Comments on: Hitchhiking in… (19) the USA

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 02:17:25 +0000

In reply to John. Why would you prefer hypocritical lies rather than calm disagreement with the current system. We have a freedom of speech in this country. Anyway I'm glad you're picking up hitchhikers as so do I.

By: COLIN POWIS

COLIN POWIS — Sat, 20 Feb 2021 08:50:22 +0000

In reply to John. It's ironic that he was a GERMAN of all people ; has anyone done as much apocalyptic damage as those Germans ? He was projecting his own nations sins onto America ..it's typical of Germans, unfortunately

By: COLIN POWIS

COLIN POWIS — Sat, 20 Feb 2021 08:46:58 +0000

I hitchhiked over 4 K miles across the US and Canada during the long hot summer of 1980 and ran into a number of soon to be notorious serial killers ; I AM NOT MISTAKEN as I knew they were badly ”off” at the time and recognised in crime docs many years later when it became clear they were victimising hitchhikers … I was only a teenager at the time but if I’d known then what I know now I’d never have taken such a risk as it was like playing russian roulette … there’s detailed accounts on my FB page

By: John

John — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 13:01:04 +0000

I’m American, and I most always pick up hitchhikers. Having a reputable look will certainly help get rides as will a backpack.

Once in the car, chat, be friendly, and make small talk. Do NOT insult our country or fellow Americans. Also be careful about talking politics, as the author said; many folks have strongly held political beliefs and half of them probably have views which strongly conflict with yours.

To emphasize these points, allow me to share the story of the one time I have thrown a hitchhiker out of my car. Over the course of 30 minutes, this Berliner went on about how America ruined the world, how heartless our economic system was, and how terrible our gun rights are. I have driven someone thirty minutes out of my way (diverting me for an hour total), but I could not listen to this guy go on and on. I told him “if you hate our country so much, leave it, and I stopped the car.”

It was disappointing, because I’ve picked out some fascinating people from overseas (a Tanzanian man and a Czech girl stand out), and I LOVED hearing their stories!

By: Eben Gardner

Eben Gardner — Sun, 21 Apr 2019 05:43:25 +0000

This is great! I am 19, living in the USA. I’ve always been curious as to why no one ever lets anyone in, always keeping things on the surface. Other countries aren’t like that?
-not a dickhead American (hopefully?)

By: Dante sapien

Dante sapien — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 07:34:58 +0000

In reply to Michal. I wish you the best of luck. I grew up hitchhiking in the U.S. I'm 37 now and have hitched in 14 European countries. Advice, Always Always Always have a large sign with your destination and have your backpack very visible, this will get you many more and longer rides especially with truck drivers, this way people know your a genuine traveller and not just bumming\begging around. Don't try looking too respectable it will have the opposite effect that it has in Europe its better to look like a hippie within reason. If you get stuck in a really bad spot just start walking down the highways interstate if the police stop just tell them you were being sexually harassed and got out there, always works.

By: Michal

Michal — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 12:29:00 +0000

Thank you for this article, much helpful! (going to hitchhike in USA this year)

By: Agness of aTukTuk

Agness of aTukTuk — Sun, 26 Mar 2017 15:22:18 +0000

Great read, Stefan! You are sharing some wonderful experiences!