Europe

Hitchhiking in Europe is fun. There are many small countries, highways in the West are good and hitchhiking is relatively safe. Some countries, such as Germany are quite easy to hitch around. Germany for the large distances in a single lift, and the possibility to go really fast (no legal speed limits on many highways). England for the relative short time for waiting. Most other countries are at the European average (rather easy), e.g. the Netherlands, Belgium and Eastern countries. Some other countries are considered bad for the long waiting times like Spain and Croatia, but even there you might get a ride with some patience. Some people skip a country after standing in one place for over two hours. When this happens more than once on suitable places for hitching, this is reasonable.

Trucks

In France, Germany and Austria trucks are not allowed to use the highway on Sundays and public holidays. (any other countries?)

Maps

Of course, you won't go on the road without a map. For all of Europe but the East, the Marco Polo Euro Atlas is great. It contains detailed information about gas stations on highways, without unneeded stuff like an index or city maps. You can find it in Slovakia.

For online usage: