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Two Danish backpackers in front of the Vienna State Opera in July 2005

Backpacking is a term used to denote a form of low-cost independent international travel, differentiating it from other forms of tourism notably by the following typical attributes: minimal budget use, longer duration traveling, use of public transport and multiple destinations/countries. The origin of the name comes from the backpacks that budget travelers generally carry in the interests of mobility and flexibility. Image File history File links Circle-question-red. ... Image File history File links Unbalanced_scales. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1840x2224, 893 KB)Two Danish backpackers in front of the Vienna State Opera in July 2005. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1840x2224, 893 KB)Two Danish backpackers in front of the Vienna State Opera in July 2005. ... Vienna State Opera (German: Wiener Staatsoper), located in Vienna, Austria, is one of the most important opera companies in Europe. ... Ongoing events • 2005 Atlantic and Pacific hurricanes • 2005 Maharashtra floods • 2005 Gujarat Flood • Expo 2005 in Aichi, Japan • Fuel prices • Gomery Comm. ... Tourists on Oahu, Hawaii Tourism is travel for predominantly recreational or leisure purposes or the provision of services to support this leisure travel. ... A backpack A backpack is, in its simplest form, a cloth sack carried on ones back and secured with two straps that go over the shoulders (called shoulder straps) and below the armpits. ...

Many commentators see backpacking as descriptive, not only of low-cost travel, but of the culture and philosophy often associated with it^[1] especially anti or trans-nationalism as well as a romanticization of wanderlust and a desire for "authentic" contact with local culture. This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Look up Wanderlust in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

History

The term backpacking is said to have originated in the early 1970s with the advent of low-cost jet airplane fares. During this era it became common for young Westerners, to follow the hippie trail into India and Southeast Asia. This period also gave birth to the first budget guidebooks (see Tony and Maureen Wheeler) and began to change the way that many people looked at the possibilities and opportunities of travel. This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The hippie trail is a term used to describe the journeys taken by hippies in the 1960s and 70s from Europe, overland to and from eastern Asia. ... Location of Southeast Asia Southeast Asia is a subregion of Asia. ... Lonely Planet logo Lonely Planet Publications (usually known as Lonely Planet or LP for short) claims to be the largest independently owned travel guidebook publisher in the world. ...

More recently, backpacking has become something of a rite of passage in the popular culture of some countries, where after finishing high school, university or a period in the army they take several months to two years' break. Countries with geographic isolation such as Australia and New Zealand are such examples, but equally are the fact that like all countries that boast a high number of backpackers per capita they are affluent and English-speaking (or English as second language is common) countries where the majority of their citizens can afford overseas travel. Another typical example is the Netherlands.^{[citation needed]} Likewise, a substantial amount of young adults from Israel also undertake long-term backpacking trips, particularly after they finish their mandatory military service. Travel of a backpacking nature is also extremely popular with Northern Europeans, particularly the Germans, Irish and British, and with Australians, Canadians, and New Zealanders. Shan boy undergoing Poy Sang Long initiation A rite of passage is a ritual that marks a change in a persons social or sexual status. ...

Culture

The Westbahnhof in Vienna. Public transport is usually important to Backpackers

Low-cost options are popular: such as sharing lifts, budget flights, rail/bus passes (or if the backpacking trip is circumglobal, a relatively cheap round-the-world air ticket which permits numerous stops), youth hostels, free hospitality services and buying food at supermarkets and sometimes cooking for oneself in kitchen equipped hostels abroad instead of going to restaurants. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1840x1232, 2090 KB)The Westbahnhof in Vienna, Austria in October 2002, 50 years after its completion. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1840x1232, 2090 KB)The Westbahnhof in Vienna, Austria in October 2002, 50 years after its completion. ... Vienna (German: , see also other names) is the capital of Austria, and also one of the nine States of Austria. ... Youth hostel in Rome. ... Hospitality Services are networks of people who exchange accommodation. ... Toms Restaurant, a restaurant in New York made familiar by Suzanne Vega and the television sitcom Seinfeld A restaurant is an establishment that serves prepared food and beverages to order, to be consumed on the premises. ...

