Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with hitchhiking

Can I cross the following borders on foot (both ways)?

Dee Xtrovert — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 03:32:28 -0800

Can I cross the following borders on foot (both ways)? Romania / Hungary, Hungary / Slovakia, Slovakia / Poland Recently, I traveled from Romania to Ukraine and back, and it was impossible to cross the border on foot. I had to find a car willing to take me across the border. This was doable, but it took some doing. That said, I realize I was crossing outside the EU, and all the countries mentioned now are in the EU. So is it the same hassle, or can I do it by foot? I plan on hitchhiking, which is why I ask.

How should I spend my summer in Japan?

borkingchikapa — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 04:11:48 -0800

Ok, quick - I have a month free in Japan, no responsibilities, some money but not a lot. What's the craziest, most outlandish thing I can do? Currently, my plan is to hitchhike from here (Kyoto) to Kagoshima in the south (I've taken short trips before), then try to hitchhike on small boats to Okinawa. I've been completely unable to get any information on that second part, but I'll try. Failing that, hitchhike from Kagoshima all the way up to the top of Hokkaido, camping most of the way.

Any ideas that won't get me arrested? I can speak Japanese, but due to financial concerns I'm afraid suggestions such as "skydiving!" or "hang out in tokyo for more than five minutes!" are unhelpful. I'm looking for things more along the lines of "live with homeless people for a month!" Actually, that's not a bad idea...

Getting around in Ohio without a car.

ikareru — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 18:20:15 -0800

I need help for a friend traveling to Athens, OH this week. Long story short- when he booked his flight from LA to OH, he chose Akron instead of Athens. d'oh! He just discovered this last night and he leaves in 2 days.

It is a three hour drive, so he can't count on his brother shuttling him around. Car rental is also out since he doesn't have a license. The Greyhound goes between them, but leave before his flight arrives on Day 1 of a four day trip, and he would need to ride back the day before, giving him only one solid day to visit. Amtrak was a similar circumstance. He looked up the cost of changing the flight or booking a hop from Akron to Columbus(a more manageable distance for a ride) and both were nearly $500, which he can't afford.

I don't know Ohio well enough to know if there is a Green Tortoise-type service or any other options that havn't occurred to us yet. Any mefiites have any ideas?

Hitchhiking - what happened?

Afroblanco — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 16:57:39 -0800

Hitchhiking - what happened? I'm always hearing stories about how hitchhiking in the US used to be a lot more common "back then." Supposedly, even normal people would pick up a hitchhiker, because, hey, why not?

My question - was there really a "back then?" If so, when was it, and what happened to bring about the current state of affairs? Did hitchhiking/hitchhikers actually become more dangerous, or just the public perception of such?

Are there any places left in the world that are still hitchhiker-friendly?

Tips about hitchhiking in BC

a007r — Tue, 06 Jun 2006 08:02:53 -0800

Hitchhiking in British Columbia Okay so I only have about 45 minutes before I go, but I hope some of you guys are quick to respond. Here's the thing: We are in Victoria and looking to go to Juan de Fuca provincial park on Vancouver Island so we're looking for some tips and advice on how to get there and general advice on hitchhiking. Where to go, what to do, what NOT to do, etc.
Thanks

What is the origin of the hitchhiker's thumb?

jedicus — Wed, 24 May 2006 11:33:26 -0800

What is the origin of the hitchhiking gesture? Just to be specific, I'm talking about holding your arm out with fingers folded and thumb extended. How did this gesture become commonly known as a request for a ride?

Extreme budget travel in Eastern Europe

mosessis — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 05:59:10 -0800

I need practical advice for extreme budget travelling in Eastern Europe this summer. I am a young American female travelling by myself for three months this summer, mostly in Eastern Europe. I've gotten great advice from previous threads on general travel, eu ro tr av el, eastern europe, tr av el ge ar, budget travel, hitchhiking, inspirational travel literature, hospitality clubs, and guidebooks, but it's only left me wanting more. Now that I know Mefis are such intrepid travellers, I want your hardearned experience and advice.

I've travelled around the UK and Western Europe doing the hostel thing, but even that seems like a bit more expensive than it needs to be. I've been doing weekend camping trips while living in Scotland recently and plan to bring my gear with me. While I will definitely take trains and buses if necessary, I would prefer to catch rides. The longer I can make my money last, the longer I can stay. I'm planning on bussing through Western Europe on my way to Poland, Czech, Slovakia, Croatia, the Ukraine, Turkey, Greece, etc.

Any advice is welcome, but some of the specific questions I'm thinking of are: Is camping a viable option in Eastern Europe? How easy is it to find/create sites? Is it safe/easy enough to hitch over there? What's the one thing I shouldn't forget to bring if I'm planning to stay by myself at campings (right now my camp gear is my tent, bag, ground mat, led headlamp, and swiss army knife. that's it.)? Which hospitality club is best for this area? Are there any guidebooks that are good for this area, geared towards campers, or have a good bit to do outside of the cities (i.e. canoeing in Poland)? I've done a bit of research already, but I can't seem to find advice that specifically addresses my intentions (solo camping in Eastern Europe without a car) and I would really appreciate advice from people who have been there and done it.

I am going to hitchhike from June 7th to June 20th. Being new to this, I could use some advice.

Anonymous — Mon, 06 Jun 2005 21:58:56 -0800

I am going to hitchhike from June 7th to June 20th. Being new to this, I could use some advice. I am a young college student who has until June 20th for summer term. I am going to hitchhike from the Pacific Northwest to southern california, then east. I will be packing a knife and I am in good enough physical condition to protect myself and be safe for the journey. Has any of you done this before, and if so, I have some questions.

1. What is an effective way to get people to pick you up, besides looking non threatening?

2. I am considering bringing my MP3 player, for use in emergency bartering and music enjoyment. Is this a good idea?

3. I am going to live on $4 a day. Is this enough?

4. What are some neat tricks to hitchhiking?

cheap one-way travel

foraneagle2 — Sun, 08 May 2005 16:27:32 -0800

I am looking for a cheap way to travel from Austin, TX to Huntsville, AL. One-way flights are $200+ on Orbitz. So far Greyhound looks like my best bet at around $60. I guess I'm wondering if anyone can offer any alternatives to these options. Is there any type of legal (or practical) way to hitchhike or maybe a cheaper bus fare? I'm a 21 year old male and I'll have two suitcases and a backpack. I need to travel sometime around May 22-26. Thanks for any suggestions.