Backpacking is one of the most rewarding and exhilarating experiences you can have. It’s a great way to see the world and get a true sense of adventure. But what is backpacking, exactly? And why should you try it? In this blog post, we will answer those questions and more!
What Backpacking Involves
Backpacking includes the use of public transportation, inexpensive accommodations such as hostels, a longer trip length compared to a traditional vacation, and an interest in meeting locals and seeing sights
Backpacking can include adventures in the wilderness, local travel, and travel to nearby countries while working in the country where you’re staying. Today, “backpacking” is described as a hybrid lifestyle that blends aspects of both influences.
Where Backpackers Usually Stay
Nowadays, “backpacking” is described as a hybrid lifestyle that blends aspects of these two influences. Backpacking can mean, for example, camping outdoors while staying in hostels or similar accommodations, combining outdoor camping and hiking with urban tourism, or even short-term work opportunities (such as fruit picking or other agricultural work).
Modern backpackers are a bit more sophisticated than their predecessors. They often have a smartphone or tablet and use social media to connect with other travelers, share tips, and plan itineraries together. Modern backpackers are also more likely to stay in hostels or hotels rather than camping in a national park or a hostel dorm.
How Far Backpackers Travel
Backpackers can travel in their own country or go to the other side of the planet. The most common destinations are Australia, New Zealand, South America, Southeast Asia, Western Europe, and Eastern Europe. Backpackers are usually young people who don’t have much money but want to see the world. They’re usually independent travelers who spend more time on their trip than other tourists.
They’re Usually Open to Cultural Exchange
Backpackers are usually open to cultural exchange and often learn languages and study the places they visit. However, this reputation has been challenged by some recent studies that suggest that many backpackers don’t have an adventurous attitude toward travel, instead using it as an opportunity to consume alcohol and drugs in exotic locations.
Duration of Backpacking
The duration of backpacking trips is usually longer than traditional vacations.
There are no set guidelines on how long a backpacking trip should last
Some backpackers are only on the road for a few weeks, while others take months or even years. The main reason for this is that people have different interests and goals when they travel – some want to see as much as possible in a short period, while others prefer a slower pace of travel over a longer period.
Backpackers Have a Reputation for Being Financially Savvy
Backpackers have a reputation for being financially savvy, and it’s also true that many backpackers are good with their money. They usually travel on a shoestring budget, so they know how to manage their money well.
Most backpackers will agree that saving money is an important part of the adventure.
Backpacking can be expensive, and travelers must be careful with their finances. But there are many ways to save money while backpacking and these tips will help you do just that:
- Do your research. Knowing how much your trip will cost is essential so you don’t run into money trouble halfway through. Plan how much money you’ll need for transportation, food, lodging, and entertainment, so you don’t run out unexpectedly.
- Eat on the street. Eating on the street can be cheaper than eating in restaurants and cafes because it’s often prepared from fresh ingredients purchased at local stores. Also, street food stalls often sell dishes cooked in large quantities so they can be sold quickly and cheaply. This means that the stall owner takes less time to cook, and you’ve more time to eat!
- Buy local food instead of imported. Buying local products supports local businesses and allows travelers to discover new flavors. It also helps save money, as imported products are usually more expensive than local ones.
- Don’t drink too much alcohol. Alcoholic drinks are usually expensive abroad, so try not to drink too much or at least buy local brands, not imported ones, as they’re more expensive.
- Use public transportation. Public transportation is cheaper than renting a car. Also, you’ll get around better without worrying about traffic jams or getting lost in unfamiliar places. It may not always be possible to use public transportation, but if there’s an option, take it!
- Keep track of how much you spend. Keep track of how much money you spend each day and write down how much you spend on food, transportation, entertainment, and everything else, so it’s easier to keep track of your expenses at the end of the trip.
- Take advantage of freebies. There are many free things you can do on your trip. Could you take advantage of them? You can visit free museums or parks. You can also attend free cultural events like festivals or music concerts open to everyone.
Advantages and disadvantages of backpacking
Backpacking is one of the most popular ways to travel. It’s inexpensive, flexible, and allows you to spend more time in nature.
The pros and cons of backpacking are many: the freedom you get, the sense of achievement, the new experiences and friendships, and the feeling of simplicity and minimalism.
Backpacking Allows You to Visit Many Countries and Experience Many Cultures
You can immerse yourself in the locals’ way of life and venture into new environments. There’s no better way to learn about other people than to live among them.
You Get to See More
There’s no better way to learn about a country than to traverse it on foot. You discover hidden gems that aren’t on the tourist map and meet locals who can tell you their stories.
It’s Cheap
You can save money by staying in hostels or campgrounds instead of hotels or resorts. And if you bring your food, you don’t have to spend money on out-of-town meals or supermarket snacks.
You Get Closer to Nature
When you stay in a hotel room or campground, there are other people around y’all the time – but when you’re backpacking, you’re much more likely to be all alone (even if it’s just for a few minutes). This can be very rewarding and calming – especially if you live in an urban area like New York City or San Francisco, where you’re surrounded by noise and activity all day.
It Can Be Hard Work
Especially if you’re not used to it! At first, it’ll feel like an impossible task, but once you get used to it, it gets easier!
For a while, you’ll have to live out of a small backpack that contains only the bare necessities. This can be uncomfortable for some people who like to have a lot of things around.
You learn from your mistakes.
Backpacking vs. Tourism
There’s a big difference between backpacking and tourism. Backpacking is a lifestyle, while tourism is a vacation. Backpackers are away for weeks or months, while tourists are only away for a few days or weeks.
Backpacking is a form of budget travel where you take everything you need in your backpack. Usually, you travel for a longer period and sleep in cheap hostels or campsites.
Tourism is a form of travel where people go on vacation to relax or sightsee. Many tourists stay in hotels or resorts while visiting another country or city.
Another big difference between backpacking and tourism is that most backpackers travel on a small budget, while most tourists spend a lot of money on their trips.
Backpacking vs. Digital Nomadism
The world is changing, and we’re experiencing a revolution. The new era is called the digital nomad lifestyle. It’s a lifestyle where you can work from anywhere in the world, at any time, while on budget travel or comfortably.
Backpacking is a vacation where you carry everything you need on your back. It’s more of an adventure than a relaxing vacation, but it has many benefits.
Digital nomadism is a lifestyle that allows you to work from anywhere in the world. You can travel for months or even years, stay in hotels and cafes, and still pay your bills at home. It’s not as adventurous as backpacking, but it’s easy on your wallet!
Recommended Backpacker’s Guidebook
As an experienced traveler and former solo backpacker, I’d recommend Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet is well structured and covers countries from all continents: Latin America, North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, New Zealand, Australia, and Africa.
From the Pacific Crest Trail to the Machu Picchu Trail type, you’ll get plenty of insights on planning your backpacking trip.
It also covers all the basics of backpacking, such as accommodation, backpacking adventures, hiking and trekking, outdoor activities, etc. It’s very helpful for both group and solo travel styles.