Trifter

    When you hear the word hitchhiker; what do you think of? I’m betting a tall creepy looking man in a trench coat that wants to use you’re genitalia to make wind-pipes… Right? Well, not all of them are that ideal of you’re quality traveller. I was an 18 year-old pre-college boy going off to see what America has to offer him. All that psychopathic serial killer business is just a common misconception. The open road offers experience to the normal people, too.  You’ll just have to find it.

    Traveling cross-country via foot is not for the meek at heart though. It requires diligence, commitment, hard-work, and the most important a few well-placed tents. Perseverance is a must. These lessons are some I learned the hard way, but I’m here to shed some light on the subject so you don’t have to take that route. The key to success is in the essentials of food, water, and some great people skills (as to not portray to someone you want to get acquainted with them…. Buffalo Bill style.)

    Let’s say you’ve made the decision to thumb it around you’re fine state; well great for you! That’s the first step. Be sure that when you pack, you keep it light. Remember that you WILL be carrying this load for the time you go by foot. A tent or a tarp to cover you when it rains would be a great idea also. Other items to bring: Clothes, excess of water, food, toiletries, cell phone, charger, a weapon of some-sort (just in case), and a map… But maps are for pansies.

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 10 Tips and Tricks for the Modern Hitchhiker

1. When you start, try to have a friend drop you off in the on the outskirts or in the next town. That way, you can use more energy going than getting out of your town, and someone knows what you’re doing.
2. Always, always, always have a charge on your cellphone. Trust me, if you get in a sticky situation; you’ll be happy you had it. If you can text, it’s a great way to fight loneliness.
3. Take a break. If you get tired or worn-out, it’s best if you rest. Maybe take a nap in the median of the highway or on the big grassy islands on the exit ramps. Very serene, very tranquil; and you’re least likely place to be killed by a car.
4. Stay Hydrated. Walking dehydrated does crazy things to you. But hey, if you want to be a bad-ass. Awesome, go for it.
5. Makes sure your people skills are great. Talking to the person that’s giving you a ride works wonders. You’ll be able to tell whether they want to kidnap you or genuinely help you out. I’ve avoided many a situation using this method.    i.e. I’ve always been able to tell if the guy was going to rape me. I mean I’m a good-looking guy, but I don’t want to be shown the meaning of unconsented “love”.
6. Have a skill. I brought my guitar along to play for money and rides; it was a tool that got me places, money, and the most valuable item… food! But if you can do something else, use it to your advantage. Don’t degrade yourself though; just because nobody else knows the things you’ve done to get rides, doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.
7. Meet the locals. When you get into a town, always talk to people. You could find parties, places to stay, people to feed you, and learn what your current position has to offer you. Which brings me to my next point.
8. Homeless shelters and The Salvation army. They give you a good place to stay and food It’s much safer than the streets or the woods. The last thing you want to be is mugged by a crackhead in the streets or mauled by animals in the woods. Raccoons have rabies. This is vital information.
9. Stay sober. When you have $50 and a quarter ounce of weed; it doesn’t end well. You might end up at the nearest gas station, finding yourself with $45 worth of snicker bars and a pack of cigarettes.
10. Social Security. They give you food stamps and sometimes inner city bus tickets. Now, you can either use these, or sell these to the locals. For emergency money, or a bus ticket home because you know, you’ve decided that spending Super Bowl Sunday in a homeless shelter was the last thing you wanted to do as a traveller.

Of course, there are so many other helpful hints. These are just a few I’ve learned from personal experiences. Hitchhiking is an experience of a lifetime; why go to Europe when you have your own country? It’s inexpensive and it’s an experience no one can take away from you. So just do it and mark it off your bucket list.