As a backpacker, you should not miss hitchhiking in your toolkit.
It happens everywhere in the world and it is one of the best ways to travel free. You can save lots of money on a foreign land if you learn the art.
While you can do it anytime, you should be careful about where and when to do it. First, find out if your location allows such practices. Also, research on the security of the area with respect to hitchhiking.
In this article, you will find out if it is illegal to hitchhike and how you can do it to save on cash and make friends.
Is it illegal?
There is no standard answer to this because countries differ in laws. Even in the US, it depends on the state you will be in. It is important to familiarize with policies before you think of hitchhiking.
Also, there are common mistakes to avoid; like trying to hitch a ride on a freeway is calling for trouble. Find an appropriate place. Hitchhiking might be allowed in the state but your choice of place will land you on the wrong side of the law.
Nevertheless, most countries and states in the US have no restrictions on hitchhiking. In the few states where the policy exists, it will not be strict. Motorists barely know of the law and you will less likely be in trouble.
Still, you need to familiarize with laws of where you intend to visit before you consider hitchhiking.
There are varying opinions about hitchhiking. Some people think it is a huge risk and you might get yourself kidnapped and killed while some think it is the best way to travel with low a budget. Therefore, just like any other practice, hitchhiking has its advantages and disadvantages;
Advantages
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It is the best for backpackers and travelers with limited funds
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It is an opportunity to make friends and learn about the culture
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Builds your communication skills, which is crucial for any traveler
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It is an every time challenge for a backpacker that gives you a sense of satisfaction on every success
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You save a lot of energy by riding other than walking
Disadvantages
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It takes time. There is no guarantee you will hitch a ride after 5 minutes. You might have to wait for hours to be successful with one. You would be better off with options.
Is it safe?
I know the media has played a significant part in shaping your perceptions about hitchhiking. The truth is hitchhiking is safe; the scenarios highlighted on the media are extreme and should not be a basis of disregarding this technique for backpackers.
The stranger is often associated with danger but it is not always practical; actually, the painted risk does not coincide with statistics.
The main highlighted scenario in hitchhiking is getting picked up by a serial killer. This is a theoretical risk with a low and almost zero probability. I mean, a criminal would not be driving freely expecting to rob you.
There is a low (really low) probability of getting involved with a criminal from hitchhiking. Criminal cases related to hitchhiking are non-significant in the US murder and sexual assaults among other risks linked to hitchhiking.
You don’t have to fear.
It is only a notion we have been exposed to by parents and society since childhood. This might have saved us a lot of trouble as kids and we appreciate but it is not proper to taint the picture with no factual basis.
Children might be predisposed to the car incidents and should avoid strangers; still, most abductors are never strangers. They are people with specific intention and objective meaning well renowned by the family or target.
In contrast to the stranger-danger notion, hitchhiking is actually safe because you are dealing with a stranger. Familiar people commit most kidnap crimes including sexual assault and murder. You should be more worried about a familiar car than with a strange one.
Also, backpackers don’t live a paranoid life. Yes, the rate of crime is increasing in the world and there is every reason to be cautious.
But for a backpacker, everything is a risk; the thought of leaving home to a foreign land alone should be dangerous but this is how you discover and experience the fun part of life while others are confined in their work-home life.
Also, people are naturally good; there is still an impressive percentage of humanity in the world. There are slim chances that you would be involved with a criminal while hitchhiking.
Now that you are convinced and feeling safe, here is how to do it like a pro
Hitchhiking Tips
Obviously, there are some risks to hitchhiking but you can manage and still enjoy your backpacker experience. Here are some tips;
Choice of spot
Don’t bother stretching out your thumb on a road with fast cars. Consider a service station or lay by to increase your chances of getting picked. If you think it has taken too long, start walking to a different spot.
Go with your gut
You also have a right to say NO if someone stops but you feel it is a weird deal. Come up with a quick excuse and decline politely.
Take a picture
Picture the vehicle’s plates and text a friend. Just in case.
Read 6 Tips for Family Road Trips on a Budget
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