Hostels and other budget accommodations in the 'developed' world tend to be communal to some degree, and thus backpacker culture is often highly social and emphasizes the camaraderie of communal life, such as the lounge area common in many hostels. When backpackers stay in one place for a while, they often seek a house-share with numerous other backpackers and are likely to share a room to keep the costs down.^{[citation needed]}

The common language of backpackers is overwhelmingly English in varying levels of fluency. This is due to the fact that English is the first language of most from Commonwealth of Nations countries plus USA and Ireland. Another major reason for the popularity of English is that it is the most common second language of most Western Europeans. The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... “Native Language” redirects here. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... A second language is any language other than the first, or native, language learned; it is typically used because of geographical or social reasons. ... The borders of Western Europe were largely defined by the Cold War. ...

Backpacker culture is perhaps typified by the Lonely Planet (Australian) series of guidebooks, which caters to budget travelers both in its regular guides as well as, more specifically, the "On a Shoestring" regional compilations. The Rough Guide (UK) and Let's Go (USA) series of guidebooks are also popular. In France, the traditional backpacker's guidebook is the Guide du routard. Lonely Planet logo Lonely Planet Publications (usually known as Lonely Planet or LP for short) claims to be the largest independently owned travel guidebook publisher in the world. ... Rough Guides Ltd is a large travel guidebook and reference publisher, owned by Pearson PLC. Their travel titles cover more than 200 destinations, and are distributed worldwide through the Penguin Group. ... Lets Go is a travel guide company run entirely by Harvard University students, founded in 1960 and headquartered in Cambridge, MA. Cover of the 2006 edition of Lets Go: Western Europe The first Lets Go guide was a 20-page mimeographed pamphlet put together by an ambitious...

Traditionally, backpackers do not travel with expensive electronic equipment such as laptop computers and PDAs due to concerns about theft, damage, and additional luggage weight. However, the desire to stay connected coupled with trends in lightweight electronics have given rise to the flashpacking trend. Laptop with touchpad. ... Personal digital assistants (PDAs) are handheld computers that were originally designed as personal organizers, but became much more versatile over the years. ... Please wikify (format) this article or section as suggested in the Guide to layout and the Manual of Style. ...

Age of Backpackers

The majority of backpackers are in their late teens and 20s. Patrons at most youth hostels are over 18 (some even mandate a minimum age of 18) while guests over 30 are more rare. The 'stereotypical' backpacker is often envisioned as a college student or recent graduate in their mid-twenties with no dependents (spouse, children), or permanent employment at home, therefore making it easier to put typical daily responsibilities on temporary hiatus to go traveling for months at a time. Depending on the part of the world, the median age of backpackers can vary. Australia, Europe, and North America generally appeal to more youthful travelers, while more 'difficult' regions such as South America or the Middle East attract older and more experienced travelers.^{[citation needed]}

Philosophy

Hostels are an integral part of backpacker culture.

Rolf Potts writes in his book Vagabonding about what he sees as the myths that surround conventional travel: Download high resolution version (620x820, 88 KB)Inside the dormitory of a youth hostel, Rome, Italy. ... Download high resolution version (620x820, 88 KB)Inside the dormitory of a youth hostel, Rome, Italy. ...

Of all the outrageous throwaway lines one hears in movies, there is one that stands out for me. It doesn't come from a madcap comedy, an esoteric science-fiction flick, or a special-effects-laden action thriller. It comes from Oliver Stone's Wall Street, when the Charlie Sheen character — a promising big shot in the stock market — is telling his girlfriend about his dreams.

"I think if I can make a bundle of cash before I'm thirty and get out of this racket," he says, "I'll be able to ride my motorcycle across China."

When I first saw this scene on video a few years ago, I nearly fell out of my seat in astonishment. After all, Charlie Sheen or anyone else could work for eight months as a toilet cleaner and have enough money to ride a motorcycle across China. Even if they didn't yet have their own motorcycle, another couple months of scrubbing toilets would earn them enough to buy one when they got to China.

For many, this sums up the allure of backpacking, promising an "exotic" or "adventurous" experience that is also deemed "authentic," that is, an experience that, because it is self-planned and directed, does not fit within the typical Western-style vacation or travel industry. This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

This desire to experience "authentic" travel may be a reaction to the commercialization of the travel industry. Many backpackers express disdain towards “packaged” travel experiences including cruise ships and guided or bus tours which typically consist of a large number of tourists led by a guide. In contrast, backpacker philosophy encourages self-reliance and individuality, like overcoming the language barrier without the help of a translator or making all of one's own travel arrangements (to present two examples). John Gregory sums up this philosophy as: Legend of the Seas moored at San Diego, California A cruise ship, or less commonly cruise liner, is a passenger ship used for pleasure voyages, where the voyage itself and the amenities of the ship are considered an essential part of the experience. ...

