I have the best luck with hitchhiking in the hottest part of the day. Of course I mean if you are going through the desert fuck that though. I just walk as usual and don't fly a sign or stick out my thumb. Just cruise along looking pitiful. Also I know it sounds superstitious as fuck, but every time I've ever helped a turtle across the road I got a ride within 10 minutes. As far as sleeping I just stay under bridges. Just plan a route and look up resources in each city along the way. Sundays are always hard cause libraries and day shelters and shit like that are closed. Thats another thing. You can follow the homebums around from the library to find the handouts. Good luck. Use your head and remember when you are passed out drunk or sleeping you are fair game to anyone. I've woke up in a hospital with both eyes beat shut and no idea how it happened.