Hitchhiking is a unique way for an exciting trip. It's a method that is also referred to as "free ride" or "moral ride" in Persian. In this article, we will explore what hitchhiking is and the key points to consider when hitchhiking. We will also discuss suitable destinations and the essential items to bring on such a journey. Stay with us.
It can confidently be said that there is no one who doesn't like to travel. Even if we can't travel, we often imagine and plan a dreamy journey in our minds. Sometimes this trip is luxurious, and sometimes it is full of adventure and excitement. It is because of these thoughts and imaginations that travel has taken many forms; from relaxing in luxurious VIP planes to trekking in the heart of the most remote villages, backpacking can be considered one type of journey. However, among these, there is a thrilling way of travel called hitchhiking, which allows you to experience an affordable trip. So, join us to learn more about hitchhiking or free riding.
Hitchhiking is one of the most popular ways to travel cheaply worldwide. Often, backpackers use this method to visit different cities while saving on travel expenses. If you have an adventurous spirit, hitchhiking is perfect for you, and you will have a wonderful trip with this method. Nature lovers and those traveling with light backpacks are regular hitchhikers or free riders. These people usually travel alone and prefer hitchhiking over other travel methods for managing their travel costs or for a multitude of other reasons.
In this method, you need to stand by the road with your backpack and raise your thumb to ask for a ride. If you have a positive attitude and a high level of confidence, you can quickly convince drivers to travel with them. You must be able to gain the driver's trust to take you to your desired destination. However, like all other travel methods, hitchhiking has its pros and cons, which we will discuss in another article.
Hitchhiking is an exciting style of travel for nature lovers and adventure seekers. If you're curious about how to hitchhike, you should know that this travel style requires a specific mindset. Pay attention to the following points to see if hitchhiking or free riding is right for you!
If you're adventurous and open to challenges,
If you have good communication skills and can easily connect with people,
If you travel light and don’t carry large luggage or a suitcase,
If you don't fear facing challenges or difficulties during your trip,
If the excitement and adventure of travel matter more to you than luxury,
If you love nature travel,
If you have the physical endurance to wait and walk long distances,
Hitchhiking is suitable for you.
Essential Items for Hitchhiking
The goal of hitchhiking is to get a free ride from passing vehicles, resulting in an affordable travel experience. This means you must forget about heavy, bulky luggage and pack only the essentials in a backpack. Those who have hitchhiked frequently know the ropes and understand what they need on their journey. However, for beginners, packing light can be a significant challenge.
The first thing a hitchhiker needs is a roadmap and travel destinations. Although travel apps and navigation programs are very useful, it’s a good idea to carry a printed map because sometimes the internet may be weak or unavailable, and in such cases, you can rely on the printed maps. Another critical item is your travel backpack. While a larger backpack may seem better, keep in mind that it should be of a manageable size to carry for long periods. It should also be lightweight so it doesn't tire you out, and made of durable material so it doesn't tear or break easily.
A sleeping bag is another essential item for your affordable, free-riding trip. Also, food and beverages are a must for hitchhikers. Since you’ll likely wait by the road for long periods, or maybe spend part of your day in the surrounding nature, it's best to bring light, canned foods. Finally, the most important tool to start hitchhiking is a marker and a cardboard sign with your route and destination written on it. Ensure the marker has enough ink and the cardboard is large enough. Besides these, it's also wise to carry suitable clothing, such as a raincoat and warm or light, cool clothes according to the climate of the country you're traveling in.
Many people are concerned about safety while hitchhiking, and this worry is entirely natural. However, by following a few simple tips, you can ensure a safe trip. Try not to hitchhike alone and have at least one companion. Trust your instincts: if you don’t like the vehicle or driver for any reason or feel uncomfortable, don't get in. Whenever you hitchhike with someone, share the vehicle's details with a friend or relative and check in with them during the trip to ensure everything is fine. If you feel unsafe at any point, get out of the vehicle under some pretext (a bathroom break or feeling sick can be a good excuse for a stop). Never hitchhike at night. If it’s close to night and you haven’t reached your destination, find the nearest camping area or accommodation and stay there for the night. Locals can often be a great help in these situations.
It's better to hitchhike at places like gas stations, police stations, toll stations, or truck stops. These places allow you to talk to the driver, assess their character, and decide whether you want to travel with them. Also, make sure you know the next place where you'll get off, and don’t let the driver decide where to drop you, as they may leave you somewhere where no one else will pick you up.
Unlike European countries where hitchhiking has been common for a long time, hitchhiking is a new phenomenon in Iran. However, it has quickly gained popularity among Iranian tourists, and many now hitchhike in the country. If you want to enjoy hitchhiking in Iran and experience an affordable trip, there are some points you should consider and follow.
The first tip is to confirm with the driver that the ride is free before getting in the car. Since hitchhiking is relatively new in Iran and not widely known, drivers might question whether the ride is free. Once you're in the car, try to keep the conversation going. Iranians are social people, and we like to interact and share experiences. Silence between strangers in a small space like a car can make the atmosphere uncomfortable. It’s also a good idea to bring some snacks and drinks to share with the driver and other passengers during the journey.
Nothing brings people together like food and shared memories. Try to dress in a way that blends with the surroundings to earn the driver’s trust. This doesn’t mean you should hide your face, as drivers are less likely to trust you if they can't see your face. Another point is the "thumb gesture" for hitchhikers. While hitchhikers typically raise their thumb, this gesture is not commonly recognized in Iran. It’s better to write your destination on a large cardboard and wave your hand in the direction of the road, signaling to drivers that you're seeking a free ride.