Those spending big bucks for guided travel get peace-of-mind in return. They are guaranteed no worries, no hassles, an experience as close as possible to being home, without being home. They get an hour and fifteen minutes for the guaranteed-open museum, then a two-hour sightseeing ride that catches all the picture-postcard highlights. They break for lunch at a "recommended" restaurant, where the food is reasonable and ordering is easy. And as the next bus pulls in they re-board theirs to repeat the routine, ending with an easy check-in at a reasonable hotel, populated with plenty of other tourists, pretty much like themselves.

While all travel is good for the human spirit, budget backpacking is unparalleled for meeting people and experiencing worlds on their own intimate terms. There are many travelers who have the resources for pampered-class but choose to strap on a backpack and see the world via the seat-of-their-pants, because they know it's the best way to experience cultures and interact with local people

In the United States among many other Western countries, this backlash against the large-scale commercial travel industry as expressed in the philosophy of backpacking has made some inroads into mainstream culture, such as in the popular travel guide writer Rick Steves who, like Tony and Maureen Wheeler of Lonely Planet, spun his experiences as a backpacker in the 1970s into a successful guidebook series. Rick Steves Rick Steves (born in Edmonds, Washington, 1955) is an American authority on European travel. ... Lonely Planet logo Lonely Planet Publications (usually known as Lonely Planet or LP for short) claims to be the largest independently owned travel guidebook publisher in the world. ...

In addition to notions of authenticity, some backpackers value the sense of freedom and independence in this mode of travel. Especially on extended trips, there is often only a rough itinerary, which can be changed at will. If a backpacker does not like a place, she can move on. If she likes it, she is free to stay and kick back for a while. Travel directions may change when a backpacker meets other independent travelers and learns about destinations she had not considered before or joins up with new friends. The semblance of "gypsy" life has its own romantic allure.

Of course, while backpack travel is carefree in this respect, it is more complicated in that backpackers have to plan everything and deal with all adversities themselves. There is no cruise director taking care of them. However, some backpackers also view this as a positive: It is a challenge and adventure, and the sometimes intense problem-solving in unfamiliar surroundings helps to hone their life skills.

Working on the Road

Many long term backpackers gain temporary work (usually low-paid, unskilled, casual, and sometimes in violation of local labor laws) in the countries they visit. For instance, London's pubs are well known for the number of Australian bartenders working in them; "Irish pubs" around the world hire Irish backpackers. In Australia, fruit picking is a popular job among backpackers, although it can be physically demanding. Although while staying in one place for a long duration, say while working and living in semi-permanent accommodation it could be questioned whether you are still backpacking in the form of the adjective. This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ...

Backpackers are also commonly employed by hostels, where English-language proficiency and familiarity with hostel operations are considered assets. Hostels around the world are increasing their revenue by inaugurating work and travel programs, where hostelers can work for accommodation by performing basic hostel upkeep and operational duties.

Working backpackers are often facilitated through working holiday visas, commonly available to citizens under 30 of Commonwealth countries, Western Europe and Republic of Ireland. A working holiday visa is a travel permit which allows travellers to undertake employment in the country issuing the visa for the purpose of supplementing their travel funds. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ...

Advantages

In their defense, some backpackers say that budget travel pumps money into the economies of Third World countries, increasing their standard of living and creating jobs, and doing this in a way that is inherently more egalitarian than mainstream tour companies, who often operate with minimal contact with third party vendors or average citizens. Backpacking in comparison, frequently makes use of local food vendors, merchants and accommodations, and thus does more to benefit the local economy. The lower cost to the budget-conscious young Western tourist and the increased patronage to local merchants actually makes the economics of backpacking a win-win situation in many cases.^{[citation needed]} For the Jamaican reggae band, see Third World (band). ...

