Extreme Vacation: Hitchhiking

In our country, hitchhiking is not the most common option. However, hitchhiking in the world has long become an almost cult phenomenon, moreover, hitchhiking has overgrown with many myths and stereotypes.

Probably, many, hearing about hitchhiking in Russia, will laugh to themselves, confident that no one will stop anyway: they say that our people are careful, they do not like strangers. But this is not so, more often they stop, there are many good people, and they are all ready to help the traveler with a backpack.

An equally popular myth is the danger of hitchhiking. But danger is present everywhere, and the likelihood of meeting a bad person in everyday life in a big city is no less than on the road. Of course, the choice of drivers should be approached wisely, for example, not getting into a car with drunk people. Better yet, listen to your inner voice and trust the first impression: if something in the car or the driver is alarming, it is better to refuse the trip.

It is also wrong to think that only men can hitchhike. Today you can often find girls traveling in this way, often even alone. If we talk about age, then a standard hitchhiker is, of course, a young man of 25-30 years old, a student or a student.

Hitchhiking is often associated with unsanitary conditions, although in reality everything depends on the person. In any city or on the highways there are hotels, motels or hostels where you can spend the night and take a shower. In the summer, no one canceled swimming in the river or lake. This option is suitable for those who prefer to sleep in a tent and are able to cook dinner on a gas burner. In most cases, hitchhiking is not much different from traveling by car.

Of course, hitchhiking has its drawbacks. For example, the unknown or the possibility of getting into dangerous situations. One of the main dangers is road traffic accidents and only then, paradoxically, the risk of sexual violence. But, perhaps, the disadvantages more than overlap the advantages of such a trip, which gives an unforgettable feeling of freedom and a lot of new impressions. Such a vacation consists of constant communication, and this is new acquaintances, stories, life experience, funny situations, a different outlook on life, plus an excellent chance to meet extraordinary and outstanding personalities. Moreover, this type of travel is very economical.

Hitchhiking in Europe

Of course, hitchhiking is different in different countries. The most convenient and easiest way to travel around Europe. There are many tips on this topic on the Internet. In most cases, Europeans are always ready to help, so you should not be afraid to contact them. Moreover, many of them will offer accommodation, food or money and will definitely invite you on an excursion to their town. Germany is famous for its good attitude towards hitchhikers - they say that there are the most responsive drivers who help out in difficult situations. But do not forget that pedestrian traffic on the autobahns is prohibited, so it is better to "stop" at parking lots, gas stations and so-called junctions - junctions.

Seasoned tourists talk about the special disposition to stopers in France, where everyone gets a ride, including women and families with children. Traveling quickly and easily in Poland, there is an additional bonus - almost all Poles understand Russian. By the way, the police on European roads are a friend, of course, if there is no violation of the rules. They won't help you to stop the car, but if you have the documents, they will definitely take you to the right place.

There is certainly a difference between European and Russian hitchhiking. So, in Russia they are happy to give a lift at night, at this time the driver often counts on an interesting conversation that will help avoid a sleepy state, while in Europe they sleep at night. Trucks are more likely to stop to pick up a fellow traveler in Russia than in Europe, since there, recently, in case of an accident, drivers will not be paid insurance if there were strangers in the car.

However, there are general rules for safe travel. It is necessary to stop the car in a convenient place for this: at stops, near road pockets, on a wide roadside, or even behind traffic police posts. You can stop the machine by raising your hand 90 °. In America, it is customary to raise your thumb up. Just keep in mind that not in all countries a gesture you are used to can have a decent meaning, therefore, when going on a trip, it is better to get acquainted with the local culture. The classic version is a sign indicating the destination.

When stopping a car, it is better to look not at its make, but at the number of passengers, the region code and the driver's facial expression - as already mentioned, the driver must inspire confidence. But you yourself should not stand gloomily and doomed, because a smiling, exuding positive person, luck will smile faster. Who needs boring or problematic travel companions?

There are places where it is difficult to stop the car for some unknown reason. If no one has stopped for half an hour, it makes sense to walk forward a few meters. You should move at a distance of at least one meter from the lane, preferably towards the traffic. And finally, if you need to cover a long distance (from 500 to 1000 km), it is better to stop a truck that does not travel so fast, but travels long distances. Passenger cars are good for short distances. By the way, when getting into the car, you should leave your belongings with you. Most likely, the driver will offer to put the backpack in the trunk for convenience, but there are times when hitchhikers are robbed. But documents and money must definitely be kept in your inner pockets and you must be careful. If the driver has a navigator turned on, it's a good idea to track the route as a safety net. It is worth remembering that not all drivers are ready to give a ride for free, so it is better to discuss this issue right away. There are situations when it is better to pay than to stand for hours and wait for a ride.

Getting ready to go

Have you decided to hitchhike? The first thing is to think over the route. It is better to mark the places that you want to visit on the map, it is also necessary to mark intermediate points where you can rest or make a transfer. It is good if the distance between them does not exceed 200 km: it is easier to find a passing car for a short distance.

Then you need to install an application with offline maps on your phone or tablet. It is better to compile in advance a list of attractions that you would like to visit in a particular city. You also need to think over the options for overnight stay in advance. You can book a hostel, hotel or apartment, find out the locations of the campsites. The best time to hitchhike is in spring and early autumn, when the heat and cold do not spoil the pleasure of the trip.

It's more fun and safer to go together. Ask if a friend of yours might want to join you. You can also pick up fellow travelers on websites dedicated to hitchhiking, but before the trip you should talk to them on social networks, if possible, meet in person, discuss in advance the route, methods of travel, costs, and learn about preferences.