Report

Hostelworld.com: How backpacking has changed

Travel Talk

aboriginalhostel started this discussion 15 years 2 months ago

I just read this article on HW's blog about how backpacking has changed since 10 years ago. Would you agree with it? :rolleyes:

Comments

Report

Josh Hostels

15 years

I think it would be interesting to read how backpacking has changed from the hostels' perspective. :)

I don't think iPods and MP3 players have changed backpacking that much. The thing that changed is that many people now make advanced bookings for their entire trips, and they use the Internet for information.

This kind of unplanned vagabonding doesn't seem to be as popular anymore:
http://www.hostelmanagement.com/forum/f19/vagabonding-europe-north-africa-ed-buryn-1084.html

(though maybe it is still just as popular, but overshadowed by large numbers of Internet based travelers.)

Report

aboriginalhostel

15 years

My favourite part was no. 8. and let me quote this part, so I can mark out the BS.

8. The birth of the 'flashpacker'

'The flashpacker', a term that was coined by a journalist back in 2003 and one that hasn't gone away since. If you've been under a rock since then, and aren't familiar with it, the 'flashpacker' is one who stays in hostels yet carries around a high-spec digital camera (namely an SLR), a hot mp3 player (preferably iPod Touch), has the newest mobile/cell phone (yep…iPhone) and likes to keep their blog updated on their stylish laptop (smallest, lightest and most powerful available). To top things off, they treat themselves by staying in private rooms rather than dorms. 'Why do they even bother to stay in hostels?' you may ask yourself. Well, the reason most people do - to meet people and enjoy an atmosphere you won't find in other forms of accommodation.

This article suggests if I carry all these things on me, I should stay in a private room!!! :D

Dear blogger, please excuse me... I've got my own digital camera, my phone knows much more than to dial, I use my laptop frequently, just started blogging (even more, I drive to travel around and yes, I use GPS instead of maps! :D), just like 90% of our guests. However, we still stay in dorms!!! Those private rooms are more likely filled by couples and I doubt it would be any dramatic difference anywhere else... That's it!

C'mon, HW could do much better than pushing this!!! :rolleyes:

Report

danielexhostel

15 years

While backpacking there were always at some point and still are discussions about what a true backpacker is. I heard and gave some pretty good answers over the years ranging from the purists who believe that it has to be rough/dangerous and for few and others who think its simply putting on a backpack and staying in hostels (if hotels are more expencive)... Did things change in 10 years.. hell yes! But still you can do it old style ;)

Report

livaus

15 years

The thing that changed is that many people now make advanced bookings for their entire trips, and they use the Internet for information.

Well, it seems completely opposite in this neck of the woods. In high season in our beach hostel there are more walk-ins than internet bookings and as guests tend to extend their stay for two or even three days, I presume that they have not made any other bookings in advance. Situation in capital is a bit different, but still - most bookings come in just a week or two in advance.
Also backpackers are getting older, something that is not mentioned in the article.
And "flashpackers" in our hostel stay in a 12-bed dorm :D

Search form

Report 'Hostelworld.com: How backpacking has changed'?

Report 'Re: Hostelworld.com: How backpacking has changed'?

Report 'Re: Hostelworld.com: How backpacking has changed'?

Report 'Re: Hostelworld.com: How backpacking has changed'?

Report 'Re: Hostelworld.com: How backpacking has changed'?

Join the world's largest community of hostel professionals.

Check Your Email