My First Hitchhiking Experience in India on a Tractor
Hitchhiking was never supposed to be part of my travel story.
I like knowing where I’m going. I like having a plan. And I like… not relying on strangers in moving vehicles, unless it’s an Uber.
And yet, my first successful hitchhiking experience happened in India — on the back of a tractor.
What is hitchhiking?
Hitchhiking is the act of getting free rides from strangers to reach your destination.
Traditionally, it involves standing by the roadside and sticking your thumb out. Some travelers carry signs with their destination written on them.
While hitchhiking used to be more common, it has declined over the years due to safety concerns, for both the hitchhikers and the drivers. In some countries, like Singapore, it’s even illegal.
However, there are still parts of the world where hitchhiking is legal and popular, particularly in countries where many people don’t own cars and public transport is infrequent.
Cuba has at one time made it mandatory for government vehicles to pick up hitchhikers if there’s space in the car.
And in some countries in Europe, there are even designated waiting locations for hitchhikers.
Why do people hitchhike?
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Not everyone hitchhikes for the same reason.
Some do it out of necessity. Hitchhiking is indeed the cheapest way to travel (in some countries, it may be customary to pay for rides, but in most parts of the world, it’s free).
And some people choose to hitchhike because:
- It’s a great way to meet people. Making friends with locals is one of the best ways to make your travels more meaningful. You’ll get a different perspective on a place and gain better insight into its culture, politics, etc. You’ll also get to practice the language.
- It challenges you. Let’s face it — it takes a certain level of courage to get into a stranger’s car. Overcoming your fear and people’s prejudices makes you mentally stronger, and if you succeed, you may feel like nothing is impossible.
- It provides an element of surprise. Some people thrive on the thrill of the unknown. When you hitchhike, you never know what interesting character you’re going to meet, when you’ll arrive, or where you might end up. There’s a lot of room for adventure.
Is hitchhiking dangerous?
Being part of the backpacking community has introduced me to many hardcore independent travelers who swear by hitchhiking as their favorite mode of transportation.
And I have massive respect for them, especially women who hitchhike solo, like
- Iris from the Netherlands, who has hitchhiked solo through several continents,
- Alyssa from Canada, who has hitchhiked for over 50,000 kilometer
- See, a Malaysian solo traveler who hitchhiked through 7 countries in the span of 7 months.
However, hitchhikers — especially female ones — are often judged harshly and even blamed if anything bad were to happen to them, as if they “brought it upon themselves”.
While it’s true that there are risks involved (just like everything else in life), statistics show that hitchhiking is not as dangerous as most people think.
The key is awareness. Trust your instincts, stay alert, and be prepared to walk away.
My earlier attempt at hitchhiking
My first attempt was in Melbourne, Australia.
I was broke and trying to get from the airport to the city.
I didn’t have a piece of cardboard to write my destination on, so I simply stood by the roadside and, very self-consciously, stuck out my thumb.
After two cars passed without stopping, I gave up. That was too much rejection for me to handle in one day.
In the end, I walked back to the airport and took a bus.
After that incident, I gave hitchhiking a wide berth. Apart from the obvious safety concerns, I was also extremely embarrassed about standing alone on the roadside, facing oncoming traffic.
Then there was the problem of not knowing what to do or how to behave if I did get a ride. What should I talk about? Where do I look? What if the driver finds me boring?
For some reason, I always feel super awkward being in an enclosed space with another person, even if it’s a close friend, which is why I avoid road trips or even taking the elevator if I can.
Being a passenger in anyone’s car — especially if I’m the only passenger — makes me feel like it’s my responsibility to keep the driver entertained in return for the lift. That’s just not something I excel at.
So although I was still intrigued by the idea of hitching rides with strangers, I let my social anxiety get the better of me.
My first successful hitchhiking experience
Fast forward a few years.
Of all places, my first real hitchhiking experience happened in India — not exactly where you’d expect an anxious traveler to try something like this.
