a hitchhiker is an individual who travels by soliciting rides from strangers, typically by standing on the side of a road or highway and signaling a desire to be picked up by passing vehicles. hitchhiking involves relying on the goodwill of drivers who voluntarily offer transportation, often for free, to help the hitchhiker reach their destination. this mode of travel is characterized by its informal and spontaneous nature, and hitchhikers often use hand signals, signs, or other creative methods to communicate their destination or intentions to potential drivers. while hitchhiking was more common in the past, concerns about safety and changes in societal attitudes have led to a decline in its popularity in many regions.