Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Bryan]

I was thinking about traveling around America and Canada by a combination of bus and hitchhiking. People say not to hitchhike because of safety reasons, but I think that's moreso for women, isn't it?

Has anyone hitchhiked (with a backpack) through these places and would you suggest it again?

I might be in Quebec for a French study program in throughout June next year (over a year from now). I have a philosophy conference thing at the beginning of July somewhere on the West coast, and then an economics conference in Alabama at the end tip of July.

I was thinking of bussing/hitching around, and couch surfing (through Pasporto Servo) at people's homes along the way.

Could this be a big headache or would it be fun?

[redhed]

you can hitch all over the US and Canada, I have had a lot of experiences in the US, and picked up a lot of hitchhikers in Canada driving back and forth from alaska. In the US, the midwest and southern states can be slow, a long time between rides, the west coast is usually pretty good but I've never had any safety issues, some weirdos and some rides that ended earlier than planned but it's free and fun.

[MissMaggie]

I certainly wouldn't hitchhike in Canada (and neither would my male friends), for a few reasons.

1. Canada's really freakin spread out. It would take forever to get from place to place, and I certainly wouldn't want to be alone in a stranger's car, out in the middle of nowhere between towns/cities.

2. It's illegal to hitchhike on the main highways that run between, say Montreal and Toronto. Apparently parts of Alberta too. I think you get a ticket.

3. There are some serious weirdos around. People I've talked to who used to hitch a ride all the time years ago aren't doing it anymore.

[cmr]

I hitchhiked in Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia without any trouble at all and no scary story of my own to tell.

I did meet two different people who told me they got rides from weirdos, though, but they only got scrared a little, nothing creepy happened to them. Anyway, you can meet weirdos anywhere. I've met more in my life on buses, trains, subways, even taxi drivers than when I used to hitchhike.

Once I got a ride with a couple from Calgary, I think, and if I had been the one driving I don't think I would have stopped to give them a ride. The guy looked like a skinhead and his girlfriend had quite a special hair style and color (hard to describe), and I don't remember how many earrings she was wearing... all over her face. Anyway, they were the nicest people I ever met while hitchhiking! They shared their lunch with me, they gave me some CAA travel books they no longer needed since they were returning from their trip in BC, and they even shortened they sightseeing a little to make sure I would arrive in town on time to catch a train. That sort of gave me a lesson and taught me not to judge people by the way they look.

[redhed]

Amen CMR,

The world can be a scary place, full of scary people, but your odds of getting into a smash up driving your own car certainly outweigh your odds of getting killed or raped or locked in a strange basement by a psycho while hitching. To be honest, drunks seem to love to pick up hitchhikers so this is something to be wary of. I always talk to the person about where they're going, etc. etc. at the window before I just hop right in. Like traveling, and everything else related to human interaction, trust your instincts. Do not be afraid to get out of the car just because it feels weird. Don't worry about hurting their feelings. A funny story, my brother was driving from michigan to upstate new york, and picked up a guy right on the Michigan/Ohio line who was headed to Syracuse. When my bro told the guy he'd take him all the way (about 14 hours) the guy decided on a whim to get out in the next town. He got weirded out by my bro and missed out on a BIG ride.

By the way CMR thanks for the heads up on the bike, I didn't score it, but good lookin' out.

[Bryan]

Thanks for the stories guys.

I found out the philosophy conference will be in Las Vegas. I'm excited about hitchhiking there, since the weather should be clear the whole way. I'll be sure to stay hydrated.

[D.D.]

I once got a ride from Banff to Vernon with a guy who drank like a fish all the way. He was still a good driver and told me stories of Thailand and travelling. I tried to get out at a gas station but my bag was in the trunk and he got a bit pissed me bailing so I ended up staying on.

I have hitched Aus and Nz and it really helps if you have a girl with you. I had a hot blonde Norwegian girl with me once and we got rides very easily.

I think the states would be a bad place to hitch. Lots of freaks down there.

[I-am-me]

Americans are taught not to talk to strangers and more importantly, not to pick up hitchhikers. You might find yourself doing a lot of walking. If you do get picked up, no one might ever see you again!

[Bryan]

[oldtactics]

I'd say there are more positive hitching stories out there than there are horror stories. I know a number of people who have and continue to hitchhike across Canada and although you'll certainly meet some weirdos, you'll also meet a ton of interesting people.

Northern Ontario is especially good for finding big rigs going cross country.

Be safe and good luck!

[Chuvok]

MIGHT I SUGGEST instead of hitchhiking, take advantage of ride sharing offers.

In just about any youth hostel across North America you will find a bulletin board with notices of upcoming trips. The people you will meet will almost always be young traveler types, or someone moving to a new city.

You'll need to be a bit sociable and talk during the ride. So, if you're a talker, its fun and you can probably make some really good friends.

Most times, these people just want you to share gas costs. But occasionally will charge a flat price.

If youth hostels don't work, you can use the internet. Craig's List has a ride sharing section, which I have used myself on one occasion to go from Toronto to Ottawa. The guy who gave me a ride only wanted $20. That was about half the price of a bus ticket at the time.

[redhed]

I agree, ride sharing in the states is sweet.....I've used several boards for long trips, craigslist being one of them. Again, don't be scared of hitching america, use good sense, trust your instincts, and don't have too strict a time schedule. People are trained these days that hitchhikers are murderers and rapists, but just look at least reasonably presentable, make a large sign so people know where you are going before they stop, sometimes, I've found that writing I have gas $ on the reverse side of you sign (if you do, of course) can help you out of a long wait rather quickly. Also, there are still plenty of americans out there driving cars who grew up in a day and age when hitching as opposed to vehicle ownership by youngsters was the norm, they are interesting and interested for the most part in my experience. I can't tell you how many rides I've gotten from old men in pick-ups.

[pidgin]

I hitched portions of the US and then the wide stretch two complete times back in the mid 90s.

I WOULD NOT do it again. Older and wiser....

[dimnd]

Most universities have bulletin boards up for ride sharing across country after their finals, during semester breaks, etc. Might be worth a look.

[Tobias]

Two words:

Craigslist Rideshare