Hitchhiking may immediately set of alarm bells for some, especially those familiar with the work of Rutger Hauer. However, we’ve met a few individuals, including former Lonely Planet writer Robert Strauss, who reckon it’s great. Also among these is Dylan, or the Travelling Editor to give him is Twitter name. Sad at the belief that it is becoming ‘a lost art’, he’s put together his top tips on hitchhiking,

“Tested and road-proof, here’s my version of ten nudge-nudge-wink-wink’s on how to not only have a successful hitchhike, but also a emotionally and spiritually satisfying one.”

The tips are great fare for anyone tempted by getting from ‘here’ to ‘there’ by standing roadside and sticking up a thumb. I think my favourite tip among Dylan’s pearls of wisdom is ‘Minimal Planning’. He makes hitchhiking sound so simple, and maybe it is,

“You begin from origin A and you end up in destination B. Sweet as. Now drop the fretting, stop scrawling red lines all over your map and take yourself to spot A.”

Apparently the unpredictability is what it is all about. So what you waiting for, read Dyl’s tips and see where you can get to for free. Paul Smith, the Twitchhiker, got from Newcastle to New Zealand no less! It’s all quite exciting – maybe we should do a STA travelbuzz hitchhike? If you fancy giving it a go be sensible, stay safe and make the world your playground.