the sign, but if you're going from Barcelona to Amsterdam, consider writing Paris, or just Perpignan. Few people will be going to Amsterdam or even Paris, directly. There's a dilemma, though, because if the destination you write is too close, you won't make good time, and if it's too far, nobody will be heading all the way there and so won't feel confident in stopping for you. A good solution to this is to simply use your direction of travel, e.g. "East" or maybe "France". You can also add the road name.

When It often helps if you write the sign in the same language as the traffic drivers you're trying to attract. If you can show some affinity to the drivers' country, it usually increases your chances of a lift. If you want to make a sign in a language that you don't know, try asking drivers or [[petrol station hitchhiking|petrol station]] staff for help. In countries where hitchhiking is too heavy: The driver will a very common thing to do by locals, e.g. Romania, it could be less likely to say "Somebody else is going advisable to stop" if he sees make it clear that you want to go exactly his way're in fact not a local; be it your sign or well-displayed huge backpacks.[[File:Signs.JPG|thumb|300px|Keep the signs bold and simple!]]

If you're going To make the sign, use cardboard or similar with a thick black (chalk) marker (e.g. Edding 4090) or India ink (works well with cotton buds). Write a big capital letter and then lower case characters: the varying forms of lower-case letters make at-once reading easier. The more space between each letter the better to be read from a distance.[[Barcelona]] to File:Img_l_1306483.jpg|thumb|180px|right|[[AmsterdamUser:MayaCova|MayaCova]], consider writing "[[Pariswas using a white board with considerable success.]]", or just For long hitchhiking trips you could use an erasable white board. The [[Perpignanhttp://www.bicworld.com/en/products/details/124/velleda-whiteboard Velleda]], on your sign, when you start in Barcelona. Few people will be going to Amsterdam or even Paris30x44cm is the ideal size and lightweight, directlyalbeit not very sturdy. There's Buy a dilemma, though, because if wide chisel tip dry erase marker such as the destination you write is too close, you won't make good time, and if it's too far, nobody will be heading all Velleda 1781 or the way there and so won't feel confident in stopping for you. A good solution Legamaster TZ150 to this is to simply use your direction of travel, i.e. "Eastwrite thick lines."

It often helps if If you write apply adhesive tape on the sign in the same language as the drivers you're trying to attract. If white side of a paper map, you can show some affinity to the drivers' country, also use it usually increases your chances of as a liftwhiteboard. If the map is too big, or if you want to make a sign in a language that you don't know (whether you need use it now or in the future)windy conditions, try asking drivers or use [http://getsimplifized.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/binder-clip.jpg binder clips]. Mine is 80cm x 60cm when spread and 20cm x 10xm when folded. It does take some time to make it nice and flat without any wrinkles.--[[User:Strazdas007|Strazdas007]] ([[petrol stationUser talk:Strazdas007|talk]] staff for help.) 01:52, 26 August 2014 (UTC)

To make the sign, itIf space doesn's better to use cardboard or similar with a thick black marker. Write neatly in big, block letters the name of t permit a long city or the name of a road, or bothshorten it to something everyone will understand. You're in charge.For example [[Image:Img_l_1306483.jpg|thumb|180px|right|Amsterdam]] could be '''A'dam''' and [[User:MayaCova|MayaCovaHamburg]] using was using a white board with considerable successcould be '''HH'''.]]If you have Have a chance to plan a long hitchhiking trip in advance, some find using an erasable white board as a sign to be very useful for making biglook at the country's license plates, clear and reusable signs.Remember the sign has to short forms featured there will probably be read from a distance. At 100km/hr, a vehicle is covering approx 30 meters/second. The average reaction time when driving is 1.5 to 2.5 seconds, so 45 to 75 meters has gone before they start to stop. If you want them to stop, then you not only have to place yourself known in the right location so they can see that you are a traveller and not just cagging a lift (this is what the sign does), you also have to have a sign that is readable. The more space between each letter the better to be read from a distance. (This is called Kernel, eg see road signs specificationspopulation.)

If space doesn´t permit a long city name shorten it to something everyone will understand. For example [[Amsterdam]] could be '''A'dam''' File:DSC00176.JPG|thumb|left|200px|True or Not, people will laugh and [[Hamburgpick you up!]] could be '''HH'''.

Artwork on a sign can also be helpful, particularly if there are simple images that are commonly related to your context. For instance, when hitching out of Austin, [[TexasFile:Please.jpg|thumb|left|200px|A sign saying "Por favor" ("please" in spanish)]] (home of the Longhorns, which are absurdly popular there), adding a Longhorns logo to the sign was a big improvement.