Destinations

'Developed' & 'developing' world destinations

It is worth noting that there is a notable difference between backpacking travel in the developed world, typically Australia, New Zealand, North America and Europe where hostels are commonly used, than in the developing world, typically South and South-East Asia, Africa and Latin America. In such developing nations travel is cheaper, but often harder. Equally where backpacking is popular, whole industries have established to tend to the needs of backpackers offering services (often in English) to make their traveleasier (laundry, visa applications, "backpacker" tours, budget travel booking services). Plus bars/restaurants showing sporting events from 'back home' and bootleg copies of movies. Well know examples of such places would be the Khaosan Road in Bangkok, Anjuna in Goa and Antigua Guatemala in Guatemala. In backpacker hot-spots, many bars and restaurants are set up primary for backpackers with few locals (Or even expatriates) patronizing them - this again fosters the social aspect of backpacking travel. Khaosan Rd. ... Anjuna is a village in Goa, one of the twelve Brahmin comunidades of Bardez. ... Antigua Guatemala (commonly referred to as just Antigua or La Antigua) is a city in the central mountains of Guatemala famous for its well-preserved Spanish New World Baroque architecture as well as a number of spectacular ruined churches. ...

Most Popular

Prague became a popular destination for backpackers with the fall of the Berlin Wall

Classically, Western Europe is a very common backpacker destination because of the availability of public transport and intercity transport and the large number of hostels and other budget accommodations, not to mention the immense sense of history and culture which permeates from this region. However, since the fall of the Berlin Wall, Eastern Europe has become a rapidly growing destination for budget travelers. Originally this meant cities such as Prague and Budapest, but more recently Poland, Slovenia, Croatia, the Balkans, and the Baltic Republics have become a popular stops on the backpacking circuit.^{[citation needed]} Download high resolution version (899x594, 112 KB)Large version, by mdoege@compuserve. ... Download high resolution version (899x594, 112 KB)Large version, by mdoege@compuserve. ... The borders of Western Europe were largely defined by the Cold War. ... East German construction workers building the Berlin Wall, November 20, 1961. ... Map of Eastern Europe Pre-1989 division between the West (grey) and Eastern Bloc (orange) superimposed on current national boundaries: Russia (dark orange), other countries of the former USSR (medium orange),members of the Warsaw pact (light orange), and other former Communist regimes not aligned with Moscow (lightest orange). ... Nickname: Motto: Praga Caput Rei publicae Location within the Czech Republic Coordinates: , Country Czech Republic Region Capital City of Prague Founded 9th century Government  - Mayor Pavel Bém Area  - City 496 km²  (191. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

Long-term backpacker destinations are places in the developing world with low costs of living such as Goa (India), Essaouira (Morocco), or Thailand. Australia's East Coast, which is also colloquially known as the 'Goon Trail', is also a very popular destination for many backpackers, and particularly for those who enjoy non-stop beaches and party atmospheres. , Goa   (Konkani: गोंय goṃya; Marathi: govā; Portuguese: ) is Indias smallest state in terms of area and the fourth smallest in terms of population (after Sikkim, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh). ... Location of Essaouira Essaouira (Arabic: ‎, eá¹£-á¹£auÄ«rah; formerly known as Mogador, its old Portuguese name) is a city and tourist resort in Morocco, on the Atlantic coast. ...

Khaosan Rd. in Bangkok is known as a backpacker "ghetto."

As mentioned above, certain destinations are so popular on the backpacking circuit that some cities house "backpacker ghettos," whole districts where large numbers of travellers congregate to find cheap accommodation, street food, and share travel information. The most famous of these is the Khaosan Road area of downtown Bangkok. ImageMetadata File history File links Download high resolution version (1280x960, 179 KB) Photo by de:Benutzer:Mr. ... ImageMetadata File history File links Download high resolution version (1280x960, 179 KB) Photo by de:Benutzer:Mr. ... Khaosan Rd. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ...

It is true to say that most backpacking follows established routes with terms such as the 'gringo trail' in Latin America and the 'Banana Pancake' or trail' in Southeast Asia used. These routes and popular countries generally focus on three factors. And finally round the world air travel routing and airline hubs. Look up gringo in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

Thailand is a very popular backpacker destination and is an obvious stop-off between Europe and Australia with Bangkok Airport a major Asian hub. Consider the Philippines which has no overland connections, is not a major stop-off and holds similar attributes to Thailand is far less popular. The same is true of Eastern Europe's and Central America's proximity to affluent Western Europe and North America. Bangkok International Airport can be: Suvarnabhumi Airport, also known as the New Bangkok International Airport Don Mueang International Airport, also known as the Former Bangkok International Airport Category: ...

