The Hitchhiker's Guide: A Comprehensive Guide for Travelers

As a seasoned traveler, I have first-hand experience with hitchhiking across North America, the UK, and parts of Europe in the 1970s and 80s. During this era, hitchhiking was a common and generally safe practice. However, as decades have passed, the landscape of safe travel for hitchhiking has evolved. In this article, I will share my insights and experiences to help both experienced and novice travelers navigate the complexities of hitchhiking confidently and safely.

The Psychology and Methods of Hitchhiking

When considering hitchhiking, whether you are male or female, the psychology of your approach and the driver's thinking is crucial. For your safety and success, you need to consider the mindset of both male and female drivers:

For Men:

Look neat, well-groomed, and appear well-traveled. Trim hair and facial hair. Use polite language, such as “Sir” and “Madam,” and look like a responsible student going home who has family and friends to see. Stay non-threatening and positive. Use playful animation and a smile to catch rides.

For Women:

Appear poor but neatly dressed. If you are physically attractive, avoid giving any impression of offering services or being overly friendly, drunk, stoned, or mentally unstable. Avoid putting yourself in uncomfortable or dangerous situations. Be prepared to refuse a ride if it feels unsafe.

For both genders, the most significant factor is safety. For women, the biggest factor is sex, with sympathy and empathy often balancing out the equation.

Personal Experiences and Safety Precautions

During my travels in the 1970s and 80s, I encountered a wide range of drivers and experiences. One memorable night, I was harassed by Massachusetts State Troopers in Boston, which left a lasting negative impression. Despite these incidents, the majority of my rides were positive and respectful.

When I hitchhiked, I found that male solo drivers were often the most likely to stop. Occasionally, female solo drivers and couples who were kind and generous were also willing to provide rides. Conversations and company were the primary motives, with rare instances of sexual or drug-related expectations.

Unfortunate Incidents and Advice:

Back in the day, single women were advised to either look like someone's sister, have a contagious medical condition, or talk endlessly about their boyfriend. These tactics were meant to avoid unwanted attention. Today, drivers are more suspicious, and the potential for violence or misconduct is higher.

My advice to women and anyone considering hitchhiking is to be conservative and patient. Wait until the post-pandemic era, when travel restrictions are lifted, to start hitchhiking. Use the Greyhound bus service and online networks like Couchsurfing for more reliable and stress-free travel.

Safe Travel Alternatives

Nowadays, safe travel alternatives include Greyhound bus lines and popular online networks like Couchsurfing. These options are both cost-effective and stress-free:

Greyhound Bus Lines: Cost-effective and reliable, with fares competitive and routes covering most major cities. Couchsurfing: A network where travelers can stay with locals, offering a unique cultural experience and the security of being in a host's home.

Additionally, staying informed about travel tips and joining online traveler communities can provide valuable insights and support.

For inspiration and cultural context, I recommend reading books like Even Cowgirls Get the Blues by Tom Robbins or by Jack Kerouac. These works offer a glimpse into the spirit of travel and the experiences of seasoned travelers.

Remember, the most important aspect of hitchhiking is staying safe and being aware of your surroundings. Take precautions, be courteous, and enjoy the adventure!