While living If you have the chance, adding "Please" onto your signs could be a great idea. As well as being polite, writing "Please" in a small village near certain language can indicate that you are a larger town my housemates good speaker of that language, and I found that using a sign decreased waiting times from 20-40 minutes average this can be used to about 10-20 minutes even though there attract drivers who were no other villages on ignoring you before. However, your main message is the waydestination. When I put this "Please" is an extra word for the driver to my drivers some of them said read. Also, as you're clearly in a desperate position it's already accepted that the sign made me look you are being grateful for any assistance; once a driver stops, you can say "Please" as much as you like a proper hitch-hiker. Experiment with "Please" for yourself, and see what happens.

If you have == [[Hitchhiker's safety|Safe hitchhiking]] ==Wear bright coloured clothes or a reflective warning vest while walking along the chanceroad. Next to that, adding "Please" onto your signs could be a great ideahitchhiker should consider keeping a small first aid kit with him/her at all times. As well as being polite, writing "Please" While these might be mandatory in a certain language can indicate that you are a good speaker of that languagemany Western European countries, and this can be used to attract certain groups of not every driver who were ignoring you before. However, your main message is on the destination/road number/compass directionplanet carries these with them. "Please" is In terms of an extra word for the driver to readaccident, and trying to read that word can become a big distraction from the main message. Alsomost dangerous part of hitchhiking, as you're clearly these might come in a desperate position it's already accepted that you are being grateful for any assistance; once a driver stopsvery helpful, you can say "Please" as much as you like. Experiment with "Please" for yourself, and see what happens.{|style="margin: 0 auto;"|style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"|[[Image:Carl_Nai_Maroc.jpg|thumb|327px|In especially when travelling in remote areas of the [[UK]], road names work well.]]|style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"|[[Image:Signsplanet.JPG|thumb|300px|Keep the signs bold and simple!]]|}

== [[Safety | Safe hitchhiking]] ==Wear bright colored clothes or Say no, if you don't feel safe! Trust your instinct, when it says no. This doesn't happen often, though. Minimizing risk is not being a reflective warning vest while walking along the roadcoward, it's being smart. If you don't feel comfortable with someone, just don't ask him/her, there will be enough other cars. Most people who pick up hitchhikers are friendly and don't mind a no.

If you want more security, send an SMS of the number plate of the car to a friend(or at least pretend you do so).A nice way of getting out of a car without offending a driver if you're uncomfortable, is to pretend that you're going to be sick. Tell the driver not to wait, and run away from the road. If you should need to get more radical, a [[pepper spray]] or a pocket knife may help and improve your self confidence. (A knife may be a confidence booster but is useless in a situation turned bad. By the time you have your knife out it is probably too late, it can be used against you. The most important thing is to get out/away from your attacker. Pepper spray is probably a better option (if legal). Putting all protective techniques aside you're probably safest traveling with a friend/partner or a fellow hitchhiker.

Once you've actually managed to get in the car and start heading towards your destination, it's all a matter of being courteous. Remember, your driver didn't have to pick you up at all. Settle in, get comfortable, but of course, not too comfortable. Keep your shoes off the dashboard, don't pass any form of petrol gas (from either end), etc. In other words, don't do anything to offend your driver!

If not, keep it simple to begin with. A solid rule that should be followed by any hitcher is to try to shy away from talking about politics with a driver who has differing view points than yourself. People have a tendency to get worked up when it comes to politics or religion, so if they mention something that your political or religious views disagree with, try to use a reply like "I'm not going to get into that", "I never thought about that", or pretending to be in vague agreement. Many hitchers have been thrown out of cars following a fiery political debate.

Some drivers will go a few extra kilometers kilometres off their route to help you, if you ask very nicely; be prepared to graciously accept a no, however.

...then it's maybe a good idea to stop travelling traveling until you know where you are. Ask whoever you can for help. Look on road signs for city names and road numbers, and try to match them with your [[maps|map]].

