the Travel Enthusiast
- 03 Nov
The best destinations for hitchhiking in the world
photo by Vicki Watkins on Flickr
Hitchhiking can be seen as a means for an end for a backpacker or budget traveler who wants to save every penny – you give up the comfort of a bus or a train and you accept the prospect of waiting for long hours on the side of the road, hoping that a passing car will notice you and take you to your destination either for free or for a meager sum.
But for other travelers, hitchhiking can become the point of the whole trip – you get to meet new and possibly interesting people, make friends among the locals, and see a country in a non-traditional way without relying too much on maps and brochures. In other words, hitchhiking can be an adventure, so here are the best destinations for hitchhiking in the world where you can experience this adventure.
Iceland
Iceland, photo by Grethe Boe
With outrageous bus fares, Iceland is best experienced through hitchhiking if you don’t want to break the bank. Icelanders are very friendly if a little shy, and the only problem with hitchhiking in this icy country is the fact that there aren’t that many cars.
However, if a car does pass you by, it’s almost certain that you will be picked up! In summertime, hitching a ride is a breeze, but in winter/autumn, you don’t really want to get stuck on a road with little traffic.
Russia
The largest country on the planet is one of the best places for hitchhiking you can find anywhere, and while there aren’t that many hitchhikers traveling around Russia, they can rest assured that they won’t have to wait too long for a ride. Hitchhiking is embedded in Russian culture, and locals do it too. Holding up a sign is not really necessary since few drivers bother to read them, but it is also possible to find a ride by talking to drivers at gas stations.
Guyana
Guyana, photo by Stefan Krakowski
This English speaking country in South America is an excellent place for hitchhikers, although (or maybe precisely because) few people in the country own cars.
Many of the locals get around by hitching a ride, and even buses will stop anywhere on the road and try to convince you to come on board (the price of the ticket tends to drop the more you refuse to board the bus).
Tajikistan
Tajikistan is, simply put, the friendliest and hospitable country in Central Asia, and hitchhikers (especially foreigners) will find it very easy to get around the country. As with other relatively non-touristy countries, traffic is not always very busy, so if you’re waiting to hitch a ride you should walk on the side of the road – if a car comes, it will pick you up even if you’re not holding up a sign or a thumb.
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travel search by Travelgrove (get this widget)Philippines
Philippines, photo by Hideyuki Kamon
The Philippines is the easiest Asian country to hitchhike in – cars are plentiful and people are friendly and very sociable. In crowded cities it might be difficult to find a ride, but in the rural areas you will likely be picked up instantly.
Young Filipinos in the search of adventure also hitchhike frequently, but if you look like a foreigner you will have even better chances of hitching a ride.
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