Hitchhiking in Europe continues a common way to get around and is even now done with vast frequency by the locals. Still, for a foreigner, hitchhiking may not be the best mode of transport through Europe. Foreigners are seen as especially easy and beneficial prey for criminals. If you do select to hitchhike in any Eastern or Central European country, take precautions and check on these valuable safety suggestions.

1. Hitchhike in Europe Only When Needed
Moving in Europe may not always be clean, efficient, or comfortable, nevertheless hitchhiking is becoming increasingly more risky worldwide. If you find you have to hitchhike in Europe, use extreme caution and don?t pay no attention to your instincts if something does not seem right.

2. Choose Your Hitchhiking Location Wisely
Avoid trying to hitch a ride on a highway or remarkably curvy road that might put you or drivers at risk. Cars having to stop on roads where high speeds are obligatory is not safe for you or the drivers. As an alternative, try to hitchhike from rest stops or gas stations somewhere you can preserve your safety and where cars are stopped. It?s also viable that someone may call the police if you try to hitch a ride on a risky roadway or freeway where hitchhiking may be unlawful.

3. Ride in the Front Seat When Hitchhiking in Europe
The backseat of a car places you in a more vulnerable position. Some cars have child safety locks in the back. You need to be able to bolt at the first sign of trouble, so if you have to ride in the back, ensure that there is no child safety lock impeding you from opening the door from the inside.

4. Keep Your Bags with You
At any proposal to put your luggage in the trunk, politely decline. Keep your luggage close to you?at your feet or on your lap. At a moment whilst you may possibly need to get out of the car suddenly, you want to be able to grab your things as you go.

5. Keep Documents, Money, Valuables on You
As during every other time you travel in Europe, you should keep your records on you in a separate wallet underneath your cloths. That way, if a thief takes your main bag, you will still have identification and currency in case of this, or another, urgent situation. Keep all cell phones and other pricey devices well out of eyesight as well.

6. Hitchhike in Europe with a Friend
Regardless if you are male or female, it?s always smart to get a ride with a friend. A potential criminal will less likely be able to pull anything funny if you and a buddy are watching each others backs.

7. Know Your Destination But Be Vague
Always have in stock a map so that you realize where you are going. When hitchhiking in Europe, it?s best to give a general location for a location a short distance away that way, if you suspect the driver has less-than-good intentions, your ride will be short and the driver wont know your final destination.

8. Note the Vehicle Type When You Hitchhike in Europe
When hitchhiking in Europe, note details of the car (make, model, color and/or license plate number) before you get into the vehicle. If something goes amiss, you can report the driver to the police.

9. Dress for Weather and Safety
Make sure you pack items of clothing that are weather friendly and water-repellent in case you find yourself hitchhiking in rough weather. Also wear low-cost older clothing that give the sense you may be carrying valuables on you.

10. Dont Hesitate to Turn Down a Ride
Negotiate for a ride before you get into the vehicle whilst hitchhiking in Europe. If anything makes you suspicious, dont be scared to politely turn down the ride. Foreigners are seen as specially vulnerable and anyone giving you a ride may try to get money or other things from you. In addition, dont ride with someone you cant communicate with. You do not want any unsaid expectations from the driver for giving you a ride.

Author of this article is the owner of Europe Hostels website and also a backpacker. You can read more about Hitchhiking in Europe from his website.