I’m on a bus heading out of central Beijing in December 2015. I’m almost the only foreigner on board as this isn’t a tourist bus and there’s no guide, it’s the much cheaper local way to reach the Great Wall. I’m about to need those safety tips female hitchhikers I’m giving you in this post.
About an hour from the Wall, in the middle of nowhere, an official boards the bus and announces, looking straight at me, that the road ahead is closed and won’t allow access to the Wall.
I am hustled off into a dusty dead end road with nothing in sight, and the bus drives off with all the locals on the ‘closed’ road. Now would be the moment I wished I’d had these crucial tips for hitchhiking safety!
Before jumping into any car, ostentatiously take a photo of the number plate and send it (or pretend to send if you lack credit or signal) to a friend for safekeeping. This little trick is a lifesaver, and your driver seems always to notice and pay close attention to this!
The next tip was handed out by police in my home country where pepper spray is not legal and is a fantastic ‘just in case’ for your backpack:
Heat sprays for muscle pain relief such as Deep Heat are widely legal and don’t need much explaining- great for any sore muscles on the road. But if sprayed in an attacker’s eye, they’ll cause a load of pain and distraction. Ladies, a mini can should always be by your side.
And finally, based on personal experience:
Don’t get into a car with a man alone or a group of men – a couple is better, a family is best.
If you like it, then you shoulda put a pin on it!
What are you best safety tips female hitchhikers? Drop a line about your own hitchhiking experiences!
PS: Seeking more tips on saving money while travelling? Here’s how to have a fabulous no extra cost Bangkok layover!
A small town girl on a mission to live in 10 different countries before she pops her clogs, Danni began travelling with a job in Peru at the age of 18. Now an expert in living and working abroad, she shares all the tips and tricks you need to get started.
Great tips, thanks for sharing! I’ve never thought of the license plate idea.
Would love to hear more of the story, what ended up happening, did you make it to the wall?
Great tips! I’ve only ever hitchhiked with other guys, never alone, but I’d like to try one day! I’m always curious (in a good and bad way) as to how the experience would differ by myself. These tips, especially the first two, are super clever. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve never hitchhiked but you are right who knows when I might have to. Thanks for the tips. I especially like the idea of taking a picture of the license plate. I bet that does send a warning to the driver.
Great tips! I love the heat spray idea! I’ve always been too afraid to hitchhike, but maybe with this in mind I might try it someday! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Great tips, thanks for sharing! I’ve never thought of the license plate idea.
Would love to hear more of the story, what ended up happening, did you make it to the wall?
Great tips! I’ve only ever hitchhiked with other guys, never alone, but I’d like to try one day! I’m always curious (in a good and bad way) as to how the experience would differ by myself. These tips, especially the first two, are super clever. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve never hitchhiked but you are right who knows when I might have to. Thanks for the tips. I especially like the idea of taking a picture of the license plate. I bet that does send a warning to the driver.
That´s a good idea with the photo of the number plate! It never occured to me. I love hitchhiking and am happy to say I never had a bad experience 🙂
Great tips! I love the heat spray idea! I’ve always been too afraid to hitchhike, but maybe with this in mind I might try it someday! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Im getting much ideas after reading your post, thank you