First hitchhiking: how to prepare for the trip?

What is autostop? This is a specific type of travel when you get to the desired place by car and do not pay anything. This way of moving is chosen mainly by people who are prone to adventures, crazy deeds and adventures. In addition, hitchhiking helps to avoid travel costs, meet new people (often locals), listen to interesting stories and gain new experiences.

How to hitchhike in Europe?

Most young people hesitate to hitchhike to Europe for a long time. They come up with a lot of excuses: scary, dangerous, unreliable, uncomfortable, and so on. Whereas hitchhiking across Europe from Ukraine is very easy. Believe me, if you ever try to ride like this, then you won’t be able to stop. Therefore, discard doubts and fears, and plan your trip with hitchhiking in mind. So where do you start preparing? European hitchhiking is not much different from hitchhiking in Ukraine, so if you already have some experience, it will not be difficult to plan a trip.

First, decide on a route. This is the most important stage, since a properly planned trip is the key to its successful completion. See which roads you meet along the way, which ones are large and which are small. Keep in mind the autobahns, as it is forbidden to stop on them. Calculate the mileage to plan how much you will drive in a day and where you will need to stop.

Remember that not always the shortest route will be the fastest and most successful. Bad roads and little traffic will help you get stuck in one place for several hours, or not leave at all. Whereas on the main road you can catch a car in a matter of minutes.

Hitchhiking in Europe is an improvisation. It doesn't always work out the way you planned. But having spent time studying the road, in any unforeseen situation you will be able to re-plan the route and easily navigate the terrain.

What things do you need to take with you on the road when hitchhiking in Europe?

After you have planned your route, studied the roads, and decided on the point of departure and arrival, consider what to take with you on the road. Let's just say - this is the minimum set of things! It is better if they all fit in a small backpack. Firstly, you will have to carry everything on yourself, and secondly, not all drivers pick up travelers with a huge number of heavy bags.

Here is a list of what you need to take with you, if you are traveling for a few days:

Documents and money;
Travel first aid kit (bandage, brilliant green, hydrogen peroxide, aspirin, analgin, antibiotics, anything from an upset gastrointestinal tract);
Personal hygiene products;
Water and non-perishable foods (chocolate, dried fruits, nuts, biscuits);
Lantern;
Road map;
Raincoat.

If you are going on a long trip with stops in nature or you suspect that you will not always be able to find accommodation for the night, add to this list:

Karemat, sleeping bag and tent;
Matches or gas burner;
Dishes: saucepan, bowl, spoon, mug, knife;
Long-term storage products (cereals, vermicelli, canned food).

Everything else - individually and at will. We remind you once again that you need to take only the most necessary things, since during the hitchhiking trip you will have to carry them on yourself.

Who is better to go with?

The fewer people with you, the better! More precisely, the more chances to quickly stop the car. But, even if you are traveling with a group of several people, break up into small groups and arrange a little competition among yourself. Below we have listed the most common options for hitchhiking:

Boy and girl are perfect. A young couple inspires confidence, because drivers stop more often.
Two girls is a less safe option, but still a good one. There are a lot of chances to catch a car quickly. The main thing is to dress appropriately and behave decently so as not to cause unnecessary associations.
Two guys is a tough combination for hitchhiking. Drivers who drive alone are sometimes afraid to take adult guys, so if it doesn’t work, it’s better to try to stop separately (after agreeing on a meeting place).
One girl is a risky option. And although there are many fascinating stories with a happy ending about how girls travel alone, it’s better not to tempt fate once again and find yourself a reliable company.
One guy is also a very good option, because there is always a place for one person.

Where to catch a car and how to hitchhike?

Getting a car is really easy. An outstretched hand with a thumbs up and a smile on your face is all that is required of you. Seeing such travelers on the side of the road, drivers immediately understand that they are hitchhiking. It is better to catch a car outside the city, immediately after the sign indicating the exit from the city. It is also not recommended to stop near police posts.

Often there are some obstacles on the roads that force drivers to slow down: police posts, difficult sections of the road, forks and intersections, railway crossings. Here, 20-30 meters after them, it is best to stop the cars. Drivers will slow down and you will have a lot of chances that at least one of them will stop.

Some hitchhikers recommend standing still, others walking along the curb with your hand up. Everyone chooses an option to their liking, but, as it seems to us, the second one is rather meaningless. You won’t go far anyway, so what’s the point in wasting energy? Especially if it's summer and unbearable heat outside. It is best to choose a place and stay in the shade. So you do not overheat in the sun and see everything that happens on the road.

Be sure to take off your sunglasses. It is important for you to catch the driver's eye and make eye contact with him. So there is more chance that he will stop and pick you up. To make it easier and not have to explain where you need to go each time, take a piece of cardboard and a marker with you. By writing the desired city on it, you will attract more attention and do not force drivers who are not on the way with you to stop in vain.

Sometimes drivers show some signs to hitchhikers. What do they mean?

the driver runs his hand over his throat - all the seats in the car are occupied;
points with a finger or hand to the left / right - is going to turn soon;
circular movements of the hand - will soon turn back;

When the car finally stops, turn on all your charm and ask the driver where he is going. If you are on the way, check if you can go with him for free. If the answer is yes and the driver does not cause you concern, feel free to sit down. Luck is on your side! In the event that the driver or the company in the cabin does not suit you, we advise you to politely apologize and say that you are in the wrong direction.

Please note that hitchhiking on the autobahns is strictly prohibited! Seeing you on the road, local residents can call the police, who will issue a fine from 85 to 125 euros for this.

What to talk about with the driver?

