Backpacking (travel)
Backpacking is a form of low-cost, independent travel, which often includes staying in inexpensive lodgings and carrying all necessary possessions in a backpack. Once seen as a marginal form of travel undertaken only through necessity, it has become a mainstream form of tourism.
This article is about backpacking while traveling. For other uses, see Backpacking.While backpacker tourism is generally a form of youth travel, primarily undertaken by young people during gap years, it is also undertaken by older people during holidays, a career break, or at retirement, or by digital nomads, as part of a minimalist lifestyle. As such, backpackers can be of any age, but are typically aged 18-30.[1]
Variants[edit]
Flashpacking and Poshpacking refer to backpacking with more money and resources. The words combine backpacking with flash, a slang term for being fancy, or posh, an informal adjective for upper class.
Begpacking combines begging and backpacking in reference to individuals who beg (ask directly or indirectly for money), solicit money during street performances, or vend (sell postcards or other small items) as a way to extend their overseas travel.[13] The trend has drawn criticism for taking money away from people in actual need, with one known begpacker barred from entering Singapore.[14][15] Begpacking is common in Southeast Asia and is a trend in South America and South Korea.[16][17]
