How you can relax for free: hitchhiking. How to hitchhike: instructions and useful tips for beginners. Meals and accommodation

If you are planning an exciting trip, but do not want or do not have the opportunity to buy tickets, hitchhiking can be an ideal option - a free trip along a certain route in passing cars or trucks.

Many people perceive hitchhiking as simply a way to save money, but this is not the whole point of such trips. It is also a way of life, a special way of thinking and an opportunity to meet new people. Hitchhiking gives you a chance to see the world and visit even the most remote corners of the Earth, while not spending a penny on transport and having fun.

Benefits of hitchhiking

Compared to organized tourist trips, hitchhiking is characterized by the following undeniable advantages:

the route of movement is completely independent and individually tailored to your preferences;
you can visit all the sights and spend as much time in each city as you see fit;
you actively communicate with new people and make interesting and unusual acquaintances;
it is a good language practice and psychological preparation;
it is an adrenaline rush, excitement, new knowledge and a huge life experience.

Hitchhiking is a positive experience and new impressions

If you want to know how to organize a hitchhiking trip, here are a few useful advice that will help make your trip comfortable and safe.

Consider appearance and clothing

Everyone knows the importance of first impressions, and in the case of hitchhiking, how you look often determines whether a passing driver will pick you up. Clothing should be clean, as comfortable as possible for long trips, and carefully selected to accommodate changes. weather conditions.
So that the cold does not take you by surprise, take care of the presence of thermal underwear and warm changeable socks, because there is nothing worse than getting your feet wet on the road.

It is also necessary to have a supply of clean change of clothes. If you are dressed untidy, then your chances of stopping the car are significantly reduced - no one wants to pick up a person with a suspicious appearance. It is especially important to remember appearance hitchhiking girls. It is better to forget about too open clothes, so as not to cause unpleasant associations and not provoke dangerous situations.

For night journeys, it is important to have bright and reflective elements on clothes or a backpack. Many travelers prefer bright outerwear in rich yellow or acid orange to reduce the risk of being hit by inattentive participants. traffic, and also makes you more visible to drivers who are willing to take a companion.

Learn the rules of the road

If you don't drive yourself, read the rules of the road before you drive so you don't try to stop a hitchhiker at a no-stopping sign, before a turn, on an expressway, or on a bridge. Also, you are unlikely to be picked up at a fork in the road or a railway crossing. In addition, you can be fined for the wrong crossing of the roadway - in many countries of the world, the laws are quite strict.

Determine your travel itinerary

Hitchhikers who have traveled a certain length of time advise first of all to plan the route of the trip. Buy a road map for the area you are heading to, carefully study the cities, villages, settlements along the way (there are shops to replenish food and water supplies), as well as hotels, hostels, motels and campsites. Plan in advance where you will stop for the night. Complete rest is often critical to a comfortable ride.

You need to take care of the route of hitchhiking in advance

It is necessary to clearly represent the initial and end point your journey. If you are a beginner hitchhiker, choose a simple test route within your country up to 150 km long - this is enough to get you started, and you will be able to assess your strength and level of readiness for such trips. When plotting a route, give preference to busier roads than shortcut in the backwoods.

If you are traveling abroad, knowing the names of the key points on local language. You can find help with route planning on the forums of advanced hitchhikers - see the reviews and recommendations of the Moscow school of hitchhiking, the academy of free travel or the Belarusian team extreme travel Sky division.

Learn how to pack a backpack

When planning a trip, first of all take documents and a certain amount of money for unforeseen expenses. Decide whether you will spend the night in a tent, or you are expected to spend the night in hostels or motels. A traveler who plans a comfortable overnight stay indoors will need an average backpack with a volume of up to 50 liters. If you plan to spend the night "in an open field", you will need a large tourist backpack, because in addition to a tent you will need a burner, a sleeping bag and a mat.

Complete the first aid kit, which should contain a bandage, analgin, iodine, antibiotics, alcohol, aspirin, remedies for indigestion, a bactericidal plaster, etc. Stock up on personal hygiene products. Don't forget the small number of products you must have long term storage and do not take up much space (nuts, crackers, biscuits, chocolate bars). Also take a daily supply of water (1.5-2 liters) with you. On the road, you will need a compass, a flashlight, matches and a folding knife.

The right place to start your journey

It is best to start hitchhiking outside the city, since taxis or those drivers who earn extra money picking up passengers along their route will stop in the city itself. The place for voting should be such that the driver can see you from afar and have time and opportunity to stop. Then you can calmly ask him for a lift and tell about your route.

