Article: A detailed map is worth the money. If you need a free map, however, find a tourist spot, such as a hotel, airport, bus station, or tourist information booth, and pick up a pamphlet that has a decent map inside. State welcome centers on interstate highways also have free highway maps for their state. Rental car places tend to have the best free maps.  Look for a map that shows road numbers, rest areas, and gas stations.  Having a good map will also make you look more knowledgeable and prepared, and thus appealing to drivers. A good spot might be near an on-ramp – these locations often have steady traffic and enough space for a car to pull over and pick you up. Near stop signs and stoplights is often a good option because it gives drivers enough time to observe you and make a decision about whether to pick you up.  Make sure that you are on the side of the city or town that's in the direction you're traveling. For example, if you're heading west, get on the west side of town. Choose a straight stretch of road (700 meters in either direction) so that drivers can see you for a longer time. An incline would be even better. Choose a place where cars passing at less than 50 mph (80km/hr). Make sure that they are headed in your direction Make sure that the spot is well-lit. This will not only keep you safe, but also make you more noticeable. The less you carry, the easier it will be for you to travel. Avoid suitcases and trash bags, and opt for a backpack instead. Pack as though you are going for a three-day hike, in case you get stranded and are unable to find a ride. Consider bringing the following:  A least two containers of water Energy-filled snacks Sunscreen and insect repellent Sleeping bag and a small tent A change of clothes, plus a light jacket, raincoat/poncho, extra socks, long underwear, a hat, and boots Cell phone chargers, if necessary Don't bring anything of sentimental value. Consider packing some pepper spray, especially if you are female. Keep in mind that pepper spray is not legal in some areas. It will show people that you're serious about your trip and that you have a plan or destination in mind. Write the sign using a black permanent marker on a piece of cardboard. Keep the message short, and use all caps. This will make your sign easier and quicker to read.  Writing the name of a big town/city in the direction you are heading is a good idea, such as: LONDON, PARIS, NYC. Keep it close, about 20 to 50 miles (32 to 80 kilometers). Writing a distance is a good option. Keep it around 12 miles (20 kilometers). Most drivers will be traveling around that distance.  Funny signs can help catch a rider's interest. If you have enough space, consider adding something silly, like "Free Hugs," "I Like Tacos" or "Doesn't Bite." Laws regarding hitchhiking will vary from place to place. For example, hitchhiking is legal in all 50 states of the US, but how you do it will vary from state to state. In general, however, you should stay off the highways. Scan your ID (and passport, if traveling internationally) and e-mail it to yourself. This way, if it gets stolen, print out copies at a library. For passports, go to an embassy with your copies and do what you need to do to get a new passport. Have the phone number for your credit card company before you leave. If you lose your credit card, call them immediately, cancel your card, and have them send a new one to an address where you can receive it, like an embassy. Have some backup money, as well as traveler's insurance. Accidents happen, and you will need to be prepared for that; traveler's insurance will help you with that. Also, having spare money will help you get food and shelter in the event you are stranded in a certain area for longer than you expected. Rain will not increase your chances of getting picked up, especially if you're totally drenched. Snow, however, tends to increase the odds of getting a ride. People generally don't mind the occasional snowflake on their upholstery because it brushes off easily, while rain tends to collect in seat cushions.  If it's raining, an easily removable poncho or umbrella may reassure picky drivers that their car won't get soaked. If you have time, it is often better just to wait out a rainstorm. Consider waiting it out someplace warm and heated, such as a diner, a cafe, a library, etc.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Invest in a good map. Know how to find a good hitchhiking spot. Pack as light as possible, but bring enough supplies to last you a few days. Consider making a sign. Be aware of the laws. Make digital copies of all your IDs, documents, and papers. Be prepared financially. Be mindful of the weather.
Article: In this method, you’ll need only a cardboard toilet paper roll (with the toilet paper gone) and some water. To begin, fill a relatively large bowl with water. Be sure the temperature of the water is comfortable enough to put your hands in. You could also fill a sink for quick drainage later. On your toilet paper roll, you should see that it is formed by a spiral glued to itself. Generally, the ends of the spiral will be pointed tips at either end of the toilet paper roll. The cardboard should be soft enough that you can rip it yourself, undoing the glue and unfurling the paper roll into a cardboard sheet. If the cardboard doesn’t seem to want to budge, don’t hesitate to get scissors and simply cut the roll lengthwise in half. Take the now open cardboard roll and push it to the bottom of the bowl of water. You’ll most likely need to hold it at the bottom with your hand. Allow a minute or so for the cardboard roll to fill with water. Once soaked, it will be pliable and capable of molding into your fake poop. Don’t fret if the cardboard ends up ripping. Once you begin the mold, you can simply stick the fallen pieces back on. The only concern is pieces falling off once the mold dries. Remove the cardboard from the water. You may need to hold it above the bowl for a few seconds to allow the excess water to fall off. The cardboard is best molded by laying it flat in your hand and squeezing into a closed fist. This will compress the cardboard into your fake poop.  Like the previous method, this fake poop is also used best shortly after its creation. Otherwise, the cardboard may dry out and begin to crack and fall apart. You may be able to make your fake poop last longer by sprinkling a bit of water over it as it begins to dry.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Fill a bowl with water. Open the cardboard roll. Submerge the paper roll. Mold your fake poop.