The Pack. This should always be as light and compact as possible. Make sure you bring a tarp, blanket, small atlas, state ID, container for water, a little bit of food, a few extra pair of socks, sharpie, small flashlight, roll of toilet paper, knife and harmonica.
The most important thing to remember about your pack is never leave your pack in your hitched ride's car.
The Sign. When making your sign, be specific on your direction and preferred route. I prefer to weed out the stuck-ups and grab the attention of those with a sense of humor about them with an eye-grabbing sign.
The Ride. Always ask your driver which way he or she is driving before getting in the vehicle. Once inside, engage in small talk with your adopted chauffeurs and try to make them feel comfortable with the fact they just allowed a couple of strangers into their car. Some drivers prefer to do all the talking. This is where we do the listening and pretend that we care about whatever they are saying.
Don't ever be afraid to ask someone to stop and let you out. Though most of my rides have been relatively harmless, there is always the occasional wingnut. If you get a real weirdo, just tell him to stop and let you out at the first on-ramp, truck stop or roadside park. If he refuses, tell him you feel sick. This will almost always get him to stop.
But most of the time we are the weirdos, so try to play it down a little, at least until drivers become more comfortable with you. Remember: You are representing hitchhikers everywhere. Do not give us a bad name.
The Truck Drivers. It is against the rules of most semi-truck companies to allow unregistered riders in the truck with drivers. Privately owned trucks are more apt to help out with a ride, though you can always find someone who is willing to bend the rules.
The Cops. Never admit you know hitchhiking was illegal (if it is in that community). Sometimes cops will merely yell over their P.A. system to "get off the road." Just move on and sit at a gas station or find a new on-ramp. If you're lucky, a police officer may give you a ride to the next county.
Luck. Just hope that you have it. Otherwise, it really sucks standing in one spot for two days waiting for a ride. Trust me.
Hitchhiker's Guide to Florida main
This article appears in Aug 15-21, 2007.