On Hitchhiking (Revised+Final)

When it comes to traveling, which way do you prefer--- join a package tour or be a backpacker? There are many ways to go on a journey. For people who want to save their budget, they would choose to be a backpacker if they are adventurous enough. However, it does not mean everyone who wants to be a backpacker knows how to save his budget. Being a backpacker means he has to take everything into consideration. For instance, if he wants to save money on accommodation, he would stay in a hostel or B&B; if he wants to save money on meals, he would cook. How about transportation? Some people might provide with the answer--- Walk! Nevertheless, we could not always get to our destinations on foot otherwise that will be extremely tiresome and a waste of time.

Hitchhiking is a means of transportation by asking for a ride. By putting our thumb up--- a typical universal gesture, some strangers will stop by and offer us a ride. As a result, it is one of top choices backpacker would opt for when they are traveling. Perhaps it is the most budget-saving way because there are many benefits about it. Through hitchhiking, on one hand, we could spend less time and money on transportation. On the other hand, we would meet different people and make new friends along the way. Yet, there are always pros and cons that lie behind. The most controversial issue is the safety problem.

There are high-profile cases about hitchhikers murdered by the drivers. Some drivers are criminals and they prey on hitchhikers. The criminals will pretend to be generous and kindly give hitchhikers a ride. Later on, when the travelers are off guard, they would rob, rape, and even murder them. These serious cases cause high alert and in some countries like Australia and some local governments in the United States, for example, New Jersey prohibit hitchhiking. People who want to give someone a lift would need a license to prove their identity and qualification.

As a consequence, how do we keep ourselves safe if we need a lift? In fact, there are some websites and tips for hitchhikers to browse. People who are willing to offer a ride to others would post their self-introductions and so if someone needs a hitchhike, he could contact and confirm the concerned information with the person. We should always heed on who we are getting a ride from. If in doubt, turn down the ride immediately. If possible, hitchhike with friends would be a wiser choice.

To sum up, hitching is both a risking but thrill-seeking experience that would be something for memory when we travel. Although we could not predict what would happen ensued when hitching, we could try our best to avoid risks hidden behind. All we have to bear in mind is to hitchhike with the right person, at the right place and of course, at the right time! In that way, we would definitely enjoy our cost-effective, wonderful and exciting backpacker journey!