Few facts about hitchhiking

Be Happy, Visible and Patient!

Gerben, a 20 year old from Netherlands embodies the essential spirit of hitchhiking. His hitchhiking adventure from Netherlands to ISWIB in Belgrade took altogether 2 days. His hitchhiking career started in April 2006 and he traveled ever since


By BOJANA MATIC
ISWiB 2007 Media Workshop


When it comes to traveling hitchhiking is a cheapest way to go. It is an adventure that enables you to really see and experience the journey. You get to know the country and the people you travel to or through best. No plane can compare to that. And sometimes it can be even faster than the train. Just make sure to learn about the countries where hitchhiking is forbidden (example Italy).

So what are the basic rules to follow in order for your journey to be successful?

1. BE HAPPY. When you're happy, you look happy and people like happy people. You need to know WHY you're doing it. It is very important to have positive attitude towards life and things you do.

2. SAFETY is a very important! Make sure places you stand are safe for you and for the cars that stop. Trust your instinct.

3. GAS STATIONS at HIGHWAYS are best way to go. You have enough time to decide upon who you want to travel with and at the same time people have enough time to take a good look at you and decide whether they want to pick you up.

4. Take care of your LOOKS. You are judged on the basis of 1st impression people get about you.

5. Write CLEAR SIGNS VISIBLE from distance. Always take a MAP. Make sure gas stations are clearly indicated.

6. Have a CLEAR GOAL of where you are going. It is also useful to speak few sentences in the language of the country you travel (example to ask for directions).

7. Arrange ACCOMMODATION for the evening. Tent, couchsurfing, friends, or hospitality club are a good way to go.

8. Be PATIENT!

Gerben, a 20 year old from Netherlands embodies the essential spirit of hitchhiking. His hitchhiking adventure from Netherlands to ISWIB in Belgrade took altogether 2 days. His hitchhiking career started in April 2006 and he traveled ever since. His journey took him through Netherlands, Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Poland, Switzerland, Ireland, Serbia to mention few. Next challenge to face after ISWIB is a hitchhiking competition to St. Petersburg, Russia. His optimistic approach and positive attitude towards life is what is keeping him going. His philosophy is: "Smile, it confuses people". It's all about discovering the world and yourself.