| Hitchhiking in Europe continues a popular way to | | | | As through every other time you travel in |
| get around and is nevertheless done with vast | | | | Europe, you ought to keep your records on you |
| frequency by the locals. Still, for a foreigner, | | | | in a separate wallet underneath your cloths. That |
| hitchhiking may possibly not be the finestmode of | | | | way, if a thief takes your main bag, you will still |
| transportation through Europe. Foreigners are | | | | have identification and cash in case of this, or |
| seen as especially easy and rewarding prey for | | | | another, emergency. Keep all cell phones and |
| criminals. If you do want to hitchhike through any | | | | other pricey devices well out of eyesight as well. |
| Eastern or Central European country, take | | | | 6. Hitchhike in Europe with a Friend |
| precautions and respect these valuable safety | | | | No matter what if you are male or female, it?s |
| suggestions. | | | | always smart to get a ride with a friend. A |
| 1. Hitchhike in Europe Only When Needed | | | | potential criminal will less likely be able to pull |
| Transportation in Europe may not at all times be | | | | anything funny if you and a friend are watching |
| clean, efficient, or comfortable, although hitchhiking | | | | each others backs. |
| is becoming increasingly more hazardous | | | | 7. Know Your Destination But Be Vague |
| worldwide. If you find you should hitchhike in | | | | Always have in stock a map so that you realize |
| Europe, use radical caution and don?t overlook | | | | where you are going. When hitchhiking in Europe, |
| your instincts if something does not seem right. | | | | it?s best to give a general location for a location a |
| 2. Choose Your Hitchhiking Location Wisely | | | | short distance away that way, if you suspect the |
| Steer clear of trying to hitch a ride on a highway | | | | driver has less-than-good intentions, your ride will |
| or particularly curvy road that might put you or | | | | be short and the driver wont know your final |
| drivers at risk. Cars having to stop on roads | | | | destination. |
| anywhere high speeds are obligatory is not safe | | | | 8. Note the Vehicle Type When You Hitchhike in |
| for you or the drivers. Instead, try to hitchhike | | | | Europe |
| from rest stops or gas stations where you can | | | | When hitchhiking in Europe, note details of the car |
| care for your safety and where cars are stopped. | | | | (make, model, color and/or license plate number) |
| It?s also possible that someone may call the police | | | | before you get into the vehicle. If something goes |
| if you try to hitch a ride on a risky roadway or | | | | wrong, you can report the driver to the police |
| freeway where hitchhiking may be prohibited. | | | | force. |
| 3. Ride in the Front Seat When Hitchhiking in | | | | 9. Dress for Weather and Safety |
| Europe | | | | Make sure you pack items of clothing that are |
| The backseat of a car places you in a more | | | | weather friendly and water-repellent in case you |
| vulnerable position. Some cars have child safety | | | | find yourself hitchhiking in windy weather. Also |
| locks in the back. You need to be able to bolt at | | | | wear inexpensive older clothing that give the |
| the first sign of attention, so if you have to ride | | | | sense you may be carrying valuables on you. |
| in the back, test that there is no child safety lock | | | | 10. Dont Hesitate to Turn Down a Ride |
| impeding you from opening the door from the | | | | Negotiate for a ride earlier you get into the |
| inside. | | | | vehicle while hitchhiking in Europe. If anything |
| 4. Keep Your Bags with You | | | | makes you suspicious, dont be scared to |
| At any suggestion to put your luggage in the | | | | respectfully turn down the ride. Foreigners are |
| trunk, respectfully decline. Keep your luggage | | | | seen as particularly vulnerable and anyone giving |
| close to you?at your feet or on your lap. At a | | | | you a ride may try to get money or other things |
| moment while you possibly will need to get out of | | | | from you. In addition, dont ride with someone you |
| the car instantly, you want to be able to grab | | | | cant exchange a few words with. You do not |
| your things as you go. | | | | want any unspoken expectations from the driver |
| 5. Keep Documents, Money, Valuables on You | | | | for giving you a ride. |