NationStates Jolt Archive

Next Easter I may be Hitchhiking to Berlin, probably via Rotterdam (spelling I'm guessing). Any advice, any expereinces, any amusing stories. Anyone not bothered?

I would say - learn German and a bit of Dutch if you're going to try that, as well as taking a lot of underwear, money and drinking water.

And take a friend with you if possible, so that the risk of you getting killed/raped is lessened.

I would say - learn German and a bit of Dutch if you're going to try that, as well as taking a lot of underwear, money and drinking water.

And take a friend with you if possible, so that the risk of you getting killed/raped is lessened.

Also consider taking a weapon of some kind, just to be safe.

Don't run off with any of the women. You may find yourself in a Hostel situation :D

Also consider taking a weapon of some kind, just to be safe.

Aye, buy a 'Taschemesser' (or Dutch equivalent) as a precaution.

*edits* But don't stab/kill anyone with it, as the Home Office isn't going to bail you out.

Ich sprech ein Bisschen Deutsch, not very well as you can see. I was sort of hoping the Dutch spoke English, its not the sort of language I would need more then once

Do you think its worth making a sign?

Ich sprech ein Bisschen Deutsch, not very well as you can see. I was sort of hoping the Dutch spoke English, its not the sort of language I would need more then one

You should be alright, yeah. And to be honest, most German people speak excellent English.

I just think it might be polite if you tried to at least say "hello, how are you" or whatever. It's the kind of thing that makes people much more friendly.

So yeah, "Hej, alles goed?" in Holland and "Hallo, wie gehts?" in Germany will probably win you some favours.

*edits*

Sign?

Seeing how your British, you'll be fine.

Taking a friend may seem like a good plan, but often drivers will be more inclined to pick up lone hitchhikers for safety's sake. Make signs for the major cities on your route out of pizza boxes or other cardboard. Try and look as clean and non-threatening as possible.

When I'm short of cash and I'm not in a particular hurry I regularly hitchhike in my local area. I've been picked up by a few slightly crazy people, but I've never had a bad experience like robbery or assault. Hitchhiking is a lot safer than some people think - what percentage of road-users are driving along looking for someone to kill? Not many. The average lift-giver is probably just as wary of you as you are of him or her.

Do you think its worth making a sign?

Make several, one for each major city on your route. Drivers may be more inclined to pick you up if they know where you're going, and it makes you look more like a genuine hitchhiker and less like a car-jacking axe murderer or whatever.

Make several, one for each major city on your route. Drivers may be more inclined to pick you up if they know where you're going, and it makes you look more like a genuine hitchhiker and less like a car-jacking axe murderer or whatever.

thanks, I was just thinking that holding up a sign with "Berlin" wouldn't get me far as left the docks! Going town to town sounds like a good idea

Here's a tip for drivers: If you're ever in Japan, driving at night along a lonely road, and a beautiful woman in white wearing a surgical mask over her face approaches you asking for a ride, get the hell out of there. I saw it on the internet so it must be true. :D

Seriously however, I have never hitchhiked and while it's probably fun, it has its dangers, like all things.

thanks, I was just thinking that holding up a sign with "Berlin" wouldn't get me far as left the docks! Going town to town sounds like a good idea
Write Berlin in every sign too. Don't make too strict plans about your route. Ask advices from the drivers. They may not know anything about hitchhiking but they may know other important things, like where you should wait for the next ride. If the driver is going to city centre (=city which you don't want to visit) you will have difficulties to get out of the city as noone will give you a lift in downtown. Well..there are some friendly souls out there.

I always preferred smaller (not motorways) roads. Be visible. Make sure that the drivers can stop safely (bus stop or something). (btw I never used signs but I do believe that they are handy.) Be prepared to chat about everything (about raising chickens, for example :D)

The most important thing: you don't have to get in the car. I've never met anyone suspicious (execpt few VERY obvious ones) but way too many drunk drivers.



I used to hitchhike a lot. Nothing bad ever happened (except hours of waiting in the middle of the night, in the middle of nowhere) and I got a lot of great memories from those trips.

Don't run off with any of the women. You may find yourself in a Hostel situation :D

Yes- do NOT, under any circumstances- go to Bratislava. For any reason. No matter how hot the ass they promise you is.

Bratislava's cool.

I tried hitchiking once, with my brother

Unfortunately two large young males are not a very good image for potential pickups so we had to catch the bus :(

I say pull a German/Dutch girl no worries she will likely have family who can give you a ride...though you not want to upset her

or you could just rent a car or something

Take a small enough bag that you can put it on your lap. If you have to leave the car in a hurry, it won't get left behind.

Hot coffee can serve as a weapon.

Pick a spot where:
-you can be seen from a distance.
-there is enough shoulder space for a car to pull over.
-is as close to the exit or on-ramp as possible.

Small knives are easier to wield in small spaces.

Bring marijuana. If you see a hippie van, let them know you have pot by miming smoking a joint.

Leave enough space so that large trucks can pass you easily. If one drives by you quickly, turn to face the direction they're going. Especially on a dusty day.

People will be pretty cool about it if you tell them you don't want to have sex with them, even for money. Don't volunteer this information, wait for them to ask.

Bring water, extra socks, matches, a book or walkman, a knife, and a rain poncho.