Pay attention to the category and meaning of the road on which you stop the vehicle. The higher the significance of the route, the busier the traffic on it, which means a higher chance of catching the transport with which you are on the way. You should not try to catch a passing car on exits from a hill and on bypass roads - experienced travelers say that the chances of luck in such places are minimal. If you are driving at night, try to find a well-lit spot on the highway.

Communication with the driver will help adjust the route

Hitchhiking requires a positive attitude in any situation

National features of hitchhiking

When traveling abroad, you will need at least minimal knowledge in English to be able to communicate with the driver. Besides, in European countries cars are not allowed to stop on the autobahn - there you will never catch a ride. Hitchhikers with experience advise novice travelers to take into account some features of hitchhiking in different countries Europe:

Italy. Hitchhiking is generally prohibited here. Try not to catch the eye of law enforcement officers, otherwise you will have to pay a rather big fine.
Germany. Traffic police may complain about you as a violator of the law. In this country, it is advised to stand at the exits of gas stations, and no one will pick you up on the autobahn itself.
Poland. You can hitchhike quite quickly and simply, the main thing is to stop on a busy highway in a place convenient for parking.
Denmark. Can easily go to the right direction The Danes are very responsive and are not afraid to give strangers a ride.
Holland. Hitchhikers are selected with the least willingness.
Austria. This is one of the most difficult countries to stop a car on highways. Here it is advised to go by agreement with the driver while he refuels the car or rests at the campsite.
Czech. locals consider hitchhikers rather suspicious. In this country more chances that a foreigner will give you a lift.
Hungary. Drivers take fellow travelers easily, sometimes even violating the rules of traffic on the highway.
Slovakia. Fellow travelers are more likely to be picked up by truckers rather than car drivers.
Portugal. There is not too much traffic on the roads here - it is better to agree with the driver at the gas station. The easiest way to move in this country is from one gas station to another.
France. Almost everyone picks up travelers, even women and families with children, but hitchhiking is prohibited in the country on weekends.

Experienced hitchhikers also claim that Europeans are much more willing to take strangers into the car than residents. post-Soviet space, and are never surprised to ask for a quote for free. But residents of the CIS countries most often try to get at least some payment for their services.

Remember: the more responsibly you approach the upcoming hitchhiking trip, the more exciting your trip will be. Attentiveness, safety and goodwill are the main features of a successful hitchhiker!

What to talk about, how to behave and what not to argue about - you can find in our fresh material.

A hitchhiker girl shouldn't dress provocatively. An immodest top and shorts, quite appropriate in the city, on the track can cause unnecessary associations. It is best to wear comfortable, clean and tidy clothing suitable for various weather conditions. In this case, the traveler has more chances for passing transport.

In order for you to be noticed on the road, bright elements must be present on your clothes. If you vote at night, make sure that your clothing has reflective elements.

2. It’s better for a girl to ride in a pair with a man

Hitchhiking is always associated with risks, so it is better to travel together. Of course, girls traveling alone are always more likely to be picked up. However, the young girl runs the risk of being in an unpleasant situation.

Do not be afraid that drivers do not pick up couples. On the slopes, young couples who hitchhike arouse sympathy. And if a married couple is driving in the car, they will always stop to take them to their company.

What to do in those cases when the car stopped, and you did not like the company with which you have to go? In this case, you should ask the driver where he is going. After listening to him, you can safely say that, unfortunately, you are not on the way, and immediately try to catch another car.

3. Plan your trip

Once you've made the decision to hitchhike, the first thing you need to decide is where you're going to go. An experienced hitchhiker is always first of all determined with the route.

It is best to plan a route in advance. You can purchase a card highways the area where you are going. Carefully study which settlements will come across on your way. Ultimately, this will make a significant difference.

4. Immediately agree that the ride will be free

It is important before you get into the car to agree that you will not pay for the trip. The main argument is no money. No, it won't. As an "excuse" it works well that you are students, you travel for a long time, heavy backpacks, hot weather. If you do not warn the driver, unpleasant situations may arise.

5. Keep up the conversation, talk

The most important stereotype that one who decides to hitchhike should get rid of is that this type of travel is a "freebie". The driver who picks up the hitchhiker also gets his "fee". Fare - good mood and interesting communication.

Conversation with a fellow traveler good way dispel road boredom and not "nod off" at the wheel. The most successful hitchhikers are those who are friendly, sociable, smile often and can tell interesting stories about the places they have visited.

Therefore, speak, speak, ask and tell - that is why they take you on the road. In addition, how can you miss the opportunity to replenish your stock of knowledge with stories, useful information, advice, worldly wisdom?

