First, let me outline my experience. I have hitched the Sahara in 1991, north to south, across Algeria into Niger; have gone overland – which was mostly hitching – from England to India, via Europe, Iran & Pakistan, in 1990; I’ve hitched across the Tibetan Plateau and over the Himalayan high passes into Nepal in 1994; I hitch-hiked across the desert from Jordan to Iraq in 1989 and across Northern Kenya into Ethiopia in 1994, and there’s also been dozens of smaller journeys in numerous countries ranging from New Zealand to Vietnam to Morocco to Scotland to Uruguay, etc, so here are some tips.
Hitching to Ethiopia, by truck across northern Kenya
- While hitching is usually to save on transport costs often it’s the only viable means of transport, especially so in remote developing world regions where you may ride on top of a cargo truck, and if this is the case then 99% of the time you will be expected to pay, so agree on a price before you hop in/on.
- Maintain eye contact with the driver even as he passes – often it’s at this point that they will slow, and stop. Always have your sunglasses off so your eyes are exposed, and smile slightly.
- Some people think that appearance helps/hinders the effort –maybe; all I know is that in my teens/20s/30s I was a long-haired dude in colorful, alternative clothes and this did not hurt my chances.
- Make sure you can carry your backpack for a few km, easily and without effort; heavy, bulky bags are a nightmare. Travel light.
- For marathon journeys carry some white A4 paper and a RED marker to write – in clear block letters – your destination and hold it above your head for each passing car to see. Often a joke can work or maybe a smiley face. EG: when I was stuck in Luxembourg I wrote my final destination – INDIA; that got attention and soon a ride out of a tough spot.
- Chose your hitching spot with care. Walk or get a taxi or bus to the edge of town, the city, the village. No one will stop at a bend or a busy intersection. If it’s very hot find a shady area. Don’t walk too far if the area is – like an endless desert. Find a good spot and be patient. Make sure the driver can see you at least 100 metres away and then they can assess you on the approach.
- Start your trip early in the morning – at dawn – if the distance is great, the land sparse, the road empty, and you should always have at least some water, and some light snacks / biscuits, maybe some salami or a tin of tuna, for emergencies.
If it’s a long journey and the climate – EG: Europe – is temperate or cold carry a sleeping bag and plastic ground sheet so you can sleep anywhere alongside the route if you get stranded. And if it’s hot, off course carry extra water and use a hat & sunscreen.
- Always carry the essentials like a torch, map, rain-jacket or poncho, Swiss Army knife, a compass, tissue paper, basic medicines, etc.
- Hitching in Europe is illegal and dangerous on most major highways, so wait at petrol and restaurant parks and approach drivers directly or wait at the exits.
- Because the driver has picked you up often they will want conversation / company; so introduce yourself, your country, your journey and ask a few questions – if there’s no common language use charades, hands – and if the conversation continues fine, or maybe the driver prefers silence … You will assess this within the first 5 minutes. Be warned that numerous conversations during lots of short rides can get tiring but you’re obligated to be polite to those that are doing you this favor.
- Sometimes it’s best to decline offers of short rides in favor of waiting for the perfect ride BUT often you have no choice or it’s too late in the day or few vehicles pass – so then take any offer.
- I’ve never had a really bad experience hitching but use common sense: avoid drunks, families are good, and if you’re female then be extra careful and use your intuition – if it feels bad – don’t ask why? just follow the vibe – and decline the offer.
- Remember: hitching the Developing World along major routes is often unnecessary as cheaply-priced buses and shared-taxis will ply all the main routes (but this is less so in parts of Africa).
- Hitching can be a great way to encounter the locals and often people will go out of their way for you – EG: buy you a meal, smoke a joint with you or offer you a place to stay, sometimes detouring off their route to take you closer to where you want to be.
- Have confidence, be wise, and get on the road …
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