The cheapest traveling method is hitchhiking. In this method the rider has to stand at the edge of a road and show the thumb upwards. It is turned as the best way to create friends because the rider is directly interacting with unknown people coming to his/her way. Few valuable instructions and tips are mentioned below for good hitchhiking:
- Get the exact map: whichever place you have selected you should carry the correct map of the location. If you are in the US, then you can refer to the Rand McNally map book and if you are a resident of the UK, then you can get the maps of ordinance survey. Many big transport companies are using these maps to reach the correct location on time. If you carry such maps you can locate the road, hotel, bus station and many other things that are supposed to come on your way.
- Precautions: Hitchhiking is an interesting mode of journey, but it can be dangerous as well. Few things that you should carry for hitchhiking journey are scanned ID card (passport, driving license, etc.) and important contact numbers. You must send a copy of scanned documents to your own email id. If something goes wrong and your documents gets stolen, then you can take a printout for your safety.
- Reach embassy for a new passport and submit the scanned copies. Do not forget to get the phone numbers of credit card company. In case of card lost you have to inform the company immediately, so that no one can take advantage of your card. For safety you can carry pepper spray to keep yourself protected.
- Creating sign: writing and creating sign shows that you are educated person and planned for the trip. Buy one notebook and black or blue marker. Write the name of the spot on the notebook that you are going to visit. Place name should be written clearly, so that drivers will be able to read the sign properly.
- Hitchhiking spot: check the map for the correct direction of your destination. Once you are in the correct direction, you will be able to show the sign to people crossing that road. Find the inclined road as the driver can see clearly on such roads. Lighting should be there so that reading the sign will become easier for the driver.
- Dress properly: your dressing sense plays the vital role in hitchhiking. To look decent wear the simple and elegant looking clothes. Take the sign board in hand and show that with a smile.
- You should not keep all your valuable items like ID, Passport, Credit Cards, cash etc at same spot. It is not advised to carry these items in luggage but instead keep them with yourself. Do not carry all these items in your wallet. Keep them in different pockets and possible in your socks or shoes as well.
- It is easy to lose your phone. It can also be stolen in case you are carrying iPhone or Android smartphone. In such case there are apps that can help you not only lock your phone but trace them. For example, Avast anti virus can lock your phone or even wipe out memory with single sms or even via online. This way you can secure sensitive data in your phone.
- Note the vehicle no in which you are traveling. If possible sms/email it to a family member.
- Hitchhiking is not always recommended. In some countries you should avoid such form of travel because of security reasons. Emerging countries with particularly high crime rate against foreigners should be avoided.
You have to approach the passerby with positive attitude otherwise the chances to get the lift will be less. You should not hitch the driver where he/she has to concentrate more like crosswalks, traffic signal areas, or playgrounds. Do not try to hitch in areas where the cops are present. This method is dangerous on highways, so you should not try hitchhiking on such roads. Enjoy this cheaper method to reach your destination, but also take care of mentioned points.