6. Respect the driver

If a car stopped for you and you were allowed to get into it, then you should follow some rules along the way. Try to behave yourself. If you feel like smoking, this is only possible if the driver smokes, but you should still ask permission before you take out a cigarette.

Do not discuss the driver's driving style, as well as his actions. If you are asked to fasten your seat belt, be sure to do so. If you behave inappropriately, you may be asked to leave the car.

7. Choose the right terrain

Your journey should begin outside the city limits. Within the city limits, you can only hail a taxi. Try to choose places to vote where it will be easier for the driver to stop and quickly discuss route details with you.

Remember that in Europe it is forbidden to stop cars on the autobahn. Autobahns are everywhere. In Italy, hitchhiking is prohibited, and you will also be fined there. In such a situation, it is best to move away from the traffic police post. The extra attention of law enforcement officers on the roads is not at all necessary for you.

As you know, recently I have taken a new level of traveling on my own - hitchhiking. And this year, from June 1, Mila and I went to. In addition to this condition, our trip was still indefinite, and there was a tent behind us. This does not mean that now I will travel the world only in this way, however, like any developing person, you need to increase the level of complexity in order to grow. I know that not many travelers can afford such a nerve check. But this is really a test, first of all, of oneself and one's strengths. I would say that when hitchhiking, a person begins to truly live (for someone, maybe even survive), and it is under such conditions that the laws of life (axioms) begin to manifest themselves more clearly. I can say that they work for all people and in the familiar world, but they become noticeable only when there is more space for surprise, chance, suspense, not planned, call it what you want. And today I want to highlight 10 axioms (precisely axioms, because they just work without evidence and reasons) that we encountered along the way, traveling around the world hitchhiking with a tent.

You need to remember one thing - the axioms are valid under any circumstances, whether you like it or not, it all depends on time. But, if you add at least a drop of faith, then they will work a little faster, believe me.

Rule number 1. If there is a road, then there is a transport on it that will give you a lift for free.

This rule includes two axioms at once:

if there is a road, then there is a transport on it that will take you away,
if there is a road, then there is a transport on it that will give you a lift for free.

Let's look at the first case. It happened that you have been standing in some wilderness for several hours, and the road is so lifeless that it seems that we will never leave here. This situation was with us in Turkey, when we really wanted to get to, which is located on the top of the mountain. Settlements in the vicinity once or twice and counted, there is almost no transport. One hitchhiker said that she and her group traveled to Nemrut Dag for a couple of days, spending the night on the road on the side of the road, since there were absolutely no hitches. The place at that time was still not very touristy, and buses do not go there, so we did not know if we would leave at all. And what do you think, they left. On the same day, on a minibus with a worker who was just putting this attraction in order. Went back down happy accident with the same uncle.

Now the second case is a wide freeway with a huge number of cars that simply do not stop, and those units that slowed down are asking for money. This was the situation with us in Azerbaijan, where in tourist places meeting a compassionate driver is simply unrealistic, everyone there works as taxi drivers, even if a cool white Lexus stopped in front of you - this is also a taxi. And if you decide to go on foot for a couple of kilometers, then the taxi drivers who see you will specially “drag” after you, they will suddenly change their mind. It’s good in Azerbaijan they still know the Russian language, but in countries where you have problems with the language, you must definitely learn the phrase “no money” in the local language in order to avoid possible problems. As a result, we spent a lot of time changing positions and catching a normal car, but we left anyway.

Rule number 2. If you can't catch the car for a long time, change position.

At first glance, it seems that this is already clear to any hitchhiker, why write about it. However, there are nuances. This rule applies even in specific cases, when the place seems to be chosen ideally, the cars run normally, the hitchhiking in the country is good, there should be no problems. But damn it! No one stops, even crack, even the notorious taxi drivers, sitting in the cabin in splendid isolation, pass by and do not blow in their mustache. And you just need to change position, you can just go forward or back just a few steps. Funny?! Check it out yourself! At first it was funny to me, and then I started using it.

Rule number 3. Sod's Law.

By the way, some laws can be used to reduce the time of other laws. For example, the well-known law of meanness. If there are those among you who smoke (I don’t consider myself one of them, but I’ve seen how it works in fact), then they probably know that if you stand at a bus stop for a long time, and the bus is still not there, then you just need to get a cigarette and light up, as according to the law of meanness, the right bus will fit. Moreover, the more you want to smoke, the faster and more accurately this law will work.

In our case, it often worked the same way with food. For example, we are on the road for a long time, changing one car for another, not even finding time for a snack. And so, when I finally had a free minute, I reached into my backpack (unfastening the lid, untying the knot, taking out a bag of food), as suddenly a car slows down in front of us with an offer to give a ride. You don't even have to raise your hand.

