In the realm of travel, there have been plenty of stories about hitchhiking and even boat-hitching, but have you ever come across a “jet-hitcher?” Let’s introduce Amber Nolan, who likes to go by the alias of the “Jet-Hiking Gypsy.” A travel writer by trade, she had the crazy idea one day to hitchhike around the country on general aviation planes and private jets. Deciding it wasn’t too crazy to try, she began the JetHiking Project with the goal of hitching on aircraft to all 50 states in the USA.
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The journey kicked off in July, 2012 and so far she has successfully traveled to 25 states. Her hopes are to promote awareness about the air industry while encouraging people to get passionate about small aircraft travel. She also hopes to educate those she comes in contact with about budget traveling and show how fun flying really is.
Typically Amber hitches on single and twin-engine planes. She connects with pilots in the city or town she is in before they embark on a flight. Her schedule has to be completely flexible to match with that of the pilot and the weather. Yet with time, she gets to the next destination. She utilizes the popular travelers network Couchsurfing to find places to stay, along with staying at hostels, campsites and farms. There isn’t a set date when her journey will be completed, but the “Jet Hiking Gypsy” says: “When I reach all 50 states, I’ll stop. I anticipate the late fall 2013, but if it takes longer I’m OK with that. There’s no rush. I’m also considering taking this internationally later on.” Follow Amber on her journeys on her personal blog and facebook.
via couchsurfing
