As more and more people become environmentally conscious and seek adventure in the great outdoors, there has been an increase in the popularity of carpooling. Not only is it a more eco-friendly way to travel, but it can also be a great way to meet new people and share the cost of gas. There are a variety of ridesharing programs available, but which ones are the best for carpooling and backpacking adventures?
What Is Ridesharing?
Just to be clear, ridesharing, also known as carpooling, is when people share a car ride together. It can be a one-time trip or a regular occurrence, and typically involves sharing the cost of gas and other expenses.
Ridesharing can be a great option for backpacking adventures, as it allows for greater flexibility and can be more cost-effective. Instead of taking public transportation or renting a car, you can join a ridesharing program and connect with other travelers who are going to the same destination as you.
The Best Ridesharing Programs for Carpooling and Backpacking Adventures
Here are some of the best ridesharing programs for carpooling and backpacking adventures:
1. BlaBlaCar
BlaBlaCar is a popular ridesharing program in Europe that has expanded to other parts of the world, including the United States. It allows drivers to post available seats in their car, and riders can search for available rides based on their destination and schedule. BlaBlaCar is particularly popular for longer trips and cross-country journeys, making it a great option for backpacking adventures.
2. Zimride
Zimride is a popular ridesharing program that caters to college students and faculty members. It’s a great option if you’re planning a backpacking adventure around campus or want to find a ride to a nearby city. Zimride is similar to other ridesharing programs, where drivers can offer seats in their car and riders can search for available rides.
3. CarpoolWorld
CarpoolWorld is a global ridesharing program that connects travelers with others who are going in the same direction. It’s a great option for backpacking adventures, as you can search for available rides based on your destination and see if anyone is headed to the same location. CarpoolWorld also offers a mobile app for easy access on-the-go.
4. Ridejoy
Ridejoy is a popular ridesharing program that allows drivers to post available seats in their car for a particular trip. Riders can search for available rides based on their destination and schedule. Ridejoy is particularly popular for longer trips and cross-country journeys, making it a great option for backpacking adventures.
5. HitchPlanet
HitchPlanet is a relatively new ridesharing program that’s gaining popularity in Canada. It allows drivers to offer seats in their car and riders to search for available rides based on their destination and schedule. HitchPlanet is a great option for backpacking adventures, especially if you’re traveling to remote areas where public transportation is limited.
Benefits of Ridesharing
There are many benefits to using a ridesharing program for carpooling and backpacking adventures. Here are just a few:
- Eco-Friendly: Ridesharing is a more environmentally friendly way to travel, as it reduces the number of cars on the road and decreases harmful emissions.
- Cost-effective: Ridesharing can be significantly cheaper than renting a car or taking public transportation. You can split the cost of gas with other passengers, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- Meet new people: Ridesharing is a great way to meet new people and make connections. You never know who you might run into on your car ride to your next adventure!
- Flexibility: Ridesharing allows for greater flexibility, as you can choose a ride that fits your schedule and destination. This can be particularly helpful for backpacking adventures, where you may not have a set itinerary.
Conclusion
If you’re planning a backpacking adventure or just looking for a more eco-friendly way to travel, ridesharing can be a great option. There are many ridesharing programs available, each with their own unique features and benefits. Consider trying out a few different programs to find the one that works best for your needs. Happy travels!