So, as I said, this law can be easily used by combining it with the first two rules in order to catch a car faster.

Rule number 4. Give - take!

On the road, they often offer something completely free of charge, from the heart. When Mila and I had just started hitchhiking, how “educated” people refused what was offered, embarrassed or thinking that it was “indecent”. Until the moment came when the thing (service) offered earlier was really needed.

In Kazakhstan, already on the way out of the country, and freezing from the onset of September cold weather, we spent the last local money, thinking that we didn’t have much time left. Then suddenly another driver offered us 1000 Tugriks. It's not so much, literally for lunch for two. At first we refused, thinking that we would make it to the border, but the driver insisted, and I took them. As a result, hitchhiking that day was completely bad, and in the backpack, apart from half a loaf of bread, there was nothing edible. So the money came in handy to restore energy in cold weather.

Another example: on the road, Mila had a small problem with her tooth. Arriving in Dogubayazit (Turkey), we met Kurdish guys, among whom was a dentist girl. She offered Mila to “repair” the tooth for free. We agreed to an appointment after, but then the girl forgot, and Mila did not insist because of the typical “modesty”. As a result, she launched a tooth, now his treatment came out twice as expensive.

Therefore, dear friends, if those around you offer something from the bottom of their hearts, do not refuse, because the world believes that this moment You need it. Just do not confuse with such concepts as “arrogance”, “begging” and “duty”, these qualities do not work with this rule.

Rule number 5. If on the way someone promised something to you and did not fulfill it, then another will do it for him.

But this is a very interesting axiom. If I heard about the rest somewhere or intuitively guessed, then this law surfaced quite by accident. And it started in Azerbaijan. In general, Azerbaijanis are very kind and hospitable people, but they have such a contraption in their mentality as “verbal window dressing”. More than once faced with approximately the following Azerbaijani behavior.

You met, made friends, you were invited to visit, counting just on your natural “modesty” and refusal. And you take and agree. Oops! And after that, suddenly, your new acquaintance evaporates in an unknown direction. We encountered this not only in this country, but there most of all. It was very insulting in the first place, counted on a person, trusted, and he ... However, do not despair ahead of time, because if a person promised you “to visit”, and you believed him, expecting the fulfillment of the promised, then the world will give it to you, only with the help of someone else.

I swear it is! For example, in Georgia, at the border, we were driven by an Azerbaijani who was going to a wedding with relatives. And according to the usual mentality, he invited us to visit there, hoping that we would refuse. But, we already knew at that time that we should not refuse if they offered, accepted and agreed. The Azerbaijani did not expect, and did not take us to our destination. Dropped off somewhere in the middle of the way, saying wait 5 minutes, I will ask my relatives about you, and then I will return anyway. We stood for an hour and he didn't come back. During this time of parking, we met a Georgian, who, after a 5-minute conversation with us, took him to his home.

Another example in Uzbekistan, we were moving towards Samarkand. One guy who picked us up, and who was driving the wrong way, decided to help. He called his friend, who was also going to Samarkand, but in an hour, and agreed with him that he would pick up two tourists at the indicated place. We waited for this comrade for an hour and a half, about to go out on the road to vote again, when suddenly three unfamiliar Uzbeks approached us and asked where we were going. It turns out that the guys also went to Samarkand and decided to give us a lift.

As you can see, the law in our case worked on the same day.

Rule number 6. The earth is round!

Or I would also say this: "Do to people the way you want to be treated to you." There is no need to unreasonably offend people who meet on your way, because these same people can meet you again and help you.

We had such a case in . Mila and I were walking along one of the paths, talking to each other, when suddenly, a young Turk passing by, hearing our speech, asked in pure Russian “where from?”. Mila, tired of the excessive attention of the hot Turks, decided that he wanted to show off and wanted to answer him in a rude way, however, she changed her mind in time. And what? At the exit from the valley, when we did not know how to get out of that place, we accidentally ran into the same guy who offered to give us a lift in his car. Do you think he would have wanted to help if the situation had turned out differently in the first place?

Rule number 7. Every fence has a hole.

This law applies mainly to attractions that have a very large area, and are often located under open sky. But even in enclosed spaces you can find the "back door". Such moves were, for example, to the cathedral or to. Personally, I found a hole even in an ordinary fence in Elista. So if you have any kind of fence, I advise you to walk along its perimeter, there will surely be a “secret hole”;).

Rule number 8. The worse they speak of any country (nation), the more hospitable and kinder people there are.

