HITCHING

Also known as thumbing, tramping, hitching, autostop or thumbing up a ride, depending on where in this world you live.

Now, mothers of the world are gasping, covering their children’s eyes and crossing themselves. Don’t worry. Like spiders, snakes, and any other thing most people greet with terror- odds are, it’s more afraid of you than you are of it. How often do you pull over your nice vehicle to pick up someone thumbing it on the side of the road? Exactly.

the proper use for thumbs
photo: totally severe

So you’re sold, and you’re ready to take the jump. Follow these tips to ensure you and your host driver both have an enjoyable experience.

Be a good car guest

This might come as common sense, but haven’t we talked about how uncommon that is? You are a good car guest if you come prepared. Do not be smelly. Do not be rude. Do not be a human sponge. In case those are confusing terms, let’s take it out of the negative.

Be clean. Be kind. Be generous.

You’re not just representing yourself, you’re representing the rest of the hitching community. By being a good car guest you ensure that you will get a nice long ride, and that the driver will have every reason to pick up another hitcher in the future. Make sure you bring enough food and water for a few hours trip, just in case your hitch is on a deadline. No one wants to have to make an unscheduled stop for the person they are donating a ride to. On the other hand, they’re going to be very grateful for your awesome food and beverage provisions.

Be intelligent, or at least interesting.

Knowing a bit about the area you are traveling in is simple good manners and what a real traveler is about. If you are in an area unplanned, try to be interested in the local culture, or at least your car host. Are you a terrible conversationalist? Try this simple formula: ask questions, listen. Works like a charm! There is no better language teacher than a local, have a pen and paper handy and ask how to say a few key phrases in the language. People usually love food, ask your host their favorite national dish.

Be informed.

Have a map that covers the country in a detailed fashion. This saves your host from having to explain where you are, where you’re going, where he’s going, etc. It also puts you in the useful category: a good co-pilot knows their way around a map.

Trust your gut.

If the driver seems rapey, murdery, creepy, or sketchy, ask to be dropped off at the next well connected location. You might worry about being rude, but better safe than sorry. Don’t hesitate to turn down rides. Simple rule, if they make you feel uh oh in your no-no just say “nevermind” and walk away!

Don’t be a packhorse.

First of all, if you’re carrying a ton of luggage, stop. This is bad for your back, your travel style, and your chances of getting picked up. If your driver has to worry about where they’re going to fit your oversized backpack, 20 liter daypack, plastic bags and hammock, the odds are that he is going to drive on by. If you happen to have way too much stuff, stand in front of it so that they don’t see how much useless junk you have. Be prepared to sit with all of this on your lap until your legs go numb.

Location, Location, Timing.

Tricked ya there, didn’t I? You need to be placed where a driver can spot you with enough time to pull over, and a safe place to do so. Placed right after a curve on a two lane, windy road? Bad. Placed in the median of a four lane highway? Worse. Approaching people in a petrol station? Great! I think you get the hint.
Timing. No one is going to stop for you when they’re rushing to work. No one is going to stop for you during lunch hour traffic. Take these into consideration, and hit the streets during the time when you’re most likely to get picked up.

Plan B aka The Key Shank.

Just because you’re trusting in the goodness of humanity, and accepting the hospitality of strangers does not mean you’re defenseless. Always have a plan in case something goes wrong. A cell phone (always make sure you know the local emergency number!) ready to call for help. A canister of pepper spray in your daypack. Or maybe you don’t have these items at your disposal, never forget the house key shank.
The house key shank? Yes. Take your key ring, and hold a key between each finger, until your hand looks like wolverine. Excellent for punching and causing more damage than normal. Go for the eyes if it’s a real emergency!

HitchWiki

HitchWiki is downright awesome. They’ve got first time guides and all kinds of tips on how to safely navigate the world of thumbing. Tips on how to make awesome signs, and a guide for those who pick up hitchers… In fact, it’s infinitely more useful than this section of my site, but there’s no sarcasm, so I know you’ll be back here. Go ahead and explore Hitchwiki, you’re going to love it.

Hitchhikers

This is perfect if you have a set route in mind. Departure cities, dates, and destinations all in one place. You can get a feel for the person before messaging them and work out any details you might have questions about. Thoroughly awesome and highly recommended.

E Ride Share

This site is a little brighter and flashier, and according to the internet gods, the most frequently used / largest ride sharing website out there. Used for everything from a daily carpool, to one off cross continent trips. Check it out!

Compartir

Compartir means share in Spanish, and we all know that sharing is caring. Available in nine languages and covering several continents, Compartir will help you plan your hitching route, give it a shot!