Hitchhiking - perhaps the most interesting and adventurous way of travel. If the attempt to leave by road is not caused by necessity (for example, a breakdown, your own car), then it is not just a mode of movement, but an entire art, with its own principles and philosophy.
When going hitchhiking, you should evaluate the ratio of possible advantages, disadvantages and even risks. It is also important to know the basic rules of behavior on the road that will ensure your success and safety.
Advantages of hitchhiking
- the opportunity to feel free and independent, "breaking" the system;
- a way to save money - in theory, a hitchhiking trip should be free, but practice shows that here already - how to negotiate. But in any case, this amount will be lower than the one you pay when traveling by public transport;
- the opportunity to make new acquaintances and just have a nice time on the road. By the way, this moment is also taken into account by drivers of vehicles. Often, drivers, especially those who are forced to travel for a long time, gladly take fellow travelers who will entertain them with conversations and will not let them doze off on the road;
- invaluable experience of communication with a wide variety of people. For the modest and shy it can become a kind of training, certainly, if they decide to take such a step;
- the possibility of movement on those sections of the road where public transport does not go or its traffic is difficult.
Disadvantages of hitchhiking
- the inability to plan anything over time. You can catch the car in 5 minutes, and you can stand on the road for 3 hours. Yes, and drivers come across different - some are lihachat, others go at lower speed marks;
- weather conditions - the need to be outdoors in anticipation of a ride can throw unpleasant "surprises" like sunburn or an unexpected shower;
- risks that are waiting for the traveler on the road.
Let's talk about this in more detail. The driver-maniac, pretending to be a douche, brings hapless stoppers to a remote place and kills there - a typical plot for a Hollywood thriller. In fact, according to veteran hitchhikers, the danger of such a scenario in life is not higher than if you leave your doorway and you, say, drop a flower pot on top. But some risks still exist:
- attacks from the driver. To avoid it, you should follow the precautionary rules - when choosing a driver, listen to your intuition (yes-yes!), And keep your things on hand so that in case of danger, quickly leave the car;
- theft - an unscrupulous driver can simply go with your things when you, for example, go to the store. To avoid looting, do not wear expensive jewelry or accessories;
- sexual violence - girls and women should not travel alone, and also deliberately choose clothes - it is not necessary to hitchhike on a trip too frank and open things.
Hitchhiking rules
Well, finally, a few simple rules that must be followed by every traveler hitchhiking:
- be in a good mood. Few people will want to sit with a number of taciturn fellow traveler;
- be tactful - do not intrude on conversations, if the driver has made it clear that he is not tuned to a conversation;
- if the conversation is tied up, be polite: do not be interested in the drivers of trucks, what they are driving, do not ask personal questions, do not criticize the manner of driving;
- not all understand the essence of the philosophy of hitchhiking, some drivers hope that they will be paid for the trip, so always have some money with you.
In addition to hitchhiking, there are other ways to travel for free.