Hitchhikers are a dying species, although not extinct yet, by any means.
I used to hitch-hike a lot, although in Poland only, and in the 70s. It was a very popular way of travel accross whole Europe at that time.
I still see hitch-hikers in different countries in Europe, however as it seems the pattern of hitching has changed. Hitchhikers look for a ride mostly at petrol stations and parking (picnic) places by the road. That's on main roads. On country roads it's the way it used to be - standing on the side of the road.
AS usual, girls have better chances to get a ride.

moniak wrote:Hitchhikers are a dying species, although not extinct yet, by any means.

I wouldn't really agree with you - not because I am a hitchhiker - as I really met plenty of hitchhikers from different countries since I am a volunteer at an organisation and I offer free hospitality to travelers (not turists:) - still, Poland, yes it does "produces" lots of hitchhikers - some of the greatest - like Kinga Free Spirit for instance - were, and still are, polish:)
If hitchhikers are not a dying species, I can agree that there are some areas where hitchhiking is harder because locals from there got richer or they're afraid of strangers (like northern Italy for instance).
The last route I did was Venice-Trieste-Ljubljana-Novo Mesto-Novi Sad-Beograd-Nis-Pirot-Sofia-Veliko Tarnovo-Ruse-Bucharest: I can say I had no problems getting rides, with an average waiting time of 25 minutes:D

I'm quite happy you disagree. Although I don't do it any longer, I still think it's one of the best ways to travel. A lot of fun and a great experience.
Have fun and good luck!

I'd recommend bringing a simple and light Bike Cable Lock on your trip. It barely takes up any space, and it can secure your bag to a post/pole/whatever on trains while you sleep. Take little locks to lock up your zippers too.

Hungrytravelers1 wrote:I'd recommend bringing a simple and light Bike Cable Lock on your trip. It barely takes up any space, and it can secure your bag to a post/pole/whatever on trains while you sleep.

And who's going by train? Here we are talking about hitchhiking. If I want to "hitchhike" on trains then I may go straight to locomotive's driver and ask if takes me in the locomotive; if does, then in the locomotive I'm safe enough and do not need any cable lockers:)

Hungrytravelers1 wrote:Take little locks to lock up your zippers too.

This is simply useless. God, there are so many people thinking that putting a locker to a zip will stop thieves from stealing something from their bags! Dear Hungrytravelers1, have you ever heard of scissors? They have been invented long time ago.