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There are some essential things you should remember whenever you are going hitchhiking. The [[Hitchhikers' Guide to Hitchhiking]] suggests you keep these in mind when starting your carreer career as an enthusiastic thumber:
== Take the most used route ==
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. The more you do this, the less time you will wait for rides.
'Mark Snyder and his co-workers (1974) found that hitchhikers doubled the number of ride offers by looking drivers stright straight in the eye. A personal approach, as my panhandler knew, makes one feel less anonymous, more responsible.' (Source: Social Psychology, Myers. p.503 Social Relations)
== [[ Types of clothing]] ==
On another hand, the use of a sign on a road where everyone goes the same way (for example: a highway service station) can decrease your odds, since someone that would be going halfway to your destination is less likely to stop if he sees how far you're going. And halfway is still good on more than a 200 km trip.
In the same spirit. If you're going from [[Barcelona]] to [[Amsterdam]], consider writting writing "[[Paris]]", or just [[Perpignan]], on your sign, when you start in Barcelona. Few people will be going to Amsterdam or even Paris, directly.
To make the sign, it's better to use cardboard or similar with a thick black marker. Write neatly in big, block letters the name of a city or the name of a road, or both. You're in charge.
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.
It is also a good idea to check out [http://couchsurfing.com CouchSurfing.com] (more active) and [http://www.hospitalityclub.org Hospitality Club] (good for finding phone numbers in smaller places) for free accomodationaccommodation. If there's a YMCA center in town, see if they have a room for the night. There are many hitchhikers and it is easy to find a couple of places to stay while on the road or even at your destination. A fresh shave and shower will also greatly increase the chances of getting picked up.
== Use buses and trains ==