It is also a good idea [[File:Roads.JPG|thumb|250px|right|[[At night]], it'll get tougher. Apart from much less traffic, people may trust you less (especially if you're male) and you may be in more danger (especially if you're female). Also, you're not as visible as you were before. But if someone does decide to help, they will probably help you as much as they can...]] === You are sure to reach your destination before the [[hitchhiking at night|night]] ===If you make small distances, you can plan in advance where you will sleep.If you have Internet access, you can check out those websites for free accommodation:[httphttps://couchsurfingwww.trustroots.com CouchSurfingorg Trustroots.comorg] (more active), ; hitchhiker centric[http://bewelcome.org BeWelcome.org] and ;[http://couchsurfing.com CouchSurfing.com] most active[http://www.hospitalityclub.org Hospitality Club] (good for finding phone numbers in smaller places) for free accommodation. If there's a [http://www.ymca.int/ymca-hotels/ YMCA center centre] in town, see if they have a room for the [[hitchhiking at night|night]].  === You are not sure to reach your destination before the [[hitchhiking at night|night]] ===On longer hitchhiking trips, you may need to sleep along the way.  If it's not too cold outside and if you have a sleeping bag and a tarp or a tent with you, begin a few hours before the sunset to look out for places where you could sleep. It may be a hidden place in nature, McDo games, or an uninhabited house. There  If you don't want to sleep outside, consider those possibilities:Are you ready to pay for a hostel? If yes, can you find one?Is there a (big) [[airport]] on your road or close to the place you are many hitchhikers ? You may sleep there.Can your driver host you?Can you find a car/truck driving overnight and crash out on the way? In this case, is the driver really reliable?  === Holding a big "Couchsurfing?" sign in public place === Strazdas007 says it is easy possible to find a couple of places host in this way, but you must know, where it is biggest chance that your sign will be seen - talking about subway stations or even stations in general, bigger supermarkets, town squares. He actually found one host near some touristic attraction - somewhere near Eiffel tower, but he was lucky, because next day he wasn't so lucky and had to stay while sleep on the road bench. And he was thrown out of the subway station in Paris, because guards were thinking that he was asking for money. Or you can simply look for some hipsters, or even at simply friendly youths and ask them if they are hosting, if they don't know, tell them about CS'ing, and maybe they will host you.  Try your luck. And remember this is not hitchhiking, eye contact is almost pointless, because your destinationsign is making contact. A fresh shave Try to make sign as big as possible (well not very big, but so it could be seen from further or/and shower will also greatly increase the chances of getting picked upattract people eye). === Camping === Wild camping how to http://nomadwiki.org/en/Camping === Other options ===

If you can't find anywhere to sleep , there are still other ways to get out of the situation. If you are lucky enough to be at a 24 -hour petrol station or Mc Donalds, just keep drinking coffee and keep hitching through the [[hitchhiking at night. (Joe: My advice would be not to. After about 11p.m., it's probably best just to accept that you've been lucky and are stuck at a petrol station where you can stay warm. If you take another lift, you might end up in the middle of nowhere at three in the morning.) At |night don't bother trying to get lifts with a sign, just ask people at the petrol station when they go to pay]]. Keep in mind that it gets really quiet between 2:00 and 5:00 , even at a busy autobahn motorway service area. The other alternative is to find a truck (or a car) going a really really long way and crash out on the way. Make sure you trust the driver or do it with 2 hitchers taking turns to sleep. The downside to this is that you might wake up a long way from where you wanted to be but at least you didn't have to sleep in the gutterareas.

