Ever wonder if you could be a backpacker?
I used to be an avid vacationer. I would vacation all. the. time. Which I always thought was “traveling”. Which it is, technically. But it wasn’t until I did my first solo backpacking trip that I began to realize there is a pretty big difference between being a backpacker or being a vacationer. Backpacking allows you to immerse yourself into the culture in a way that your typical vacation doesn’t. While on vacation, I was missing out on so much to be discovered about the place I was traveling to without even realizing it.
Most people go on vacation to unwind, relax, and have fun. Sometimes this means going to a really nice resort to lay by the pool or on the beach, getting massages and reading. Other times it means renting out a house or hotel, raging with a group of friends, and spending nights tearing up the town.
Now don’t get me wrong, I love a good vacation. We all need those to help us wind down, and relax from stressful months or weeks of work. It is definitely well deserved. However, if you really want to see a place through a different lens, try backpacking.
Backpacking is a completely different experience. It provides you a unique perspective into the culture, that is more intimate. While most people backpack on more of a “budget”, you can definitely do it in luxury. Although I imagine you’d probably bring a suitcase, haha. It’s really all about your mentality! Here are the key ways in which backpacking and vacationing differ…
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1. Type of Accommodation
As a backpacker, you will usually opt to stay in a hostel or a cheaper hotel/homestay with a social atmosphere. These places usually have events set up to get people together or if it’s a more chill place, at the very least a common area for people to hang out and socialize.
Sure you might have the money to stay in a nice hotel, but then you miss out on some of the best parts of traveling: meeting others from around the world doing the same thing you are doing!
Sometimes you may find yourself sleeping in some of the sketchiest places. Whether it’s a run down homestay, Couchsurfing, on the beach, a cot outside, or even at a bus stop. (All of these have been me, at least once) Sometimes there’s roaches, mosquitoes and hopefully never, bedbugs. (Yep, these have happened to me too). Most of these things you don’t ever have to worry about when you’re on vacation.
It might not sound super appealing, but the backpacker accommodations can lead to some amazing experiences through the people that you meet! And if you are ever in need of a good night’s rest, you can always change up your style throughout the trip. I know that I personally like to book a nice private room for the days I’m in need of relaxation, and then a fun hostel for those nights I’m ready to socialize!
2. The Unique Experiences
Usually when you are on vacation, you want it to be as seamless and worry-free as can be. This can mean booking excursions through a travel agent, or the front desk of your hotel.
While this might seem like the best option, you often miss out on the opportunity to see places with the hustle and bustle of tour guides rushing you through, and being jammed in with so many other tourists. Plus you limit yourself to usually the “tourist traps”.
I’ve found as a backpacker, you see so many other places that might not be a “star” destination. Meeting the locals and having them show you around to their secret spots can be way more rewarding. You don’t have to worry about sharing the view with thousands of others and paying an exorbitant fee. Finding a local to offer you the same, if not better experience, can be way cheaper and you’re directly supporting a family.
I personally like to mix it up and do both! If there’s a must-see tourist attraction, I will try to opt to go about doing it on my own. It can be cheaper and I can move at my own pace, but sometimes this isn’t possible and you must book a tour. Another great thing option that is on the rise, are Airbnb experiences.
The Possibility of
3. Meeting New People
I’ve mentioned many times before, that meeting people is my favorite part about traveling. When you backpack, you open yourself up to meeting so many people that you otherwise wouldn’t when you’re vacationing. On vacation, you are usually focused on spending time with the people you’re with. But backpackers love to hang out with other backpackers.
The best places to meet other backpackers will be at your hostel, especially if you’re staying at one that has a nice common area. There are also some great apps to meet other travelers as well if you aren’t staying in a hostel, like couchsurfing and believe it or not, tinder/bumble. I’ve even made friends at cafes, airbnbs, pools, and bus stops! You just gotta break out of your shell and get social. Especially if you’re solo traveling!
This is a great way to organize some awesome day trips, make things cheaper, and have fun nights out. The memories you will make as a backpacker will stay with you forever. And it definitely doesn’t hurt to have friends from all over the globe! Now the next time you travel to their country, you might have your own personal tour guide to show you all the local spots! I think that’s a win-win!
4. Mode of Transportation
The last thing you want to do when you’re on vacation relaxing, is waste time commuting. So you will usually fly between major destinations, take uber/taxis, or be on an organized tour bus. This is usually more time-efficient
As a backpacker though, especially if you’re on a budget, you will take lots of local transportation and/or walk. This is definitely cheaper, and you get a real glimpse into the lives of the locals.
By walking everywhere, not only are you getting great exercise, but you are able to really see the area. All the back streets, little shops, and side cafes you would miss if you were whizzing by in a taxi. Sometimes you will find yourself riding in the local bus with no AC, that’s crammed full, or even hitchhiking (which isn’t anywhere near being scary like we portray it here in the USA). While these might not sound appealing, they usually leave you with great memories to laugh at later. And besides, if the locals can handle those hot, cramped buses, surely you can too.
5. The Food You Eat
I get it. You’re on vacation, balling out, and are ready to eat alllll the things. You book yourself the nicest restaurants, visit the best bars, and make sure to hit all the hotspots. After all, what is the point in traveling so far if you can’t taste all the best foods?
As a backpacker, you can definitely do all of those things too! (Budget permitting, of course) However, you will most likely start to try little cafes or street food that are off the beaten path because you walked by them when exploring. Or you might try something based on a recommendation from a local.
One of the best ways to ensure you are trying the real deal is to eat where the locals are! While these nicer restaurants can make amazing meals, sometimes the menu is altered to fit the expectations of tourists. Skipping out on trying the street food and local cafes, you could potentially be missing out on some delicious, authentic cuisine! And more often than not, these places are way cheaper. Again, a win-win especially if you are traveling for long periods of time and need to make that money stretch!
Try It Out For A Completely Different Travel Experience
Now I know that the backpacker way of traveling may not be for everyone. Some people prefer to travel in luxury and that’s totally okay! But you can definitely adapt the backpacker mindset when it comes to traveling, to incorporate that more intimate connection with the destination.
Want to stay at a nice hotel? Then get social by joining an organized bar crawl. Want to eat at a nice restaurant? Have the next meal be street food. Took ubers all day? Try walking the next day.
Any type of travel is a gift because we have the opportunity to see beautiful landscapes, connect with amazing people, and have life-changing experiences. I challenge you to try backpacking, or at least the backpacker mindset when it comes to planning your next trip. Step outside of your comfort zone, try that strange street food, speak to the locals, explore those backroads.
xx, christine
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