#5: You could hitchhike to pretty much anywhere
Sticking out your thumb was a normal travel plan. Kids, teens, and adults did it without much worry. People trusted strangers in a way that seems risky today. Rides were usually quick and friendly.
Hitchhiking made stories that lasted for years. Folks met interesting people and saved money. Today, most would not even consider it, and parents would panic at the idea. Times changed, and safety rules changed with them.