Hitchhiking 👍🏻🛣️
Hitchhiking stories and articles
Explore hitchhiking experiences, practical travel tips and stories from travellers around the world.
This page brings together the articles and volunteer opportunities currently listed on Voluntouring.org under the hitchhiking tag. Open any post below to read the complete story or learn more about the featured project.
What is hitchhiking?
Hitchhiking is a form of travel in which a person asks passing drivers for a ride, usually without a prearranged booking. Travellers may use a recognised hand gesture or display a sign showing their destination, depending on local customs.
Before hitchhiking
- Check whether hitchhiking is permitted and where pedestrians are legally allowed to wait. Rules vary between countries, regions and types of road.
- Choose a visible location where a driver can stop without obstructing traffic. Do not stand on the carriageway, near a bend or in another dangerous position.
- Plan your route and keep an alternative form of transport in mind in case you cannot find a ride.
- Travel during daylight when possible and carry sufficient water, suitable clothing and a charged telephone.
- Clearly confirm the destination before entering the vehicle. You are always free to decline a ride if the situation makes you uncomfortable.
- Tell someone you trust about your plans and, when appropriate, share the vehicle details or your location.
- Keep important belongings accessible and ask to leave the vehicle in a safe, public place if necessary.
Hitchhiking involves accepting rides from strangers and cannot be made completely risk-free. Always use your own judgement, check current local conditions and read Voluntouring’s hitchhiking safety guide before setting out.
Hitchhiking articles, stories and opportunities 👍🛣️
This page displays a limited number of posts at a time. If more articles are available, select Older Posts at the bottom of the page to continue browsing. Do you host volunteers or run a project connected with slow or alternative travel? You can submit your opportunity for publication on Voluntouring.org.
