Global Hitchhiker Guide

The Hitchhikers Guide To The World

General

Hitchhiking

Picking Up Hitchhikers

Shipments

Carriers

Travel Planning

Travelers

Guide Book

General
This is just a guide with basic information. Use your common sense.

Most people are kind, trustworthy, honest and generally good people. However, there are exceptions.

It's not just evil people that you need to consider. Misunderstandings between two honest people can be bad. Get everything in writing or in an email. Cover as much possible.
Hitchhiking
Plan in advance. Know what the deal is before you start an adventure.

Get to know the person you are going with. Email and phone them. Make sure you are compatible. If you hate rap music you don't want to listen to it for a thousand miles on the road.

If you are traveling internationally, know the laws of the land. They may be very different than what you are use to.

Accept no subtitles. Only go with the person you have been corresponding with.

Take a pictures of the person you are hitchhiking with and their vehicle. Get their drivers license, vehicle license and any other information possible. Leave it a home with a trusted friend. You may be able to get this information in advance. Have them email you their picture and information. Check it before you leave.
Picking Up Hitchhikers
The information in Hitchhiking above applies to you also. You need to get the information in advance. Make sure the person you are traveling with is the person you think they are. Check their drivers license or other identification.

Shipments
Cover all the details.

If the carrier is a business check them out. Just because they have a website doesn't mean they are reputable. Ask for references.

If you shipment contains a bunch of parts, put them in one box or as few boxes as possible.

Pack everything well.
Label it.
Consider insurance.
Be prompt. Have everything ready to go when you say you will.
Be honest. If it weighs a thousand pounds say so.
Carriers
Cover all the details.
Treat their stuff like your own.
Be prompt.
Travel Planning
Cover all the details.
Be honest.
Supply references and any information requested.

Travelers
Cover all the details.
Check with the BBB or government agency. Recently there have been several "To good to be true travel bargains". They were. Just because someone has a web site doesn't mean they are reputable. Check everyone out thoroughly.

Report any fraudulent or misleading advertisements to us and the proper authorities and to Us.

California Consumer Alerts
California Visitors' Guide