Hitchhiking is a great way to experience cultures and save a lot of money. I have hitchhiked in close to 100 countries and territories with more than 1,000 cars total. I hitchhike when only taxis are available or in islands with unreliable public transport.
My advice is just to do it. You will most probably be afraid hitchhiking for the first time like I was, but the only way to lose the fear is just to do it. I recommend beginning on an island where hitchhiking is part of the culture and where nobody will give you strange looks.
Below is my top 10 list of the best countries and territories to hitchhike. You will notice it is all islands. Some places in the countryside of Europe and several places in Asia are also easy. Check my guide to hitchhiking and Hitchwiki.org before going. If you are worried about taking the first step, I can highly recommend starting in any of the destinations below for a great first experience:
Fernando de Noronha Located an hour from Brazil, Fernando de Noronha is completely safe and easy for hitchhiking. Every 2nd car stopped on average. No need to ever take a taxi.
Palau Every car or every second car will stop. It is incredible and very safe. No need to ever take a taxi.
Nauru The world’s smallest country is a wonderful island to hitchhike. Full of friendly people. Almost all will stop for you.
New Zealand The best place to start hitchhiking. Very easy and safe. I love this country for many reasons, and hitchhiking is one of them.
Saba This small Dutch territory in the Caribbean is a unique travel destination and a very easy place to hitchhike.
St. Pierre Very easy to hitchhike in this French territory. Hitchhiked three times and never waited more than one minute.
Svalbard Every car stopped in the Northernmost city in the world, Longyearbyen. No need to take the expensive airport bus.
Tinian American territory in the Pacific, but does not feel like America at all. Very small and every car or every second car will stop.
Tonga Very easy and safe to hitchhike on both Tongatapu and Vava’u island. Very friendly islanders.
Comoros Safe and easy to hitchhike in one of the world’s least developed countries. The locals don’t speak English, but just say auto-stop to avoid misunderstandings.