And this axiom was revealed not by the first hitchhiker. People are such creatures that love all sorts of stories, especially about those places where they themselves have not been. What to do, life is boring, you have to entertain yourself with stories, since the imagination is developed.

Very often you can hear negative or compromising reviews about neighboring peoples. For example, in Uzbekistan, Tajiks are bad, and in Tajikistan, Uzbeks. In Turkey, Kurds are feared and savored. Armenians do not favor Azerbaijanis for obvious reasons, but Azerbaijanis do not favor Armenians. But many people are unaware that I, as a tourist, do not belong to either one or the other, I am not a terrorist, not a murderer, not a thief, not a bribe taker, and not even a guest worker. Why should I be treated badly in that country? I am going to visit, see the country, meet people, I have the best intentions.

And the funniest thing is that the most horror stories are told by those who themselves have never been to that country, which they speak unflatteringly about and did not communicate with its local representatives. Or another common pattern: during the trip, many truck drivers communicate only with certain “organs”, and then they conclude that all the people are like that. What else can be discussed here?

Rule number 9. The more you invest (financially, physically, morally), the more you get.

Any successful billionaire or businessman will tell you about this axiom. And she works not only with money. Why do you think many of the world's richest people give to charity? Or are sponsors major projects? Yes, because they know how this law (axiom) of life works.

We are also with good example only encountered while hitchhiking. And we invested not only money, it is enough to be convinced of this if you look. But it is always better to consider the situation with an example. I noticed that if we spend more per day on tickets, food, transport than calculated, then on the same day we can be treated to a free lunch, invited to visit, or for dinner. Yes, even remember the terrible physically demanding descent in the Ihlara canyon, I did not expect at all that after this my arms and legs would tremble. And on the same evening we get (which happened the only time in the Western part of Turkey).

Or in Uzbekistan, local food caused indigestion, so in this country we didn’t use a tent at all, spending the night at someone’s house. Of course, in hospitable countries everything turns out much easier than, for example, in the same Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, do not forget that any rule works better and faster only in a certain state, which I will discuss below.

Rule number 10. Be an optimist and everything will work out!

I think it makes no sense to say that the positive attracts the positive, and the negative - accordingly, I wrote about this a hundred times on the blog. How many times it happened, we go out with Mila on the road out of sorts, so not a single car wants to stop. And if it stops, then no luck with the driver. You come across some “Schumacher” at best, and at worst – a friend with whom you won’t end up with problems. Therefore, before “stopping”, Mila and I try to sort out the conflict between us, and only then, with pure thoughts, we go towards fate.

If you are engaged in your personal development, then this rule should be paramount for you. All esoteric and spiritual teachings speak of this: transurfing, simoron, esoteric practices, yoga, etc. In theory, this rule should be put in the first place, because in my opinion it is the basis for all the others. But, I really wanted to end the list with something positive. So be optimistic, friends, and everything will work out for you, regardless of what you do in this life.

Hello again, dear travelers! In the last article, we learned .

Fasten your seat belts?

Today we will rush along steep road from the village of theory to the metropolis of practice. Therefore, tune in to a positive wave and catch passing tips on how to hitchhike correctly, what things to take on the road, how to find a good travel companion, and what is the fundamental difference between KAMAZ and an asphalt paver.

If you really want to hitchhike but don't know how, there are two ways.

First- start extensive theoretical training. Explore websites dedicated to independent travel in general and hitchhiking in particular, to include stray stoppers and listen to their advice, go to the local hitchhiker club, watch relevant films.

This is all, of course, interesting and informative, and even experienced travelers can get good sources valuable information. The most helpful information- this, of course, is new acquaintances - your possible friends, hosts, guests and fellow travelers.

Perhaps a meeting with them will be so fateful that you will suddenly change not only the route, but also your life.

Second way- go out on the track and raise your hand. No preparation. But with hope and courage. The method works just as well as the first.

The first way is good when you lack confidence, information, or good company. The second method is suitable for people who make decisions with lightning speed. Or those who find themselves in a hopeless situation.

For example, my sister and I got into a truck for the first time when we went from Vladimir to Nizhny Novgorod the last train left. The trucker was so sweet and caring that we fell in love at first sight. At the hitchhiking.

Hiking backpack - we collect things for hitchhiking

So, thoughts are collected and put in order, determination seethes above the 100-degree mark - it remains to collect a backpack. How to choose a faithful companion of your travels and what things to fill it with? It all depends on several factors:

from the season;
from the distance of travel;
on the climate of the destination;
from travel conditions (for example, where overnight stays are supposed);
on your personal preferences (way of spending leisure time, etc.)

