Advice
about hitch hiking, where you should do
it and when. We welcome your contributions.
Please check the city
guides for specific information for
hitching to and from particular locations.
Please e-mail us at: oceania@backpackglobe.com
Hitch hiking gets a lot of bad press. This
creates paranoia both amongst travellers
who become scared of getting lifts, and
of drivers who are too frightened to pick
you up. But hitch hiking can be a great
way to get to know locals and discover places
you would not otherwise visit.
WHERE
TO HITCH
In most rural areas people will stop for
hitch hikers. Big cities are generally not
good to hitch from. It is better to buy
a bus or train ticket to a nearby small
town and try hitching from there. If you
are determined to hitch then try the entrance
ramps on motorways circling the city.
Australia
Generally in outback, country or coastal
hinterland areas people will be happy to
offer you a lift but passing transport can
also be infrequent. On the eastern coast
traffic is more frequent but you're more
likely to find unsavoury types. In remote
areas females would be advised not to hitch
alone and as always no matter how experienced
you are it's best done with others.
Truck drivers can be a good option for long
distance routes. The best place to line
up a ride is at a truck stop, preferrably
outside a city or in a small town. Companies
are not legally allowed to have another
passenger with them but independent operators
are often happy to stow you aboard and appreciate
the extra company. They may tend to be a
bit rough but won't harm you as it's their
job and reputation also on the line.
New Zealand
New Zealand is generally a great country
to hitch in and it is a popular way of getting
around. Usual waiting time is 15-20 mins,
more on deserted roads.
SIGNS
This is a cause for debate amongst hitchers.
Some say drivers won't stop if they don't
know where you want to go. Others say it
is safer not to use a sign so you can ask
the driver where they are going before you
accept a lift. A compromise is to use the
name of the road you are travelling on.
Tips for getting a ride:
Most people that give you lifts will be people that have hitched themselves,
or couriers or truck drivers who want company. To improve your chances of
getting a lift:
- look neat and respectable.
- Face the oncoming traffic and smile.
- Choose a spot with plenty of room for the driver to safely stop and where
the traffic is not too fast. This way it is safer for cars to stop and the
driver has a chance to size you up.
- Stand confidently with your thumb out over the road.
- When a car stops ask where the driver is going to - you can still decline
the lift if you don't like the look of them.
- Do not smoke in someone else's car.
- Travel light.
- Take an international drivers licence as the driver may wish to share the
driving.
Note if it rains you've usually got less chance of people stopping
(visibility decreases and they might not want water in their car). It might
be better to make your way to a cafe or autostop and wait out the rain or
stick it out and try to use the sympathy factor.
SAFETY
Despite the bad press the most hazardous thing about hitching is the chance
of being involved in a car accident or being hit by a car if you are
standing too close to the side of the road. Here are some more tips for
safety:
- As a single female you will travel quickly but you may attract undue
attention. Travelling with a guy helps as people may perceive you as a
couple.
- Turn down the lift if you do not feel comfortable.
- Keep your luggage with you. Do not put it in the trunk.
