Body language is essential when approaching strangers. Especially, if you’re standing next to a busy road waiting for a ride. Signs and gestures vary from culture to culture, so even when hitchhiking, one can never be completely sure about what the driver is trying to communicate without a visual guide.
If you have ever thought about catching a lift from a stranger in Europe or have already done so, yet still have doubts on some of the things you’ve seen while on the lookout, then here’s your ultimate, visual hitchhiking guide to understanding drivers and the hidden messages behind their gestures (and my thoughts on them)!
“Sorry, the back seat is full.” (Thanks for telling me.)
“Way to go! Good luck!” (How about giving me a ride?)
“Turning left/right from next crossing”. (OK.)
“Hey there!” (Ehmm…hey back, but the ride?)
“I want money.” (If I had some, I’d pay a taxi.)
“I’m totally ignoring you.” (Why?)
“I’m only driving a bit further.” (Sometimes even 1km is better than nothing.)
“Going only 2kms!” (Cool, take me with you!)
“I live around here.” (OK, good to know.)
“I don’t know.” (You don’t know what? Where you’re going? Your name?)
For more posts on hitchhiking, see also e.g 10 STEPS FOR SUCCESSFUL HITCCHIKING, URBAN HITCHHIKING: WALKING WITH STRANGERS or HELINÄ RAUTAVAARA: MOTHER OF HITCHHIKING AND LONG-DISTANCE CYCLING.
