You can see the world from a totally different angle, if you are a hitchhiker. You might think that there aren’t many of these people moving around today. All you need to do is to browse the net for just a few minutes to find out how popular hitchhiking is even today. Of course, there are different kinds of people who take to hitchhiking and that too for a variety of reasons. There are some who just feel bitten by the travel bug and want to experience a little bit of adventure and fun on the road. There are some others who are determined to rough it out and see for themselves the country of their choice and be able live among the local people. There are some more who would be interested in doing the rounds of a few places seeking a spiritual peace that has hitherto eluded them.

If there is one common thread that unites all these people, it is the sense of adventure. They would like to see for themselves cities, towns, sanctuaries and every imaginable place, just as they are, without the interference of tourist guides or operators. It is a unique way of getting around from place to place. Of course, this is also a mode of travel that has its own problems.

In order to ensure that hitchhiking is a pleasurable experience and does not turn out to be a dangerous one, it is good to keep the following points in mind if you are planning such a trip:
• Get a road map of the places that you would like to visit. More importantly, make sure that you know how to use the map and get to your destination.
• Do a study of the place that you want to go to, before you actually venture out, so that you are not taken too much by surprise at every turn you make.
• Make sure you have very light gear so that you are able to travel with ease. Nobody would like to give you a ride, if they see you with a huge backpack that makes you look like a loaded mule trying to climb a mountain.
• Though it might be a little difficult to achieve, try to look as clean as possible. You need to understand that the person who is giving you a lift could decide against it, if you looked like your body had not seen water for the last one month. Body odour and lice are dangers that you need to deal with when you are on the road for a very long time.
• Carry your identity papers and your phone numbers with you. This is absolutely essential, especially when you are stopped by security agencies or the police for routine questioning and enquiry.
• Try not to get disheartened when your signs do not force people to stop. You must understand that it is very difficult for a person who is driving to stop, just because you are waving him down.

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