Hitchhiking travel guide

HITCHHIKING TRAVEL GUIDE

Why is it so interesting? Why are more and more people trying this type of transportation? Generally, it sounds like the best way to travel for people, who don’t have a car. It is cheap, it is quite fast and you meet a lot of people while travelling this way.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

You have probably seen people standing by the road, keeping pieces of cardboard with the name of city written on it. Basically you just stay and wait for somebody, who will give you a ride. But actually it is not as easy. The most complicated thing is planning. At first you have to find an appropriate place to start your trip. Exit roads are the best. On the other hand there aren’t many spots, where you can safely wait. Also you have to choose which road you want to take very wisely.  You need to know what cities you will go by, becouse you will ask the drivers if the are going to ride that way.

HOW SHOULD YOU PREPARE?

The logistics you can discuss with people on the internet. There are maps with pointed places best for starting the trip, there are blogs, where you can personally ask some more expirienced people, and of course you can read other people’saccount of their journeys. Nowadays, a lot of people post advices and reports from many places around the world. You can copy the whole plan and make propably the hardest thing much easier.

Another important thing is the backpack. Remember to take only the most important stuff. If you trave farther and you are planning to travel more than one day, take a tent and a sleeping bag. There will not always be a possibility to sleep on a railway station or a petrol station, so be prepeard. Reduce the number of clothes and cosmetics.

And remember, that your travel can take more time, than you estimate, so always reserve more time for your travel.

IS IT FOR EVERYONE?

Of course there are many obstacles. Some people have a real problem with meeting strangers, Obviously, they will not feel comfortable with hitchhiking.  Those, who feel the need to stick to the schedule will not get any pleasure from the trip as well, because it often relays on making quick decisions. For example, if somebody can take you really far, but not the way you planned, or you will have the possibility to see some places that you have not planned to visit, but it will require some changes. You also have to be a little bit brave (in case of sleeping under the open sky) and patient (not getting angry, when nobody has stopped for a whole day).

Waiting don't have to be boring, if you have good frinds with you.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?

Usually the fun starts, when you arrive at your destination and ten hours’ drive there is rather a torture than something, that you would like to waste your holidays on. With hitchhiking it is completely different. The fun starts just as soon as you leave your house. Not only it is an adventure, but also a good way to meet a lot of various people with dissimilar attitude towards live. What is more you can improve your language skills, while travelling abroad.

While hitchhiking you can make friendships, that will last for the rest of your life.

Before I tried hitchhiking for the first time, my friends had to encourage me for a long time. I wasn’t sure if it is safe and if I will really feel comfortable. Now I regret not trying it earlier. It is fun, it is amusing. I wouldn’t recommend hitchhiking for everybody, but it is an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for ever. So if you are a bit of an adventurer and you are not scared of surprises or a lack of luxury you should try it. There is a chance that it is not your thing but there is also a chance, that you will love it.