Advice about hitch hiking, where you should do it and when. We welcome your contributions.
Please check the city guides for specific information for hitching to and from particular locations. Please e-mail us at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

 

WHERE TO HITCH
Generally hitch hiking in Spain is not the done thing for getting around. This doesn’t mean you’ll be unsuccessful. In most rural areas Spaniards will s for hitch hikers. From big cities get a bus or train to the outskirts of town to get to a road leading to a motorway (expressway). If you've got a lift on a motorway, get dropped off at a service area rather than in town so you are not far from the motorway, there are food and toilet facilities and more chance of other travellers passing through. Hitch hiking is illegal so avoid motorways and stick to entrance ramps and service areas. It is important to talk to the driver in Spain so try out your even rudimentary Spanish by making small talk to win them over and then just do your best once underway! The road down the east coast (Barcelona-Valencia-Murcia) is reportedly difficult to get a lift as is getting out of Madrid or Barcelona. Regional areas are easier particularly in the Basque country. If you’re hitching in Andalucia it can be hot waiting in between rides so bring water and a hat for road side ss.

 

SIGNS
This is a cause for debate amongst hitchers. Some say drivers won't s if they don't know where you want to go. Others say it is safer not to use a sign so you can ask the driver where they are going before you accept a lift. A compromise is to use the name of the road you are travelling on. Most people that give you lifts will be people that have hitched themselves, or couriers or truck drivers who want company. To improve your chances of getting a lift:
- look neat and respectable.
- Face the oncoming traffic and smile.
- Choose a spot with plenty of room for the driver to safely s and where the traffic is not too fast. This way it is safer for cars to s and the driver has a chance to size you up.
- Stand confidently with your thumb out over the road.
- When a car ss ask where the driver is going to - you can still decline the lift if you don't like the look of them.
- Do not smoke in someone else's car.
- Travel light.
- Take an international drivers licence as the driver may wish to share the driving.

Note if it rains you've usually got less chance of people sping (visibility decreases and they might not want water in their car). It might be better to make your way to a cafe or autos and wait out the rain or stick it out and try to use the sympathy factor.

 

SAFETY
Despite the bad press the most hazardous thing about hitching is the chance of being involved in a car accident or being hit by a car if you are standing too close to the side of the road. Here are some more tips for safety:
- As a single female you will travel quickly but you may attract undue attention. Travelling with a guy helps as people may perceive you as a couple.
- Turn down the lift if you do not feel comfortable.
- Keep your luggage with you. Do not put it in the trunk.

 

USEFUL LINKS

http://www.digihitch.com/world/Europe/Spain
A great site offering forums and advice and even useful phrases for hitching