Who's been hitchhiking? Got tips?

Question

I’d like to hitchhike across the country (Buffalo to Oklahoma City, specifically) for Spring Break. Who has some pointers? Interstates or state/county roads? Probability of success?

Please don’t say DUHR THAT’S ILLEGAL!!11 U CAN GET KILLED!! I know we live in a culture of fear but some of us won’t eat at that table.

Answer 1

Its very possible to do this. I recently hitched from new england to west texas with my dog. It isnt illegal to hitchhike, you just need to stay on the on ramps instead of walking down the side of the highway(ofcourse if you get desperate theres nothing wrong with walkin along the interstate, just keep an eye out for cops). I dont recommend hitching on country roads, most of the people who travel there are only going short distances. You can often get rides through entire states if your patient and stick to the on ramps.

One bad tip I got before I left was to smile alot, but smiling didnt work. I found that you should try and look a little pathetic, but never angry or overjoyed. Playing off peoples pity got me tons of rides.

You should always cary a knife too, and not just for protection, it comes in handy quite often.

Dont accept just any ride that comes your way. If your not sure about the person just tell them your gunna wait for another ride. Also make sure the ride will take you to a somewhat populated area. I made the mistake(mostly because I didnt know the area) of taking rides to the middle of no where and then had to wait a rediculous amount of time for another ride.

Always keep a sharpie on hand so you can make a sign with cardboard(you can find in dumpsters). The sign can have your next destination on it or just the general direction your heading in. My sign usually read "Headin South" or for an example of a destination, "Las Cruces".

If your sleeping on the streets you should never let anyone know how much money you have. People are very quick to pick up on this and take advantage.

Always keep a few extra cans of beans(or some other canned food) in your backpack. You never know when your going to be stuck somewhere without a shop for miles in either direction.

Make sure that there is plenty of space for a car to pull over. If there is nowhere for them to stop, they wont.

this all I can think of right now, but you can email me with any questions if you want.

Answer 2

It's not the "culture of fear" that I'd be concerned with....It's that

1. Very few people pick up hitch hikers anymore because of safety concerns...and you need to be careful who you accept rides FROM. Take a cell phone with you.

2. You WILL get hassled by the cops...so remember no weapons or drugs. Bring enough money (or a good friends phone number) for bail...just in case.

3. Keep travelers checks, cash and your ID in a baggie in your sock. It keeps them dry if it snows or rains and hidden from people who might want to take whats yours.

4. Isn't the Spring break time in the Buffalo area (and the areas that you're traveling through) still REALLY COLD? Make plans for the weather and what you'll do when night falls and you're curbside and cold. Wear a Gore-Tex jacket...its waterproof and blocks the wind really well. Wear a hat to conserve body heat. Wear a pair of good, warm hiking boots. Break them in well before you leave.

5. The distance from Buffalo to Oklahoma City is about 1,270 miles. How long will you have to make it there and back? That's a long haul my friend.

As a former hitch hiker I admire your sense of adventure. This is something you'll remember for a long time and will tell your grandchildren about. Let us know how you make out when you get back.
Good luck and stay safe!

***

Answer 3

I did for years, but somehow it went out of style, like writing letters. And yes, a friend of mine got stabbed repeatedly and only lived because whoever found him gave him mouth to mouth, but that's another story...

Aside from that, make a cardboard sign with the name of the next city that most of the traffic is going to. If you walk out onto your street in buffalo with a sign that says oklahoma people won't know what to do with you and they only have a few seconds to decide whether they'll stop. Repeat ultil you get there. Walk to a place where people can see you and they can stop safely or they will just fly right by. Toll plazas are good. Bring some cigs or something to give the driver, or buy him some gas. I never got hurt, and it was more fun than driving. Hell, maybe it'll come back. Good luck...

Answer 4

Get yourself down 91 or whatever your local south bound hgwy is and hook up with 44 west until you reach 80 that's a pretty direct route west and very well traveled. I'm not sure where to go South from there but it couldn't be that hard. Been back and forth to California from NYC many times and 80 always has been the best.

Answer 5

Nowadays working odd jobs around the world will get you extradited from that country. If you plan to hitchhike around the world, do not spend more than 90 days in the Schengen area. Make sure you have access to at least $10,000.

Answer 6

hey john!
i'm dee here. i like the idea to hitchhike across the country! i would do that too. i tried once but there were no women that gave me a ride....all guys. maybe you wanna dress nicly, look hott for some ladies and let them give you a ride. make sure you don't being too much stuff because it's always a drag. i think this is a great idea and go for it. id come with you but i'm in the boston area.....haha.....contact me anytime.....=)

-Dee

Answer 7

Although I don't hitchhike anymore, I always found if I kept moving while sticking out my thumb, my chances were greater.

Think about it! Who would you pick up? Someone just standing on the corner with their thumb out or someone walking down the road who turns (always let them see your face Clearly!) and sticks out their thumb while still walking!

I also hitched with my white Sheppard, that was when I got rides from animal lovers. Many told me, they would NOT have picked me up except for my dog.

Answer 8

Check out this website and lots of notes from two young fellows who hitched to all 50 states in 50 days. makes for great fun reading and they include lots of journalling and video clips. I spent hours enjoying their tales.

That said, caution is always advised. Notice that they went together...

Answer 9

I've done it several times..Maine to California and back...Carry trav. checks...I carried a hand gun, but you have to be careful. If a cop stops and searches you, you're screwed..Carry a stun gun.. You cannot hitch on interstates, only the on-ramps..Stop in at truck stops, I had my best luck finding rides there.. Make sure to carry lots of snacks (granola bars, candy bars, water bottle, etc..) Sucks getting stranded on a 10 hr. walk with nothing to eat..lol. Make sure you have a backpack with dry clothes and rain gear..Sucks even more on a 10 hr. walk with nothing to eat and wet..lol Dont forget a small tarp and a warm jacket.. I've had to sleep in the bushes many a night..Good luck bro...

Answer 10

I've done a lot of it. It's a real drag. I can't imagine why you'd want to spend your spring break that way. As for tips, take a sleeping bag and traveler's checks.