Maddys Blog #3

In this blog post, I would like to focus on backpacking culture, as mentioned in my previous post. I mentioned a friend of mine backpacked in Europe, which initiated my curiosity about the culture in my previous blog. I wanted to talk about how and where backpacking began, the cultures and views in backpacking, and to explain why I think backpack living is an amazing and unique experience.

I would like to start by speaking about The History of Backpacking. Backpacking started a very long time ago. While people today may see backpacking as a modern and financially responsible way to travel the world, backpacking with a sack on your back as a way of carrying everything you need for a journey, actually started hundreds of years ago. Many cultures had nomadic groups that lived and traveled in this way because they had no other choice. Backpacking today has changed, but still has the same idea at its core. It is focused again on minimalism, culture, and freedom. What's special about a backpack is unlike normal suitcases, backpacks are highly portable, adaptable, and made for a lot of walking. They have and offer mobility and freedom. This makes it easy to go places. This is the opposite of the idea of tourists dragging big suitcases to a five-star hotel, looking for comfort and luxury. Within this community, the backpack has become a kind of badge of honor because it shows that the traveler’s desire was adventure and authenticity above convenience and comfort.

Hostels are much more affordable than hotels and other places travelers typically choose to stay. Hostels are also community. Hostels provide common space for travelers from around the world to meet, share stories, and collaborate on the next part of their adventure. The traditional platforms such as Hostelworld have enabled this practice to be possible. By finding safe places to sleep that are affordable. What I like best about hostels is the community aspect. Hotels usually keep people separated and isolated. Hostels provide opportunities for groups to interact with one another as well as cultural experiences.

One thing that I find best so intriguing with the backpacking culture is the idea of slow travel. A lot of tourism often promotes cramming as many things to do in a short amount of time and the backpacking culture lets the traveler travel at a slower pace. Instead of going from city to city at a speedy pace backpackers will stay in a village for a couple of weeks and experience the culture. This could mean more engagement with locals, and a rich experience of the culture, and will create lasting memories. The slow travel concept is becoming more and more popular because the society we live in is beginning to notice the fast paced lives we lead and instead prioritize quality experiences over quantity I believe. Additionally, I think it links back to the notion of travel as a mode for education and enlightenment, not just to be able to say you've been somewhere.

In my study of backpacking I have come to find that it is more than a type of travel, it is a lifestyle. It is just having what you need, and going with the flow. And seeing others do the same with you. I know since I have been focused on travel backpacking is something that I would definitely want to experience.

Backpacking to me means growth, community, experience. It gets rid of all the luxuries and lets you see what is truly important, the people we connect with, the cultures we experience, and the memories we make.

Photo from Wix

Photo from Wix

Photo from Wix