The size of the backpack depends, rather, on the purpose and distance of your trip. Personally, I have always had enough of the usual school (I do not travel with a tent and a sleeping bag, I sleep in trucks or hostels).

Experienced travelers, constantly traveling around the world, prefer heavier backpacks with a volume of 25-35 liters, with many pockets and a belt at the waist. Some people are ready to carry all 40. At the same time, according to them, a long and narrow backpack is more convenient than a short and wide backpack.

As for the season, everything goes without saying. Well, don't forget to take long way spare warm socks and a pair of shoes. By the way, this applies not only to winter.

If you're traveling a short distance and plan to reach your destination during daylight hours, pack your backpack depending on the purpose of your visit. A camera, a fishing rod or a package for Aunt Masha.

A long journey involves a change in weather, overnight stays and a sea of new experiences. Therefore, for safety, it will not be superfluous to take a flashlight, clothes with reflective stripes (by the way, I have already been fined for not wearing it), mosquito repellent (and in winter - from frostbite), medicines, if you use them, and a minimal first aid kit (at least a bandage, iodine, analgin and a remedy for poisoning).

For hygiene - a toothbrush, change of underwear and wet wipes, and if your path involves spending the night in nature, then soap.

For comfort - a warm jacket, a raincoat, a hat (a knitted hat can come in handy even in summer, because in the mountains or on the highway the wind sometimes literally knocks you down), a sleeping bag and a tourist rug (I, however, have not used these things for 10 years of hitchhiking, but they can come in handy at any time).

We are sure that you will endure the night in nature - feel free to pack the tent. Someone considers it an indispensable hitchhiking attribute, without which you should not go. Personally, I think that in the event of an unforeseen overnight stay in nature, a rug and a sleeping bag can replace the tent, so I don’t weigh down my backpack. By the way, after conducting a survey on the topic of things needed on a trip, I got the following results:

first aid kit and;
knife, money and a lantern;
bottle of water;
brains and documents;
mat, sleeping bag, tent, change of shoes and clothes;
gas-burner.

The latter was suggested by a friend who has more than 60,000 km of all-weather hitchhiking under his belt. The burner really did come in handy for him.

Briefly about documents. When planning a trip to Russia, take your passport and also take a copy of it (by the way, oncoming traffic cops may ask about your documents and detain you if they are not available).

To travel around the world, be sure to take a passport (if you are not planning a trip to a country where it is needed, you can take it just in case: no one knows which way you will return back). To avoid unnecessary questions, print out the hotel reservation (if you do not plan to stay in hotels, cancel the reservation after printing). And, of course, do not forget your phone, camera and charging device to them. And travel SIM cards, if you use them.

I would add an ordinary ballpoint pen to the list of necessary things. Moreover, my simple phone does not have an organizer.

You can also think over your leisure time and heartily stock up on books (or their electronic counterparts), chess (if they are not in your phone) and a fishing rod. Just think, can your patient backpack and hardy back stand it all?

A fellow traveler is your combat comrade

A trusted friend can help you with things you don't know how to do (set up a tent, cook canned vermicelli soup, navigate the forest, entertain your driver, or speak Mumbo Jumbo). If you are a girl, then the two of you will be safer. Finding fellow travelers is not an easy task, especially if you want your companion to share all the hardships of travel with you, and not multiply them. So let's take a look around!

It’s good if among your friends or acquaintances there is a person (or a company, but hitchhiking is better in a couple) who shares your views on hitchhiking. Ideally, if a friend does not experience a panic fear of the unknown and strangers. Otherwise, you will have to drag the would-be dreamer mentally, and even physically. Therefore, if a friend suddenly turned up, test him for strength at short distances.

If among your acquaintances no one dreams of distant horizons seen from the window of a random car, you will have to find a fellow traveler on the Internet. Tips for finding fellow travelers are given on various sites dedicated to hitchhiking.

For example, it sounds convincing in the VKontakte group Free Travel Academy. There are also links to groups where you can "book" a friend on the road.

I myself was looking for this page And in this, however, instead of a fellow traveler from Batumi to Trabzon, there was a host in Tbilisi, but that's not bad either! You can also search for fellow travelers on Vinsky Forum.

When choosing a faithful companion, try to get to know each other better: chat on social networks, find out your preferences for the method of transportation (for example, my fellow traveler, with whom we almost landed on a feast with the slaughter of a kid from a drunken horseman, tries not to travel at night, and I, on the contrary, I love you very much), cash flow (food or lodging - sooner or later you may face such a choice), comfort level (hostel, tent or hotel), etc. It will not be superfluous to inquire about personal preferences.