It's not worth trying to hitchhike at all costs. Sometimes it's just more convenient to take a bus to get to a highway or to your final destinations. This is the case especially when leaving or arriving at big cities or at night. Usually Sometimes you can get away without paying on public transport , although in some countries or cities you have to be more careful than usual: check a "Public Transport" (or "Blackriding") section (if there is any) of a country/city you travel to. If you do blackride anyway, sit or stand preferably by the door; sometimes quick reaction (last second jumping off) to suspiciously looking folks who might appear to be ticket controllers can save your butt. It is usually better to sit in the front of the bus so you can quickly scan all the people waiting for the bus while the bus approaches the station and stops. Also, it helps to direct sight in only one way to look for ticket controllers you missed before already in the bus. == [[Highway]] hitchhike ==If you need to travel over long destinations, taking the highway is the best option. Most highway entrances are bad spots, and many are dangerous. A good way to hitchhike on highways is to practice "station hopping": you only stop in petrol stations or rest areas. There you can talk to people and the car is totally stopped. You could also hop off at a toll station. Take a [[map]] which shows the petrol stations! In most countries, hitchhiking directly on the highway is forbidden! In rare occasions however, you might be forced to. Just get Keep in mind that it is very unsafe for drivers to stop on the highway, and that your own [[hitchhiker's safety|safety]] is also in danger. The [[police]] might force you to leave the area and could fine you. == Alone or with other(s) ==Hitchhiking is considered to be fastest for a solo female hitchhiker, but it supposedly is a bit riskier. If you're two or even three, you can travel fast as well. Keep in mind that truck drivers often only have one "official" extra seat. By preference take one bag instead of two. If you're more than three it would be a seatgood idea to split into several groups.  If you 're not traveling solo, the other person(s) can wait on a place not visible by the oncoming drivers, but not too far from the hitchhiking spot. You can also do this if you have a lot of luggage. You might get some people to stop that would not otherwise do so if they saw more people or extra luggage, and it's harder for them to reject you once they have stopped. [[User:Fverhart|Fverhart]] (male) has a 5% faster "waiting time / ride distance" ratio for hitchhiking with one female companion compared to hitchhiking alone, and 75% longer "waiting time / ride distance" ratio for hitchhiking with a male companion (derived from data collected from 1,641 rides, of which 1,299 alone, 189 with female companion and 132 with male companion). His data for other combinations (more than two hitchhikers) are not reliable, due to lack of statistical significance (only 21 registered rides). == Avoid [[mistakes]] ==Last but not least, try to avoid common [[mistakes]] and you will save a couple of hours and loads of frustration. == Traveling long distances == [[File:Transportation_van.jpeg|400px|thumb|right|Transportation van filling up tank in petron station "Statoil" in Lithuania]]When traveling for long distance when you arrive to a big petrol station you should prioritize some drivers like: # Transportation vans: They usually are not so big and there have 3 seats in the front so if you are hitch-hiking with a friend is perfect. Inside you will probably see someone at something to contain coffee and the front will be full of killed mosquitos.(these are good indicators). So these drivers usually drive non-stop just to deliver their stuff from one place to another no matter what. Be warned, that crossing Polish - Lithuanian border zone with these drivers can be nervous and lenghty, because of police. They usually stop getting them to inspect cargo, or to check if car is not overweighted (drivers say, that if they know that there is overweight, they usually bribe cops, so it happens faster.), documents are checked, and you may be asked for your documents too, so be prepared. Unlike truck drivers there is no regulations for the time they can drive so they don't have to pause for rest and they can reach 160 km/hour or more (instead of 90 km/hour or even slower 80km/h).# Businessman / expensive cars: some tend to be really nice, have been hitchhiking couple decades ago, and you get to ride some nice cars.# Holiday vans: The drivers can also do long distances and some can travel for months.# Truck drivers: They quite often cannot take anyone legally because of the insurances but always ask them about the possibility. Two persons is more complicated but the bed behind the seats can be good to hide your friend. They are good for overnight trips, as you may ask driver if you can sleep in bed. == Hitchhiker Tips ==This is the section where anyone can write his or her practical tip.My idea is to try and make of it as much science as possible so here are some ground rules:* Everybody are welcome to share their knowledge.* Read all tips prior to adding on in order to prevent: a. Writing the same tip. b. Writing contradicting tips which may confuse others.If you disagree with a tip been written discuss it on the discussion page.* Try to add tips base on theories being tested. (Example curves: try do exactly the same on both sides on various occasions and record your time and percentage)_________________________________________ My hitchhiking theory: Hitch hiking is a game of patience and mental strength. Be prepared!Although agree with the article above i believe the vast majority of drivers pick up hitch hikers on psychological association based on looks and self interest which sometimes seem random. That is why we should do anything we can to maximize our chances by looking as trust worthy and average as we can as well as consider the drivers interest.  * '''The Average Driver''' - the average driver does not understand hitch hiking and that is why you will get a lot of gestures from drivers indicating they "stay in the area" or "not going far". It does not occur to them that even a 10, 5 mile or "only to the next junction" ride will advance you and will have critical positive mental effect. * '''Clothing & Appearance''' - since our goal is to get from point A to B, without importance of who is going to pick us up we want to look as trust worthy or "good, nice, harmless guys" as we can. That means dressed in quite a popular way to the place you are in. Usually it means shorts/jeans and T-shirt (preferably light color) for boys and girls and possibly dress for girls. Of course working according to situation is better, i.e. hitch hike to a metal concert you might want dress all black with anthrax T-shirt and 10 piercing in your face and probably get a fast, to the spot ride, but the average driver might feel unwilling to stop to someone of "your type" out of prejudice. * '''Be ready to walk''' - Location is crucial and so it is not rare to walk sometimes a mile or even more to get the best position for your next ride. On the way it is fine to try and stop vehicles. * '''Curves''' - If you are near a curve it is better stand about 50-100 meters before the curve since the driver can see your ticket you from more far and also is already in the need of reducing speed and mainly his only job is just get to a slow, reasonable velocity to enter the curve.Standing after the curve would reduce you chance since you're being seen only on when the driver is out of the curve and is already in the task of speeding. Less people are likely to step on the break for you once they get started speeding.Standing in the middle is extremely dangerous and the least efficient since the driver is multitasking. * '''Up & Down Hills''' - If being on hilly topography it is better to stand on the first third of the up hill side. As on curves people are more likely to stop while they are already slowing down.The top of the hill or close to it wouldn't be a good place since the driver is focused on getting to the top.If a down hill is right after most drivers would not stop for the fun part.Down hill again is a bad place to try and stop the driver since he is gaining speed and not likely to give up on it. * '''Gestures''' - jump off Different gestures can steal the attention of the driver and gain you a ride.All in addition to smilling and looking to the drivers eyes:# Wave the hand in between to passing cars.# Pointing-moving your thumb every now and take then above your shoulder towards the direction.# Even single a "little" gesture with the two fingers helps, as explained on "the next oneaverage driver" section. Trams That is where board usually comes in particular are easy super handy. * '''Asking for Ride''' - Don't be afraid to talk to blackridepeople and ask them directly if you can hop on. Some drivers would not consider taking you, yet by hearing a nice, friendly, polite voice they might will as well as are buses feel a bit more obligation to help you. ===Different Vessels===You should feel comfortable through out the whole way to your destination. if you feel uncomfortable hoping on a specific vessel - don't. As it will tire you out and make a bad experience for the future. If you feel unsafe with the drivers drive don't be ashamed to tell him (I do ask all motorcycle rides to drive relatively slow especially on unpaved roads, never needed to tell in a car) he will understand your worry, remember he stopped in [[Eastern Europe]]order to help and will be nice enough to make you feel comfortable.

