Car (1/4)

As a non driver, a car wouldn’t be the first mode of transport that pops to mind for me when I think of making my way across country. Luckily though, there are lots of people out there who aren’t cripplingly afraid of getting behind the wheel and who are happy to have a little company while doing it. Of course, if you do drive, you could always rent a car while you’re away but, if not, here’s how to make the most of a motor while travelling.

Hitch-hiking: Hitching a lift is an exciting way to meet some new and interesting people while travelling and I’ve found it a fun way of getting around while I’m away. I try and find a busy spot (the exit of a petrol station has worked well for me) and, as I mentioned in a previous article, I like to carry a quirky sign to grab the driver’s attention, like ‘I have cake’ or ‘freshly showered’. Also, don’t forget to smile! This doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be waiting for hours to be picked up but it can help. Look up hitch-hiking laws and etiquette in the countries you’re travelling to. In some places it’s just not safe and in others there are customs that you may need to be aware of. For example, in Romania, drivers generally expect a small tip from hitchers. There are, of course, a few safety concerns to keep in mind before sticking your thumb out. If a car stops for you and it just doesn’t feel right there’s absolutely nothing wrong with saying no to the lift. If you do decide to hop in, take a photo of the registration plate before you do and send the details on to a friend. That way, someone knows who you’re with and where you are.

BlaBlaCar: I love BlaBlaCar, and not just because it’s so much fun to say! It’s sort of a prearranged, reliable form of hitch-hiking only safer and without all the waiting around. On the website, you can search for motorists driving your route, see what they’re charging for a seat in their car (usually relatively little) and check out the driver’s profile which will show you everything from their reviews to whether or not they like listening to music on the road. Once you’ve booked your space, you’re given the make, model and license plate of the driver’s car and their phone number for arranging a pick-up point. I’ve traveled using BlaBlaCar in the UK, Ireland, Italy and Croatia and never had a problem with it. Having a chat with a friendly stranger while coasting through the countryside, music playing gently in the background, is a beautiful way to get from A to B (although once, exhausted, I did just pass out in the back of a car only to wake up at my arrival point apologising profusely for not being better company!)