Hitchhiking: What to Take with You and How Not to Get Lost on the Road

Hitchhiking is an interesting experience and a way to save money. Lifehacker will advise you on what to take on a trip, how to drive correctly and avoid getting into trouble.

Hitchhiking is the use of passing transport by tourists to cover part of the route. The driver voluntarily takes the fellow traveler with him and usually does not receive money for it. A bus fare dodger or a refugee who has secretly entered the holds of a merchant ship is not considered a hitchhiker. Hitchhiking can be by car, train, water or air.

Drivers sometimes take people out of pity or a desire to help, but more often they are bored on the road, want to talk and get interesting information. Hitchhiking is a partnership based on the principle of free exchange. The traveler gets the opportunity to quickly and free of charge cover the distance, the driver gets an interesting conversationalist.

Impressions

Hitchhiking gives vivid memories. The traveler leaves his comfort zone and overcomes himself to get an extraordinary experience.

Sports

Some travelers compete with each other in the distance of the trip, the speed of covering a section of the route and the number of cities and countries visited by hitchhiking.

What to take on the road

Backpack

For the trip, you will need a large and comfortable backpack with additional straps for the waist. The right tourist backpack distributes the load evenly across the body and has external holders for the mat.

The straps should not press or rub, the backpack should be easy to remove and not restrict movement. It is advisable to purchase a cover for the backpack. For documents, important things and money, get a separate body bag.

Clothing

You will need a clean set of outerwear, three sets of underwear and socks, a raincoat, comfortable sneakers and light sneakers just in case. It should be clear from the appearance of the hitchhiker that he is a clean and socialized person.

A miserable appearance sometimes saves the situation, but only in case of objective reasons, for example, during cold rain. Outerwear should have reflective elements. If you plan to hitchhike in the cold season, you need to take warm boots, woolen socks and a set of thermal underwear with you.

Personal hygiene products

Your cosmetic bag should contain toothpaste and a toothbrush, soap, toilet paper, a towel and insect repellent. Do not take bottles of shampoo and shower gel. You can find them in a hotel, camping site or hostel.

Food and dishes

To avoid adding weight to your backpack, it is better to take dehydrated nutritious foods with you that can quickly satisfy your hunger. These are dried fruits, nuts, nutritional bars, chocolate.

If you plan to cook over a fire, you can put salt, buckwheat and a can of preserves in your backpack. The main principle is simple: you should always have food for one meal, which is renewed as you eat it. Pack them in a pot with a spoon and a mug. It is advisable to take a burner with a canister, especially for traveling in Europe.

Technology

Find a tariff for inexpensive Internet access. Download apps for finding tickets and accommodation, weather forecasts, a translator and maps. Don’t forget about a charger and an external battery.

You can take a tablet or a small lightweight laptop with you if you are blogging or working. If the camera on your phone is not enough for you, look for a universal lens. You will also need a flashlight.