[[England]] * '''Back of a Pick-Up Truck''' - The back of a pick up truck is not a great country for blackriding, pretty much impossible on buses as with very few exceptions where you purchase are likely to spend a ticket from big chunk of the driver, and hard on tramsroad. For short hops on local trains, it's possible, and from stations without a ticket office, where one However there is expected to buy a ticket on board clear problem of safety. For the train, driver it's often possible might be convenient to tell you to simply look out of hop on the window or pay attention back and so he wont need to worry from a book, and the conductor wondangerous hiker or either talk in case he isn't bother in the mood. It is also an extra space in case the seats are full. On the hiker side youhave zero control on what is going on and hop on without at least getting to know if the driver is trust worthy is not recommended. The same is just as possible from You should have a station few words with a ticket office, however, if caught the penalty ranges from from being expected to pay driver about the way and agree on a higher fare, place before hands since you wouldn't be able to being fined £20 or moreconverse once you start driving, knocking on the roof for stop at most. There is also the problem of sitting without safety belt and to having your details taken and risking a criminal record; and potentially with unfasten equipment that might hurt you should weigh up the risk against the cost in case of paying the fareemergency stop, curves or irresponsible driving.

== [[Highway]] hitchhike ==If you need * '''Motorcycles''' - Motorcycles are somewhat problematic when it comes to travelling with luggage, yet is possible. It is a good way to travel over long destinationsfast, but just like driving one - even less safe as taking the highway may help a lot, and in some place is almost unavoidableride with a car. Most highway entrances are bad spots, and many are dangerousTry to ask the driver for an extra helmet. A good way Usually not likely to work, but some drivers keep an extra "hitchhikehalf helmet" on highway is to practice "station hopping": you only stops in petrol stations. Petrol stations (or rest areas, often the same) are box of the best spot evervehicle - not much, because you can go directly talk but certainly better than nothing. I for instance tend to people (show them you are nice and smile) and the car is totally stoppedminimise motorcycle rides since i feel unsafe with a stranger driver. EnjoyYou might ask to drive slower, but remember driving slower means less balance.

Do realise that in most countries, hitchhiking directly on the highway My vision is forbidden! In rare occasions however, you might be forced to. Keep in mind that it is very unsafe have a collective grid-table for drivers people to add on theory and different people to stop add on the highwaytheir tests result and so things would become scientific and clear very fast.Main problem - different countries, different cultures.I hope this section is going to evolve because i would love to see others tips and that your own [[safety]] is also in danger. The [[police]] might force you try to leave find the area, but in some cases they just don't careultimate hitch hiking technique.

 * [[wikivoyage:Tips_for_hitchhiking|Tips for Hitchhiking on Wikivoyage]]* [http://www.csclaudioadrianodobre.helsinki.ficom/u/kjokisal/liftausimportance-smiling-communication/ Hitchhiking Guide to EuropeThe importance of smiling when engaging drivers]* [http://www.digihitchchristopherdrifter.com/sectionsbooks/Rules_of_Thumb/ Rules of Thumb] -viewarticleA free guide to living on the road and hitch-27.html Sparkie's Guide to Hitchhiking at digihitchhiking* [http://hitchhikershandbook.com/ HitchHikers Handbook]- a useful hitchhiking resource with advice on everything from getting started to city guides

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