if you love to travel but don’t have the means to do so on your own, you may feel like hitting the road isn’t a possibility for you. However, if you’re willing to get creative, you can find inexpensive ways to travel to any destination.
one strategy you might want to try is hitchhiking. But for many people, this form of travel can seem scary and intimidating. So, to help you feel comfortable and confident in this, here are three tips for hitchhiking during your travels.
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Stay Off the Roads at Night
The most important thing to keep in mind when hitchhiking is your own personal safety. Not only can it be dangerous to stand on the side of the road and take the chance of getting hit by a car or truck, but it can also be scary if you get into the vehicle of someone who’s unsafe or dangerous.
To minimize these risks, WikitTavel.org recommends that you stop hitchhiking once the sun sets. By only being on the road during the daylight hours, you make yourself easier to be seen by cars driving past you, and you can easier see if someone stopping to give you a ride appears trustworthy. Additionally, if you’re committed to only hitchhike during the day, you won’t feel desperate to find a ride during the night so you can be off the road.
Get Rides From Gas Stations
When looking to hitch a ride, one of the best places to try is a gas station along your route.
According to Francis Tapon, a contributor to Forbes.com, trying to solicit a ride at a gas station gives you a little more control over who you get in the car with. Because drivers usually spend a decent amount of time at gas stations while traveling, you can watch for someone that looks friendly who’s also going the same way you’re going. Then, you can approach them about giving you a ride. This way, you’re not just getting in the car with whoever felt like stopping at that moment.
Be Mindful Of Your Appearance
To increase the chances of getting a ride, Kiersten Rich, a contributor to TripSavvy.com, advises that you be very mindful of your appearance when you’re hitchhiking. The cleaner and more well-maintained you’re able to look, the better your chances will be that someone will stop and give you a ride. Along with this, you should also try to look friendly and confident when hitchhiking, as people will then be more likely to stop for you.
If you’re considering trying hitchhiking during your next travels, use the tips mentioned above to help you do so safely and successfully.
