Hitchhiking Basic Guide

One of my first major trips by myself was during my summer college break when I was 21 years old. The university had just let out for the summer and I wanted to travel. The first thing I did was ask all my friends if they wanted to take a trip for the summer. Everyone had the usual reasons why he or she could not come "no money, no time, I don't know how to do it, I am scared, I don't want to leave my girl/boyfriend" etc. I thought about it and asked myself "do I want to stay home all summer or do I want to go see the world?". The first trip is the scariest, it's similar to going to a movie by yourself. You feel as if people are watching you everywhere you go. I started by shopping around the internet and deciding to buy a one-way ticket to Mazatlán Mexico. I speak Spanish and I am familiar with the culture so I decided this would be a good place for me to travel to for my first solo trip. I ended up hitchhiking for 3 months and went down into Belize and then made my way back up to the state of Chihuahua by the USA border. Hitchhiking is a subculture of sharing.

Preparing to hitchhike

1. Invest in a good map.



A detailed map is worth the money. If you need a free map, however, find a tourist spot, such as a hotel, airport, bus station, or tourist information booth, and pick up a pamphlet that has a decent map inside. State welcome centers on interstate highways also have free highway maps for their state. Rental car places tend to have the best free maps. Look for a map that shows road numbers, rest areas, and gas stations. Having a good map will also make you look more knowledgeable and prepared, and thus appealing to drivers. That said if you have data with a smartphone that is the ideal way to search and use the most up to date maps.

2. Know how to find a good hitchhiking spot.

A good spot might be near an on-ramp; these locations often have steady traffic and enough space for a car to pull over and pick you up. Near stop signs and stoplights is often a good option because it gives drivers enough time to check you out and decide whether they want to offer you a ride. Make sure that you are on the side of the city or town that's in the direction you're traveling. For example, if you're heading west, get on the west side of town. Choose a straight stretch of road, so that drivers can see you from a distance. An incline would be even better, so a driver can see you from even further away. Choose a place where cars passing at low speeds so its easier for them to stop and pick you up. Make sure that the spot is well-lit. This will not only keep you safe but also make you more noticeable.

3. Pack as light as possible, but bring enough supplies to last you a few days.

The less you carry, the easier it will be for you to travel and for drivers to want to pick you up. People are more willing to pick you up when they’re going to be inconvenienced as little as possible. So when they stop you want to get in and out as quick as possible. Avoid suitcases and trash bags, as they make you look low class and more of a danger in most people’s minds, use a backpack instead. It is easier to get in and out of cars with a backpack. Pack as though you are going for a three-day hike, in case you get stranded and are unable to find a ride. Consider bringing the following: Water, snacks, sunblock, insect repellent, sleeping bag, tent, clothes, light jacket, raincoat/poncho, extra socks, long underwear, a hat, boots, cell phone chargers, and any other care necessities. Don’t bring guitars and/or items of sentimental value as they simply weight you down. Consider packing some pepper spray, especially if you are female. Keep in mind that pepper spray is not legal in some areas.

4. Use signs.

Signs are a good way to catch people’s attention and quickly let them know where your headed and prevent people from making unnecessary stops in case they’re going in a different direction. It also shows people that you have a plan or destination in mind and not just drifting around. Using a permanent marker make a short message with large dark letters on a piece of cardboard. This will make your sign easier and quicker to read. You can also write the name of well-known attractions or cities you’re headed to, in order to make it easier for people to figure out where you're going. Writing catchy phrases on your sign will also help, such as; “have a nice day” or “God bless” etc.

5. Be aware of the laws.

Laws regarding hitchhiking will vary from place to place. For example, hitchhiking is legal in all 50 states of the US, but how you do it will vary from state to state. In general, however, you should stay off the highways.

6. Make digital copies of all your IDs, documents, and papers.

Scan your ID (and passport, if traveling internationally) and e-mail it to yourself before hitchhiking. This way, if it gets stolen, print out copies at a library. For passports, go to an embassy with your copies and do what you need to do to get a new passport. If you lose your credit card, call them immediately, cancel your card, and have them send a new one to an address where you can receive it, like an embassy.

7. Be prepared financially.

Have some backup money, as well as travelers health insurance. Accidents happen, and you will need to be prepared for that; travelers insurance will help you with that. Also, having spare money will help you get food and shelter in the event you are stranded in a certain area for longer than you expected.

8. Be mindful of the weather. 



In most cases, it's better just to wait out rain or snow as drivers are reluctant to pick up drivers who might wet their seats. Rain will not increase your chances of getting picked up, especially if you are totally drenched. People don’t want their seats to get wet, so they’ll avoid picking someone up in the rain. If you have an umbrella or a raincoat that will help reassure drivers that you are not going to damage their car. Snow, however, tends to increase your chances of getting picked up for a ride. People generally do not mind some snow on their upholstery because it brushes off easily, while rain absorbs into seat cushions.

I talk more in-depth of travel issues in my Amazon Book. Check it out here.