Is hitchhicking dangerous?

"But you have to be careful—someone will kidnap you.""You shouldn't hitchhike as a girl; it's dangerous.""It's not safe. Don't do it."

We hear these warnings all the time whenever we mention hitchhiking. But how bad is it, really?

During our trip in Portugal, every driver we met told us how dangerous the country was, warning us not to trust Portuguese men. But ironically, they were all just looking out for us. Each one went out of their way to help, often driving us further than they originally intended just because they felt responsible for our safety.

Of course, hitchhiking comes with risks, but there are a few key rules to follow to stay safe:

Hitchhiking Safety Tips

• Trust your gut – If something feels off about a person, a car, or even a direction, don’t get in.

• Have a backstory – If needed, lie. Say you have a partner waiting for you at the destination or that you’re doing a challenge with a friend and will meet them there.

• Take a photo of the license plate – Do this before getting in. It makes the driver aware that you have their personal details, which can deter bad intentions.

• Share your location – Always let at least one trustworthy person know where you are. Even if your parents are tracking you, it’s good to share your location with a few friends, especially those in the same country.

• Set up a safety check-in – Have a signal, a safety word, or a scheduled check-in time so someone knows you’re okay.

• Keep control of your luggage – Never put your bags in the car first if the doors are closed and the driver is already inside. If you’re hitchhiking with a friend, one person should sit in the car while keeping the door open as the other handles the luggage.

• Avoid hitchhiking in the dark – It’s simply not worth the added risk.

• Be a good passenger – The driver is giving you a free ride, so be polite, friendly, and share stories. A little kindness goes a long way!

Hitchhiking might seem scary, but trust us—it’s an incredible adventure. If you’re a broke student (or just a budget traveler), it’s a fantastic way to explore the world. You’ll learn so much about yourself, build confidence, and collect endless stories.

We’d go hitchhiking in a new country again in a heartbeat!