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| Hitchhiking |  The cheapest way for traveling is hitchhiking. Usually it is defined as requesting for a ride by standing at the side of the road, facing traffic with a raised thumb. It is a good way to meet lots of new people and make new friends. You can be made to wait for a long time at the roadside, as drivers are beware of picking up hitchhikers, but those who do this are really friendly.
Hitchhiking is sometimes illegal in some states or just areas, and there are rules about where you can do this. (It is forbidden to do this on the highways, at bus stops, near intersections).
Preparation for the trip
1. Buy a map of the area to know what direction you should go to get closer to your destination.
2. You should remember that it’s hard to foresee when you will get a ride, so be ready to walk all day. It’s better to consider hitchhiking as a walking adventure.
3. Provide yourself with enough food and drinks. All roadside stores are usually expensive, and provide limited choice of products.
4. Decide where you will stay for night. Check information about youth hostels. To avoid any unanticipated problems with overnight stay take a tent and a sleeping bag with you.
5. Remember to make sure that hitchhiking is not illegal in that area.
6. Think over your clothes. Dress something that will protect you from cold winds and sudden rains. Besides your clothes should be light, to be cared easily in good sunny weather.
7. Take a black marker, a pocketknife, a hat, a flashlight etc… These items do not weight too much, you should be prepared for different situation.
8. It will be easy for you to practice your foreign language skills, if you go to the country of its native speakers and will hitchhike there. It is a good way to improve your conversation skills. One of the reasons why drivers pick up hikers is their wish to have some conversation during the long and lonely trip.
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