Hitchhiking in Europe
Hitchhiking in Europe continues a trendy way to get around and is even now done with vast frequency by the locals. However, for a foreigner, hitchhiking might not be the finestmode of means of transport through Europe. Foreigners are seen as especially easy and lucrative prey for criminals. If you do prefer to hitchhike through any Eastern or Central European country, take precautions and respect these significant safety suggestions.
1. Hitchhike in Europe Only When Needed
Transportation in Europe may not always be clean, useful, or comfortable, nevertheless hitchhiking is becoming increasingly more hazardous worldwide. If you find you should hitchhike in Europe, use extremist caution and don?t overlook your instincts if something does not seem right.
2. Choose Your Hitchhiking Location Wisely
Steer clear of trying to hitch a ride on a highway or remarkably curved road that might put you or drivers at risk. Cars having to stop on roads anywhere high speeds are required is not safe for you or the drivers. As an alternative, try to hitchhike from rest stops or gas stations where you can preserve your safety and where cars are stopped. It?s also possible that someone may call the police if you try to hitch a ride on a dangerous roadway or freeway where hitchhiking may be against the law.
3. Ride in the Front Seat When Hitchhiking in Europe
The backseat of a car places you in a more vulnerable sit. Some cars have child safety locks in the back. You need to be able to bolt at the first sign of danger, so if you have to ride in the back, test that there is no child safety lock impeding you from opening the door from the interior.
4. Keep Your Bags with You
At any suggestion to put your luggage in the trunk, politely decline. Keep your luggage close to you?at your feet or on your lap. At a moment when you may possibly need to get out of the car quickly, you want to be able to grab your things as you go.
5. Keep Documents, Money, Valuables on You
As through every other time you travel in Europe, you must keep your records on you in a separate wallet beneath your cloths. That way, if a thief takes your main bag, you will still have identification and money in case of this, or another, emergency. Keep all cell phones and other pricey devices well out of eyesight as well.
6. Hitchhike in Europe with a Friend
Regardless if you are male or female, it?s always smart to hitchhike with a friend. A potential criminal will less likely be able to pull anything funny if you and a friend are watching each others backs.
7. Know Your Destination But Be Vague
Always have available a map so that you know where you are going. When hitchhiking in Europe, it?s best to give a general location for a location a short distance away that way, if you suspect the driver has less-than-good intentions, your ride will be short and the driver wont know your final destination.
8. Note the Vehicle Type When You Hitchhike in Europe
When hitchhiking in Europe, note details of the car (make, model, color and/or license plate number) before you get into the vehicle. If something goes wrong, you can give details of the driver to the police.
9. Dress for Weather and Safety
Make sure you pack items of clothing that are weather friendly and water-repellent in case you find yourself hitchhiking in windy weather. Also wear cheap older clothing that give the impression you may be carrying valuables on you.
10. Dont Hesitate to Turn Down a Ride
Negotiate for a ride prior to you get into the vehicle when hitchhiking in Europe. If anything makes you suspicious, dont be scared to politely turn down the ride. Foreigners are seen as particularly vulnerable and anyone giving you a ride may try to get money or other things from you. In addition, dont ride with someone you cant exchange a few words with. You do not want any unspoken expectations from the driver for giving you a ride.