It is best to talk to the driver and make sure that he will tell you everything. To begin with, ask about the city or country to which he is going: what is interesting there, whether he lives there or passing through, etc. You can ask if he was in the place where you are going, that in this case there is something interesting there, that see and where to go. So you do not have to talk a lot, but at the same time you will learn a lot of interesting and useful information that will come in handy in the future. Tell us why you decided to go on a hitchhiking trip to Europe, about your previous trips, ask where he likes to go and what type of vacation he prefers. Often these are indispensable topics that help to quickly establish contact with the driver and even establish friendly relations with him.

How to avoid dangerous moments?

Be sure to wear seat belts in the car. If the driver starts to take offense, they say you do not trust him, say that this is a reflex. It’s as if your parents taught you this way from childhood and you don’t drive differently. And let it be funny, but it's safer for you.
No alcohol on the road!
If you know that you are sick and sick on the road, stock up on bay leaves. Yes, we are serious. It tastes good and even resembles regular chewing gum. With it, you will quickly cheer up and feel better.
If you feel that you are falling asleep or you are feeling sleepy, but you can’t sleep at all (at least out of courtesy to the driver), smell or eat a lemon.
If lemon doesn't help, we have a stronger recipe. It is quite unhealthy, but in such situations it will help to be alert and fresh for several hours in a row. For preparation, you need one bag of instant coffee (without sugar and cream) and a bottle of cola. Fill coffee with cola and drink. Please note that a lot of foam will be released during the preparation of the drink. It is also undesirable for people with a weak heart!
If you doubt the reliability of the driver, take a selfie with him and post it on any social network (you can also add the name and make of the car). For example, "Thanks to Michel, now I'll drive with him all the way to Paris in a brand new Mazda."

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You need to look decent and neat

Appearance is the first thing the driver will pay attention to. Neat clothes, well-groomed appearance, neatness and cleanliness will make it clear that you are an adequate, normal person who just needs to get somewhere. It is better for girls to dress not defiantly, apply a minimum of makeup and behave modestly so as not to cause unnecessary associations, and the driver did not accidentally confuse you with girls of easy virtue. We also advise you to dress brightly to be clearly visible on the road!

Girls better not ride alone

Of course, there are exceptions to all rules. Many girls hitchhike on their own and see nothing special in it. But still, we would recommend taking at least someone else with you to avoid possible risks. A guy would be ideal. Drivers stop most often in such pairs.

Trust your intuition!

If you don't like the driver who stopped, don't sit next to him! You don't owe anything to anyone, and safety is paramount. Therefore, politely apologize and say that you are not on the way (if you stopped the car without a sign).

Plan your travel itinerary

See what cities the road passes through, the features of the track, choose the best sections - all this will be useful when you find yourself on the track. We also strongly recommend taking a printed road map or a phone with a GPS navigator with you.

Let the driver know you want to ride for free

Some drivers stop to earn money. Therefore, immediately check whether he will give you a free ride. Say that you are travelers, hitchhiking and imply a free ride. Otherwise, at the end of the path, an unpleasant situation cannot be avoided.

Be sociable, communicate with the driver

It is no secret that many drivers stop only to diversify the road, meet new people and brighten up the trip. Communication becomes the price for the fact that he gives you a ride for free. Therefore, even if you are an introvert who finds it difficult to talk a lot and for a long time, stock up on patience, good mood and interesting stories. Sometimes, however, it happens that a “talkative” driver comes across, then you will have to listen and agree a lot. If you don't understand a word of the driver's language, communicate using sign language. In half an hour you will be able to understand it quite normally :) If the driver does not make contact at all or turns on the music, you can drive silently and not feel any awkward situations.

Respect the driver

Do not forget that you are driving for free, and therefore must adhere to all the rules that the owner of the car sets. Ask if you can smoke, do not make any remarks to the driver about your driving style, do not indicate what music to listen to and in general - behave decently and restrainedly!

Choose the right places to stop cars

You need to start hitchhiking outside the city. The ideal location is just outside the city. Avoid slopes, ascents, curves and bridges, overpasses, No Stopping signs, detours, and public transport stops. Also in Europe it is forbidden to stop on autobahns. For this, the driver or you face a fine, so be careful and attentive.

If you can't catch a car for a long time, change your place

Sometimes after walking a few kilometers, you can choose a better section of the road and catch the car faster.

Feel free to accept and give gifts

Often, good-natured drivers offer treats, water, and even money. Yes Yes! We are not kidding. Almost always - these are treats from a pure heart. To take or not to take - the choice is yours, but, as a rule, all hitchhikers accept gifts. Also, if you want to thank the driver for giving you a lift, buy small gifts for the trip. It can be souvenirs, something for the car, or just a nice treat. In this way, you will express gratitude and leave pleasant memories with the person who agreed to give you a lift.

Don't travel at night

Firstly, if you did not have time to reach your destination, it is better to rest and continue the journey in the morning with renewed vigor. Second, it's not safe. In the dark, you are hard to see and you can get into an unpleasant story. Plan your route so that by the evening you will in any case end up in some city where you can spend the night. If you expect a night stop, be sure to take a reflective vest with you, it will at least make you visible on the road.

Hitchhiking is always new emotions, impressions and acquaintances. If you feel the desire to start traveling in this way, be sure to try it! These are unforgettable sensations, romance and experiments. But do not be too careless about hitchhiking. This is also a kind of risk and you always need to be careful and careful.

Remember that you can always contact us. TravelYourWay will help you plan an independent trip, taking into account hitchhiking. We will tell you how to hitchhike in Europe, where it is better to stop in a particular country, where hitchhiking is prohibited and how to get to your destination faster. Travel with us, because it's easy, unforgettable and just interesting!

Have questions about our services? Call us at tel. +380 68 144-63-95

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