How to hitchhike a car?

Of course, it's better if you're not alone. But this is how it works. And here you stand on the side of the road and catch the car. It is important where to fish, how to fish and why to fish.

Location

So where? If you are in the center big city, then someone will probably stop you, but offer you a ride around the city (and not the fact that it's free). But those who, like you, head towards the sea or mountains, will pass by. Therefore, you will have to get to the exit and wait for your driver there. By the way, you can also get there by bus. And it's even better.

When deciding on a location, think not only about your comfort, but also about the convenience of the driver. Of course, in the heat it is more pleasant to stand under a sprawling tree, but if it is spread out near a bridge or a steep climb, do not expect to be stopped.

Miracles, of course, happen (tested on own skin), but it's wiser to expect your dream car installed or just convenient location: At stops, near road pockets or on a wide shoulder, after crossing or turning.

Maybe even at the traffic police post. Traffic cops, as a rule, do not favor our brother, but upon request they can stop a comfortable truck (ideally) in the desired direction. By the way, all the truckers that the traffic police introduced me to turned out to be wonderful people and cheerful interlocutors. One even threw money on the road. Truly, the world is not without good people!

Good people, wow!

Now about how to “catch” these very kind people and inspire them with the idea of giving you a ride for free.

The classic gesture of Russian hitchhikers is a hand raised 90 degrees. In America, on this hand, the thumb also sticks out as a sign that you are a really cool fellow traveler. We believe this without a finger. But you should not send an SOS signal: even those who have no seats in the car will stop you, and they are unlikely to be grateful to you for an incorrectly stated request.

Raise your hand - smile towards a favorable trip. Attract joy and good luck.

You can orient the driver with a sign indicating the place where you are going. It works, but, alas, not always. Once a truck driver confessed to me: “It was only because of the sign that he picked you up. And at first he didn’t take it for that. That's why the pen is always with me. And the cartons are on the way.

Sometimes, however, the plate, especially if it contains the region code instead of the name of the city, misleads people. It turns out that not all drivers know these very codes and do not realize that the numbers on your piece of paper are the city, not the age.

The driver must inspire confidence and sympathy in you - this is a guarantee have a good trip. If it’s hard for you to make an impression in a second while the driver opens the windows and doors of his “swallow” in front of you, talk with him longer (not half an hour, of course) - no one will punish you for this.

As practice shows, there are places where hitchhiking is difficult. It doesn't have to be a city or a whole region - it can be just a kilometer stretch of road. If, after standing there for half an hour, you did not stop anyone, you can safely move on. At the same time, try to move along the highway in compliance with safety rules: at a distance of at least a meter from the lane and preferably towards the traffic.

What to say, what to say?

Find out the route and feel the mood of your interlocutor. Trust your intuition. If for some reason you do not like the driver or inspire anxiety, it is better to refuse the trip.

What to say to the driver in order to establish contact and communicate the intention to take you to the right place for free?

First, say hello. Secondly, name your route (except when you are driving from Moscow to Ulaanbaatar, and a tractor stops you near the village of Gadyukino). It is better not to say the cherished “without money”, but it is possible and necessary to make it clear that you are a budget traveler. For example, like this:

- Good afternoon! I'm going to China, can you give me a ride to Astana? (or: give me a lift wherever you can).

Young people can use expressions that shorten the distance:

- Father (brother), can you give me a lift to Kazan?

As a rule, newly-made relatives do not refuse.

Some drivers, especially in cars, especially with a wife in the next seat, can still clarify about the cost. In such cases, one should not mislead a person. If you were refused, do not be sad - your driver is driving behind.

But it happens that a modest amount paid for transportation significantly changes your situation. It's no secret that there are places where no one "pecks". Pay the driver now or wait for his more generous colleague - it's up to you. You will get to China anyway - it's only a matter of time.

Cars

And briefly about cars. It is logical to assume that to cover long distance the best (and most comfortable) way is in trucks with cozy sleeping bags. However, some stoppers prefer cars, who drive closer but faster and, unlike truckers, are more likely to pick up male travelers. Here, to each his own.

Once, not far from Tbilisi, I caught a passenger car to Saratov, but I had to get out of it, because the driver did not sleep the previous night and did not plan to sleep the next, and safety on the road is above all.

If you are stopped by a grain truck, a milk truck or a mail van, get ready that it will stop at different points all the way and will not take you far. The same applies to minibuses, which can also be negotiated for free, and tractors, coupled with asphalt pavers.

