Europe

Flag of European Union

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 Italy, 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.

Note: In France, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Italy trucks are not allowed to use the highway on Sundays and public holidays. (any other countries?)

Hitching is rather safe in Europe. However, a woman alone takes a higher risk anywhere, of course.

For crossing borders, have a look to the Schengen Agreement. With a visa to the Schengen area you can travel within a bunch of European countries.

Maps

Of course, you won't go on the road without a map, but it's possible, some people just hitchike with their feelings. 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: