Indeed hitchhiking has contributed to my world view that our planet is largely composed of good and friendly people. And while I cannot advocate hitchhiking for anyone, in some places the risk of violence is moderate, and the benefits can be great. If one passes you by it's full, a local, or you're having an invisible day. In this age what hitchhikers see and do and learn may not make headlines, but on a personal level their achievements are impressive. Hitchhikers have no mission control to ask advice and no alternate switches to switch.
Backup systems are feet and possibly a tiny umbrella.
For me, hitchhiking is travel at its most fascinating. I usually feel I hardly know a country until I've stood by one of its roads and waited for someone to give me a ride. Hitchhiking is also great sport, replete with a roller coaster of emotion. When you get a good ride, interesting conversation, or an invitation for tea to meet the family, hitchhiking can be pretty darn good. Where Hitchhikers Hitch Hitchhiking by travel backpackers is relatively common in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.