Hitchhiking in Armenia

I don't know if it was a coincidence or what, but during the month and a half that Cocaí and I were hitchhiking through the territory, it was really easy. In fact, I think it is the country in which we have had to wait the least time on average. Armenia has that honor! The funny thing is that Armenians, I wouldn't say they are the most fervent dog lovers (although we found a lot of “doglovers”), so I imagine that hitchhiking around Armenia without a dog will be even easier.

Hitchhiking in Armenia

There is no great mystery regarding hitchhiking in Armenia, because as I just said it is very easy, but I am sharing here some information and advice based on my experience that may help/guide you. You can also read these posts about general hitchhiking and with a dog:

• HITCHHIKING TIPS

• WHY TRAVELING BY HITCHHIKING

• HITCHHIKING WITH YOUR DOG

HITCHHIKING IN ARMENIA (WITH DOG)

Strategy and positive attitude

Cocaí with Dina, a Filipino woman we met in Armenia

It is always better to walk to strategic points such as highway entrances, town exits, gas stations or stretches where vehicles travel slowly (for example, after a traffic light), although drivers and families on board are very nice and will turn around if necessary. Oh, and smile. Always smile.

Good roads

Road to Noravank

Most Armenian roads are good. Probably the roads in worst condition are in the north, between the border with Georgia and Gyumri. Thus, not much time is wasted traveling from one destination to another, as may happen in other countries.

Short distances

Traveling in Armenia never gets boring

An advantage of Armenia is that it is small and therefore distances are short. In addition to the fact that hitchhiking is usually fast, as a traveler you will not waste much time between one place and another.

Stops at food stalls, gifts and other displays of hospitality

Trying a cob that a man who was taking us to Sevan Lake insisted on inviting me to

This is the only potential way to slow down the journey a bit. It is very likely that the Armenians who picked you up will stop at a roadside stand so you can try some of their traditional foods or perhaps buy you a soft drink… or a shot of vodka! In addition, they gave me bracelets, a cap, candy... and they also invited us to several houses.

Put a tent in your backpack

Camping at Devil's Bridge, near Tatev

As always, I recommend traveling with a tent. It is surely the hitchhiker's most precious gadget: if night comes and you haven't managed to get a ride, you can always camp in a meadow next to the road. In addition, there are beautiful places in Armenia to do some hikes.

CONCLUSION

Armenia is the perfect country to hitchhike, at least according to my experience. The people stop easily and are friendly, the distances are short and not much time is "wasted" on the road and the roads pass through very beautiful natural settings. Probably some other Armenian will show you some hidden treasures of their country and they may even invite you to spend a few days in their homes.

I RECOMMEND 100 X 100 THE EXPERIENCE OF TRAVELING THROUGH ARMENIA BY HITCHHIKING. WITH AND WITHOUT DOG

Hitchhiking in Armenia led us to make great friends, like Hayk and Karen