Do not forget to look at the region code, although there may be discrepancies here: the driver lives in Moscow, the numbers are Rostov, he puts you in Georgia and goes to Novosibirsk.

Midnight outside the window is impenetrable - where to spend the night?

During the conversation, time flew by unnoticed, the driver drove to right place and you find yourself face to face with the night. And silence. And the dead with braids... But let's not talk about sad things.

To avoid this, let's figure out where you can spend the night during hitchhiking adventures.

I would answer this question briefly - everywhere.

But first things first.

Let's divide the overnight stay into civilized and wild. To civilized I would include hotels, hostels, registrations and stops at kind people who accidentally came to hand.

Everything else falls under the definition of a wild overnight stay: a tent in a field, airports, train stations, roadside cafes and other places that are for lack of a better one.

Hostels and hotels

So, hotels and hostels. You can book them in advance, or you can check in suddenly. In any case, if you are going to unfamiliar city It is better to check the availability of such institutions in advance. By the way, if the booking indicates the lack of free places in the hotel you like, you should know that this is not always the case. It's just that hotels do not include all available rooms in booking. I'm ready to vouch for this.

Who himself asked for a lodging for the night, will soon understand another

If spending the night for money is in no way part of your plans, try to find a place to stay with the help of couchsurfing. There, most often, travelers like you are registered, so there is a chance to find a warm place. As the saying goes, "he who asked for an overnight stay will soon understand the other."

You can use the website directly couchsurfing.com, or you can use VKontakte groups: COUCHsurfing and Travel And Couchsurfing, fellow travelers, travelers.

Some groups have lists of entries, for example, HERE, but the search is not very convenient, because the offers are not sorted by regions and cities. It is more convenient to search for an entry in a group WUA, because here, from this point of view, everything is thought out.

random luck

It also happens that accidentally met people, having learned about your status as a budget traveler, invite you to visit them. They called me repeatedly, but I never had to spend the night: either I understood that today it was more expedient to move further along the path, or, as a girl, I was a little scared to stay. But, if these factors do not bother you, why not?

Give me the dawn at the green tent

If you are advancing with your tent, the absence of hospitable hosts should not confuse you. Choose your accommodations carefully. Experienced travelers prefer to spend the night away from settlements, in a place hidden from view (for example, in a forest).

If the night caught near the village, you can leave at dawn, so as not to attract too much attention. Find a place that is protected from strong wind, so it will not only be warmer for you, but also better for your fire.

For reasons of hygiene, it is more convenient to camp near a water source. However, in the summer, a lot of mosquitoes live near water bodies, in tall grass and in bushes - consider this factor as well.

Railway stations and airports

Obvious advantages of such a haven:

You will never oversleep the right departure time.
As a rule, the institution has a cafe.
Not as scary as on the side of the road (usually).

You are unlikely to sleep at all, unless, of course, you have a dozen sleepless nights behind you.
If you do fall asleep, you may be robbed. Hide all valuables in the inside pockets of your clothes.
Railway stations and, moreover, airports are not available in all cities. Bus stations may close at night.

The soldier is sleeping - the truck is moving

Sleeping in a moving car is one of the most effective ways to reduce mileage and combine business with pleasure. Unless, of course, you are not afraid that the driver will fall asleep at the wheel. If you are afraid - be kind, stock up interesting stories several hours ahead. Sometimes the owner of the truck himself demands this, and he is right: you have to pay for the pleasure.

Get a good night's sleep in the next truck.

If the car stopped for the night, the driver will most likely find a warm place for you. But, if you are a girl, immediately mark the boundaries of what is permitted,.

Other interesting surprises

For 10 years of hitchhiking, I had to spend the night in trucks, and at the airport, and at the railway and bus stations, and even at a gas station. Of course, we didn’t sleep at the gas station, but danced all night to the music from the nearest cafe (I still remember the Rostov gas station to the songs of “Chi-Li”). We went to this cafe for a bite to eat, but found nothing but tea with expensive chocolate. Perhaps something has changed for the better since the distant 2007.

When creating this article, I asked friends, acquaintances and strangers, in which unusual place they spent the night. And I hasten to please you: the list of places that a person can choose as an overnight stay turned out to be extremely wide.

Experienced people spent the night in a mosque, on a bench in a public garden (this was in Istanbul, and not only in the Eagle and Tails program), in the shower and toilet of a store (Spain), in a cemetery (didn’t notice at night - cool, right?), in the middle of the horse path (and in the morning the horses came and woke up).

Even the porch of a shop can serve as a shelter: one respondent crouched under its steps. So seek and find!

Bon Voyage!