>>22359262/2
NEVER hitch hike after the sun goes down. You hitchhike as soon as the sun goes up and you finish around dusk. Why? More drunk people in cars, more troublesome people, etc. You don't do it for the same reason why you might walk down certain streets at daytime without much thought but might want to avoid at night. It is also very difficult to get picked up as you immediately look 10x more sketchy just because it is dark. Just don't bother. You're probably also more likely to be hassled by police if you're unfortunately enough.
Have a friendly and sociable demeanor. I'm a very introverted person, but I found it very easy to talk to people when hitchhiking and going out of my comfort zone. I avoid taking money and have only done it once, but expect people to offer, but I'd generally recommend turning it down.
Try displaying your backpack in front of you. Or whatever you are travelling with. It makes it clear you're travelling and you're just a 20's something person doing something cool as opposed to looking like an ax murdered.
Don't take it personally if people don't pick you up. 100 cars will pass you up until someone picks you up. You will quickly learn to read someone to see if they're going to stop.
If you feel really uncomfortable with a ride and if it looks sketchy, just turn it down. Worst that can happen is someone is going to tell you to fuck off and then they'll move on. Having a sign DOESN'T help with this as it is difficult to bullshit where you are going, which is a quick way to find an excuse not to get in. Personally never had problems, the closest I had was a very quiet Hungarian family seated really weirdly, but nothing happened and they were just helping me. It was a little tense, but nothing happened.
Don't look miserable and like a sad sack of shit. People are more likely to stop, even if it is just to talk, if you look like you're having a good time.
