High-tech hitchhiking
There are a lot of technical "toys", that can help you to make hitchhiking easier, safer or just collect informations and statistics about your trips.
Contents
Mobile Phones
Most modern mobile phones can surf the internet. This might help you to get information about hitching spots, bus or train connections or even maps.
Java Applets
Almost all phones produced within the last five years will support java. There are a lot of free Java-Applications that can be useful for hitchhiking.
- Google maps can show you detailed maps and satellite pictures.
- See here how to install it on your phone.
- MGMaps supports a lot of different maps. If you have GPS, it can even send your position to a website, so friends or family can see where you are now. This might be a nice security feature, just in case.
Computers
A subnotebook, netbook or ultraportable is a class of laptop computers that are smaller and lighter than typical notebooks. Usually approximately 1 kg / 2 lb - so they are easy to carry along.
Some downloadable mapping programs
- Google Earth - You need internet connection with this
- NASA WorldWind - You need internet connection with this
- Ozi Explorer - For offline mapping (you need to buy maps)
Online mapping with computers
GPS
With a gps-receiver you can always determine your exact location. This might be useful if you get lost. Some modern phones have a gps built-in. If your phone has bluetooth, you can buy an external dongle, which is almost as good as an internal one. Remember to buy maps for your navigator -device if needed.
Also you can have some fun on the road with Geocaching.
Costs
Mobile internet can be expensive, depending on your country and price plan. Mapping or navigating usually just needs a few Kilobytes of traffic.
- Note that using internet abroad will be much more expensive than in your home country. It might make sense to get a cheap sim card, if you stay in a country for a while.
Some Examples
- Checking a map with Google Maps or MGMaps will need less than 100 KB.
- Sending your position to the internet every 5 minutes will need less that 50 KB per hour.