I was traveling from Chennai to Auroville. The bus driver dropped me off at a junction, and I had about 4 kilometers left to go.
It didn’t feel far enough to bother waiting for a ride, so I figured it might actually be easier and faster if I just walked. So, walk I did — only slowing down to look behind me whenever a car approached.
A few minutes later, a tractor slowed to a stop ahead of me. The driver turned around and asked, “Auroville?”
I shouted, “YES!”, and he motioned me to hop on.
I was practically jumping for joy. Not only was I hitchhiking for the first time, I was doing it in India, and on a tractor!
The driver introduced himself as Kannan. It was not the most comfortable ride — I had to hold on to his seat to keep my balance, what with my backpack and scarf and all — but boy, was it fun!
The next day, I was walking back toward the highway to catch a bus to Pondicherry. It was baking hot.
I was hoping to bump into Kannan again, but luck didn’t seem to be on my side that day. No car stopped.
However, after about two kilometres, when the traffic had thinned out a little, a motorcyclist passed by.
A few minutes later, he was back and asked me where I was going. I said Pondicherry, and he said he was heading the same way.
And just like that, I was on the back of a motorbike with a stranger named Tamil.
To this day, I’m still amazed to think that he had turned around just to give me a ride. He didn’t simply drop me off at the highway; instead, he drove me all the way to Pondicherry and dropped me right in front of my hostel.
To get there, we had gotten lost, and gone back and forth a few times before finally finding the place.
And yet, the motorcyclist, who introduced himself as Tamil, refused any payment. He even offered to take me sightseeing that day, all free of charge, which I unfortunately had to decline.
What an amazing person. What an amazing experience.
Now, I’m beginning to see what hitchhikers mean when they rave about hitchhiking.
How to hitchhike like a pro
I’m not a pro hitchhiker myself, having only accidentally scored rides twice.
And being a shy, timid person, I don’t think hitchhiking will ever be my favorite way to travel. But I may give it another try in the future, just as a personal challenge.
Here are some tips I found online for hitchhiking like a pro:
- Know where it’s allowed. In some countries, hitchhiking is illegal and could get you arrested, so make sure to check the rules beforehand.
- Wait near the city outskirts. Drivers in the city center are often going in all directions and mostly for short distances. It’s better to wait near the edge of the city, just before the highways.
- Make a large clear sign of your destination. This helps filter out drivers who aren’t headed your way and reassures those who might otherwise be unsure if they can help.
- Look presentable. Drivers are less likely to pick you up if you look like you haven’t showered in a week—or worse, like an escaped convict!
- Pack light. Multiple backpacks or lugging your entire house might deter drivers.
- Stand in a safe, visible spot. Even if you do everything right, waiting in the wrong location can make it impossible for cars to see or stop for you.
- Wait near slow-moving traffic. On fast roads, drivers may not have enough time to decide to stop.
- Ask people at gas stations. Sometimes drivers avoid hitchhikers because it feels risky or random. Approaching them at a gas station gives you more time to establish trust.
- Make strong eye contact. This creates a connection and signals to drivers that you’re specifically asking them for help.
- Smile! Drivers often pick up hitchhikers for company and conversation, so don’t look like a sourpuss.
- Maintain a positive attitude. Hitchhiking is a game of chance. Things may not always go your way, but staying positive keeps the experience enjoyable.
- Be prepared to walk. It’s called “hitchhiking”‘ for a reason: you’ll get a ride if you’re lucky, but sometimes you’ll hike.
- Don’t forget to bring the essentials, like a raincoat, a jacket for cold weather, and enough food and water.
Safety tips for female hitchhikers
As female travelers (and as women in general), there’s always an added risk of unwanted sexual attention or aggression, especially since most of the drivers who stop for us are likely to be men.
Being in a moving vehicle that you have no control over can make you feel even more powerless.
While I neither encourage nor discourage hitchhiking, here are some tips to consider if you ever decide to try it:
- 🛑 Avoid hitchhiking in unsafe places or countries. This is subjective, but I wouldn’t recommend hitchhiking in areas known for high crime rates or incidents of violence against women.
- 🌙 Don’t hitchhike at night. In many places, you could be mistaken for a sex worker.
- 👗 For the same reason, dress modestly and avoid revealing clothing.
- 👯 If possible, hitchhike with a companion.
- 💪 Look and act confident. Predators often target those who seem vulnerable, not someone who appears self-assured.
- 🚦 Choose your ride wisely. Avoid drivers who appear drunk or under the influence. Single female drivers, couples, or families are generally safer than lone male drivers or cars with several men. That said, many female hitchhikers do ride with male drivers, so trust your instincts.
- ❌ Don’t be afraid to turn down a ride if something feels off. You’re not obligated to accept a lift. Have simple excuses ready, or pretend your destination is different.
- 📸 Take note of the vehicle. Record the license plate number, make, model, and color. Snap a photo and send this information to a friend. You can even tell the driver that you’re sharing their car details as a safety precaution.
- 🪑 Sit in the front passenger seat if possible. Rear doors often have childproof locks that prevent opening from the inside. If you must sit in the back, check that the lock is deactivated before closing the door.
- 🎒 Keep your backpack and valuables within easy reach, in case you need to make a quick escape. At least carry essential items—especially travel documents—on your person. Distribute them in different places so that losing one item doesn’t mean losing everything.
- 👀 Always stay alert. Never fall asleep in someone’s car. Avoid hitchhiking if you’re tired or tipsy, as you may not notice sudden route changes.
- 🗺️ Know your route. Have a rough idea of the highways and roads to your destination so you can spot any unexpected detours.
- 🧴 Consider self-defense tools. Pepper spray or similar items can be helpful.
- 🗣️ Have conversation topics ready. Talking about your family and asking about theirs can humanize you in the driver’s eyes, making them less likely to act aggressively.
- 🚪 Trust your instincts during the ride. If you feel unsafe, ask to be let off at the next safe location or use a pretext, like motion sickness.
- ⚠️ In extreme situations, take action. Grabbing the handbrake or steering wheel can stop a threat, but only if you genuinely believe your life is in danger, as even minor accidents can be dangerous.
For more tips, check out Ana Bakran’s article on solo female hitchhiking safety.
Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out the rest of my blog for stories and tips, or explore my bucket list for more ideas to push yourself out of your comfort zone.
I doubt I will ever do this. Perhaps I have watched too many movies and the horror that come with it. Once you are unlucky that’s when all hell break loose. Still I applaud you for your adventures. 😀
You’ve got a point there, Tekkaus. I actually did this only a few days after I almost got kidnapped in a taxi in Jaipur. So, it seems like I never learn from experience. Either I’m very brave or very stupid 🤣
Very brave of you, Ummi..congratulations! I wish I would never need to hitchhike. No matter how adventures it would be 😁
Thanks Edahyu. I agree, it’s not for everyone. And if you don’t feel it’s for you, I hope you’ll never need to do it. I personally would love to give it a few more tries. Wish me luck!
i will never hitch hike for safety reason even how safe people told me it is… too much of watching crime movies i guess haha
It’s true — hitchhiking doesn’t come without risks, especially for women traveling alone. Maybe I should be glad I never watched those movies.
that’s interesting to learn more about hitchhiking from here. I am skeptical towards it, after reading, maybe will try once then. thanks for sharing. cheers,
All the best to you Sienny, and I hope the tips shared here will useful for your hitchhiking trip. Stay safe! 🙂
I used to do it with my best friend while in boarding school. Imagine with public transport that has to wait for hours, we were lucky when a humble couple from Singapore took us to johor bahru by their car…but I dont think I will repeat that again, haha !
Oh, you started early, Lea! You’re so lucky to have met the wonderful couple. Glad that it turned out well for you and your friend. 🙂
Wow!!!!!!!! What an experienced! I never tried hitchhiking before. I wonder if hitchhiking is allowed in South Korea? 🤔🤔🤔 if yes, I wanna try hitchhiking when I visit South Korea again. I wanna hitchhike handsome oppas. Who know I might get Kim Seon Ho. Hehehe. Thank you for sharing your experience with me. This is a totally cool post.
Thank you so much, Fadima! Ya, I wonder too if hitchhiking is allowed in South Korea. If it is, I hope you will find some handsome oppas to ride with!
Wah.. Salute la dengan ummi. Kalau i mmg takde keberanian nak tahan kereta. Tp i pernah nampak ada tourist tahan kereta kat highway masa balik kpg. Hope ada la yg tumpangkan mereka 😅
Thanks, Dikbee. Hopefully ada la yang tumpangkan tourist2 tu. Sebab konsep hitchhiking ni masih agak asing lagi di negara kita. Saya ada baca artikel seorang hitchhiker wanita solo ni, dia kata pengalaman dia hitchhiking di Malaysia adalah yang paling tak best, especially yang melibatkan pemandu lelaki. Hmm.
ummi !!!! hahaha~ comel je naik tractor tu.. btw !! jauh perjalanan luas pemandangan.. kan.. tapi tetap kena jaga diri ya.. India banyak tempat menarik, akak teringin nak singgah nanti..
Thank you, kak Siti! Ok, saya cuba jaga diri. Semoga akak pun berkesempatan untuk melawat India suatu hari nanti. Memang banyak tempat menarik.
Waaa ini kena berani baru boleh ni, kalau jenis Sis memang penakut tak bolehlah, silap-silap kang orang kipnap, pura-pura pengsan je hahahaha…
Haha, saya pun takut juga sis. Sebab dah ada pengalaman tak best sebelum ni. Tapi tu la, tak serik2.
This is indeed an interesting article with so many useful tips. I never had the courage to hitchhike because i travel alone!
So do I, Grace. And after having had several bad experiences with bus drivers and taxi drivers, I’m even more apprehensive about hitchhiking. Then again, it’s hard to draw the line between taking care of yourself and having faith in humanity. Because I have been surprised time and again by the kindness of strangers.
Wow this is such an awesome and interesting experience, i wish to explore more about India.
Thank you. I hope your wish will come true. 🙂
How brave of you to attempt hitchhiking. I know it used to be very popular in the 60’s and 70’s infact the easiest way to get around but I’d be terrified to try it thinking I would be attacked and never seen again.
Oh, Angela, I did have the same thoughts actually. Call me paranoid but those are real possibilities. I think it’s wise to be prepared for the worst — safety should always be our priority especially when traveling alone. Only that this time around, I took the chance and was glad that I did. 🙂
Wow really respect n salute kat u,
especially when u’re travelling ALONE.
Kita pun belum yakin nak travel sengsorang, masih perlukan at least sorang teman…
Pape pun like to read ur adventure stories here… keep it up!!!
Thank you so much for your support, Retnawati. Kalau awak berminat nak travel solo tapi belum ada keyakinan atau perlukan that extra motivation, mungkin boleh rujuk pada artikel2 saya tentang solo travel, antaranya yang ni: 8 Fears I Had as a Solo Traveler (And How I Overcame Them). All the best!
Wait what!!! Wow!!! First of all, welcome to our Incredible India that too my own hometown, Chennai. I too have a massive respect for women who hitchhike solo! I really don’t have the guts to do that. I’m heading over to read Alyssa’s blog. I’m so fascinated.
You had me laughing at “Nobody will be too eager to pick you up if you look like you haven’t showered for a week, or worse, if you look like an escaped convict.” True that!
I might try hitch hiking when I’m traveling solo next. You have inspired me!
