hitchhike

Hitchhiking is a form of travel in which a person seeks free passage by soliciting rides from passing motorists, typically by signaling with an outstretched thumb or a sign indicating a destination. It is usually done along highways and rural roads and can involve short hops or longer journeys. The practice exists worldwide and has roots in the early era of automobile travel.

Hitchhikers commonly wait at road turnouts or shoulders, display a destination sign, and signal to drivers. Rides may come from motorists traveling in the same direction or toward the destination; in some regions, travelers rely on informal networks or organized hitchhiking routes. Travelers often carry a map, water, and identification.

The practice grew with widespread car ownership in the 20th century and reached peak use in the mid-20th century in many countries. In American English, hitchhike or hitch is common; in British English, people speak of thumbing a lift or hitching a lift. The practice has declined in some areas due to safety concerns and changes in travel patterns.

Safety and legality vary by jurisdiction. Some places permit hitchhiking but regulate where it may occur or require pedestrians to stay off certain roads. Potential risks include crime, assault, and traffic accidents. Best practices emphasize traveling with a companion, staying in visible areas, avoiding isolated spots, and informing someone of plans.

Hitchhiking has appeared in travel writing, cinema, and music as a symbol of independence and improvisation. While ride-sharing apps provide more controlled alternatives, traditional hitchhiking remains an informal practice in parts of the world.