How do you swim from France to Germany? Across the Rhine? That sounds like something probably best accomplished in Roman times.

I've taken a boat across the French-Spanish border before, but never swam. Though it would be possible. I also hitchhiked across the border once. The only proper international hitchhiking I've ever done, I think.

Here's a news article about the risk of hitchhiking: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-bc-man-charged-with-first-degree-murder-in-death-of-belgian-tourist-2/

Horrible... heart breaking for this young woman's family.

Hey asrafalahi,
Thank you very much for your help! I guess if there is no public transport at all I would use a mix of taxis (since they are cheap for Germans in Iran) and hitchhiking (Already hitchhiked across the Alborz mountains all the way to the Caspian sea on unpaved roads so this should be fine).

But about public transport the lonely planet says: "between Biyakara and Hawraman there are shared fourwheeldrives" and "from Paveh there are shared pickups to Howraman" (so they must also go the other way). You don't know about these options?

Also going from Huraman to Paveh and Kermanshah is not a good choice because the road is difficult and inadequate and it is better to go to Kermanshah, Palangan and Pave from Sanandaj.

You mean difficult and inadequate because the road is unpaved and through the mountains? That was the reason I wanted to take it. I want to see and enjoy the nature and the mountains. Also the reason why I want to stay in Howraman for 2 nights if I like it. Also I think I have enough time to do everything in a relaxed pace, I don't like to travel fast.
So if you know more options in the area please tell me. :) Have you been at Baba Yadegar east of Kermanshah and Ban Zardeh?

Yes, that's right, I walked from town to town instead of using public transport, where it was possible. Depending on the route some of the distances were too far, or followed roads that were too busy; and in some cases I walked to the next village but then turned back and returned to where I started as there was no lodging in the next town. And in some cases I'd walk 25-30km then hitchhike or grab public transport the rest of the way.

It's something I like to do and have done in other countries. I've been to several regions in the Philippines, but mostly all the walking I've done has been in the Visayas, particularly Siquijor, Bohol and Negros (south).

Thanks @TheDetourEffect for the tips! Lost Lake was one of the trails I was thinking about doing (been going through AllTrails app and looking at a bunch of trails in the area, good to hear it's worth it). I'll have to figure out logistics on being able to do a one-way hike or if I'd have to do an out-and-back. If it was just me, or me and my husband, hitchhiking could be an option. But I'll most likely be hiking with 2 other people too...4 people makes hitchhiking much more difficult. Love the sound to the spring on the side of the road...we have a number of them around New England, and they always produce the best water.

"In karakol take the bus towards bokonbaevo, ask to get out at skazka canyon. Walk to ticket office and leave bags there. When finished pick up bags and hitchhike or wait for the next bus heading west. You will arrive in bokonbaevo where you can get a bus to kochkor. Plenty of buses and shared taxis from kochkor to Bishkek."
Do you think that it is doable to do this route in one day?

Hi Rivka - I spent a few weeks up in Bolga and around northern Ghana a couple of years ago. It was probably my favourite area of the country overall.

I hitched and used public transport when I did it. Car and driver will work fine of course, but if you have time and are a bit outgoing it’s easy to do it solo. There were a lot of tro-tro/minibuses going to all of those places, and hitchhiking was very easy. I always offered to pay the drivers, half the time they accepted.

You need more time to do this of course, but it’s definitely possible and straightforward if you feel comfortable doing that sort of thing.

• Andrew

The month of May would probably be too early in the year for Alaska and parts of Canada .

Hitchhiking does not seem to be a popular way to get around any more like it was in the old days. It is not even legal on the Interstate highways in the USA and will just invite hassles from the police.

The Alaska Marine HWY ferry system might be an interesting option to use on part of your journey.

When you have a car, you can lug around a lot more than 16 kilos with you. :-)

The main issue is not weight, but space. Our car is full. All kinds of things are spilling out the doors. No room for hitchhikers, unless they sit on the bonnet. Aw well.

I may have one of the most interesting hotel experiences of my life tonight. I'll tell you about it tomorrow (if it happens).