Thanks, Bhushavali! Glad to have inspired you. I hope you will find the tips useful when you do go on your first hitchhiking trip. Just please, please, please remember to keep safety as your main priority in whatever you do. 😀
I love reading this post and your experiences on the road. I only done hitchiking a few times in Portugal, Scotland and Slovakia and never had a problem. Now I got children, would I do it? Probably not. Unless we were in a desperate situation. 🙂 But it was good to know India it is still possible and you had no problems,
Yup, I’m glad I didn’t encounter any problems in India, and it’s good to know that hitchhiking safely is still possible in this day and age. I think it’s probably a good call not to hitchhike with children unless you’re in a desperate situation. 🙂
So lucky you, girl! That yea, among the many places that you could possibly get a hitchhike, was in India. As we all know, there were so many horror stories about hitchhiking, especially in some places that were probably unsafe for women solo travelers, like India. Of course, I’m not saying that women shouldn’t travel there, just have to take precautions and extra careful. Though, you got a good experience. Truly, there are lots and lots of beautiful souls around the world! You’ve got some good tips for hitchhikers, too!
Thank you, Catherine! I was so lucky to have met these beautiful souls and had a good experience. But you’re right — we should always take precautions and be extra careful.
You are very brave. Even as a native, I have never dared to hitchike in India. Also, I wasn’t aware Cuba has made it a mandate for government vehicles to pick hitchikers. That is a nice thought. I wish we had more of these laws in place to help solo travellers. Just thought to point out, Auroville isn’t a part of Chennai. It’s a separate township and certainly the East Coast road is beautiful.
Ah, I must have confused Chennai with Tamil Nadu. Thank you for pointing that out, Ambica. I never imagined that I would hitchhike in India either, especially after a bad experiences I had with an Ola driver just the week before. Anyway, glad that everything went well in the end.
Love this! I’ve hitchhiked here in the French Alps but it’s so brave of you to do it elsewhere. Your tips are so on point. And I do agree that hitchhiking is a great way to meet new people. I definitely have met some cool people by hitchhiking and it’s an experience to remember! Bravo to you!
Ooohhh lucky you! I’d love to do more of it, especially in countries that are mostly safe for solo female hitchhikers, but I think I’d be too self conscious to. And not knowing the language might be a problem too. Anyway, thank you, Marielle. And I hope you will have more adventures in the future!
I admire your dedication and braveness in choosing to hitchhike as your way to travel. I guess I am too pampered travel that I would be cranky to do hitch-hiking (expect disaster happened and no other choice). But I wouldn’t mind stopping by someone who needs a ride.
No matter how comfortable you think is hitch-hiking, always stay safe.
Thank you, Blair. Safety is always my topmost priority. I don’t think I’ll ever make hitchhiking my main mode of transportation. I’m much too shy and timid for that. Haha. But it’s great that you wouldn’t mind picking up hitchhikers. 🙂
Sounds pretty adventurous to me, not sure I’d be up for hitchhiking. Maybe in somewhere, I knew pretty well but in an unknown destination, I think I’d take paid transport. Maybe I”ll have to try it one day, see how i go.
Maybe you should, Paul. Who knows, you might find yourself addicted to it. 😀
I am glad to know that you had a good experience while hitch hiking in India. Having said that, I think its probably not the safest country to do it in, in my personal experience. I do agree that there is a lot of precautions required, especially for a woman, in most countries. But I can tell that you’ve mastered that art and that’s really good for you! I’d still think ten times before actually doing it, my personal experiences haven’t been that great unfortunately.
Oh no, I’m sorry to hear that you had bad experiences hitchhiking, but glad to know that you’re all right. It must be traumatizing to go through something like that.
I don’t think I’ve mastered the art of hitchhiking, haha. Far from it. And honestly, because of my lack of self-confidence, I don’t think it’ll ever be something I truly feel comfortable doing. But I’ll still give it another try when I have the opportunity. 🙂
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