5 Reasons Why You Should Hitchhike When You Travel
Escape from the Touristy Experience
I can’t begin to count how many conversations I’ve overheard—or even been a part—of people recounting their vacations, and they begin to sound like a copy-and-pasted experience straight from a travel guide book. Any tourist can open a guide book, point blindly at a page, and take a taxi to that location. It’s easy, it’s simple… it’s been done. Why use your limited time to visit the same overcrowded areas when you could experience other truly unique and memorable spaces? Hitchhiking has proven, without fail, to provide a one of a kind adventure. Regardless of having a general area or direction that you’re trying to move towards, I can almost guarantee that you will have an idea of where you’re going by the time you’re waving goodbye to the driver who picked you up. Locals give the best advice and have the most unique ideas for things to do and places to stay in their area. They’re the experts!
It provides a local’s perspective on the area
You know those guided tours some people take when they’re new to a city? The ones with a guide showing you the best local eateries, the safe and dangerous parts of town, and the most exciting options for an eventful nightlife? Well, why pay for that when you can get it absolutely free?! Hitchhiking is one of the best ways to get a local’s perspective while simultaneously tending to your transportation needs. Think about it, most people live in areas they like, for whatever reasons! In my experience, those car rides are the perfect times to discuss everything about the area—from their favorite cafes to the most beautiful hikes in the area, plus dozens of more tips and tricks that only the locals know. They’re sometimes so excited about an opportunity to share their lives and personal insights that you end up with a depth of knowledge. I’ve even had drivers take me out to eat or offer me money to treat myself to dinner at their favorite place later on. I’ve had drivers go out of their ways to drive me to a beautiful camping location or a unique (but amazing) less-known hostel.
Now, obviously, it’s not common for drivers to give hitchhikers resources like money, but I like to share these experiences because it is a good reminder of the generosity of some people, and highlight the positive experiences you can have while hitchhiking.
Economically speaking, it’s your best option. It’s free (or cheap, at least)!
Remember that it is common knowledge in most countries that hitchhiking is free. It is not going to be a surprise to your driver if you don’t pay them. This isn’t an Uber, you didn’t face to face request someone for a ride, they saw you on the side of the road and they chose to pull over. There should be no guilt associated with taking a ride for free. Just remember to pay it forward later when you have the ability to pick up a fellow hitchhiker.
Some countries, in my experience often many ex-soviet states, and countries in south east Asia, it is not always assumed that your hitched ride will be free, so do your hitchhiking research ahead of time. In these situations it is assumed that the car has become a taxi and a small fee will be requested. When you’re in countries like this I suggest asking “how much” before getting in the car. They may say it’s free, great! Or if they are looking to charge you may be able to negotiate the price. Know ahead of time what you’re willing to spend and determine for yourself if it is worth your time to hitchhike or if you’d prefer to spend your time and money on a bus.
It’s better for the environment
As someone who is traveling and trying to see the world, you (hopefully) want to do everything in your power to protect the land that you’re trying to explore. It should go without saying that carpooling is better for the environment, but people often overlook this simple fact. Two or more people going the same direction can share a car and lessen the pollution emitted into the air—shocking, I know. Do your part: walk, bike, take public transportation, and hitchhike!
You begin to make local connections that enhance your experience
Making friends can be an odd experience when you travel, because when you part ways, you usually have no intention of seeing each other again. Common departure phrases like “see you later” stick out like a sore thumb, and you begin to say things like “I hope you have a great life” because you know that you likely won’t encounter them again. But, if there’s one thing I’ve noticed as I became a more seasoned traveler, it’s that the more you travel, the smaller the world becomes. Suddenly, you begin to run into people you know in cities and countries far from where you once met. The math is fairly simple; the more people you meet, the more likely running into a past hitchhiking acquaintance will happen.
I’ll never forget the first time that this happened to me. I ran into someone who I had hitched a ride with, hundreds of miles away from where they gave me that ride. They were the next door neighbor to the person who hosted me as I was Couchsurfing. It was an unexpected and exciting experience, and I soon discovered that experiences like this make you feel more connected to the world and the people in it. The people you meet along traveling journeys are just as memorable as the places you visit, if not more so.
As you begin to hitchhike, I’m sure you will discover your own personal reasons as to why it is superior in comparison to other modes of transportation. You will fall in love with the option and quickly choose it over alternatives, and traveling without the hitchhiking element may even become boring and less memorable. To get to the point where you can confidently and effectively hitchhike in a safe way, I suggest reading 11 Tips For Being an Effective Hitchhiker, and How to Avoid Being Murdered While Hitchhiking.