Avoided Destinations

This section does not cite its references or sources. Please help improve this article by introducing appropriate citations. (help, get involved!) Any material not supported by sources may be challenged and removed at any time. This article has been tagged since June 2007. Image File history File links Information. ...

While largely a matter of nationality, personal taste and the current political situation, some generalizations can be made about the destinations many backpackers avoid. For example, a fair number of backpackers, like many other tourists, avoid countries where there is a perceived danger of terrorism, kidnapping, hijacking, food poisoning or hassle in the way of getting a visa or repeatedly being accosted to purchase goods/services. Some countries have tried to address these issues or unfair perceptions. Morocco, which at some point had one of the worst reputations in this regard^{[neutrality disputed]}, is reported to have clamped down on hustling and touting aimed at foreign travellers.^{[citation needed]}

In Asia and Eastern Europe, visa regulations are being greatly relaxed encourage more travellers, especially as many Eastern European nations have now joined the European Union. In Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan huge efforts are made to safe-guard travelers from terrorism and countries such as Syria and Iran, while holding terrible reputations abroad are welcoming of backpackers (once issued with a visa).^{[citation needed]}

High Costs

Regions with a high cost of living, such as Scandinavia for example, are avoided by many long-term backpackers because of the expense. Other destinations which have high costs for transportation, such as Polynesia or Alaska are also avoided by the majority of backpackers. Scandinavia is a historical and geographical region centered on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe and includes the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. ... Carving from the ridgepole of a Māori house, ca 1840 Polynesia (from Greek: πολύς many, νῆσος island) is a large grouping of over 1,000 islands scattered over the central and southern Pacific Ocean. ... Official language(s) none Capital Juneau Largest city Anchorage Area  Ranked 1st  - Total 663,267 sq mi (1,717,855 km²)  - Width 808 miles (1,300 km)  - Length 1,479 miles (2,380 km)  - % water 13. ...

This applies to a lesser degree to many destinations in Western Europe, where costs are generally high enough to discourage extensive (three months and longer) budget travel, particularly when the Euro is trading very strong. The advent of low cost airlines in Europe have assisted in keeping transportation costs down. Travel to popular but extremely expensive cities such as New York City, Tokyo or London is generally limited to just several days. The borders of Western Europe were largely defined by the Cold War. ... “EUR” redirects here. ... Boeing 737-200 of low-cost Irish airline Ryanair A low-cost carrier (also known as a no-frills or discount carrier) is an airline that offers low fares but eliminates most traditional passenger services. ... New York, New York and NYC redirect here. ...   , literally Eastern capital) is a unique subnational administrative region of Japan with characteristics of both a prefecture and a city. ... This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ...

Infrastructure

While not an absolute, countries without developed infrastructure, especially in the form of public transportation, are more difficult for backpackers to travel in because of the serious limits on mobility. This includes many African countries and the greater part of Central Asia. Map of Central Asia showing three sets of possible boundaries for the region Central Asia located as a region of the world Central Asia is a vast landlocked region of Asia. ...

Hostels in the United States are also generally expensive in comparison to many other countries, often at least $US20-30 per person per night especially in the large cities The prevalence of motel chains, catering primarily to private motorists, may contribute to the relatively small number of backpacker hostels in the USA.^{[citation needed]} Holiday Inn Great Sign Exterior of a Howard Johnsons motor lodge. ...

A further constraint for backpackers in the United States is that they have few, if any, options to partake in legitimate employment. This is in contrast to the vast array of reciprocal working holiday arrangements which are in place with most of the Commonwealth of Nations and Western European countries. This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ...

Instability

While the desire to travel at low cost and the desire to travel with convenience and security are often at odds, some countries are generally avoided by backpackers because of the general political instability. In the most extreme cases, such as Iraq, Somalia or North Korea opportunities for travel may be severely curtailed or an outright impossibility. Other areas are avoided by many backpackers because of the perceived general hostility of the political climate, including some parts of the Middle East and Central Asia, Indonesia and parts of Central Africa and Latin America. A map showing countries commonly considered to be part of the Middle East The Middle East is a region comprising the lands around the southern and eastern parts of the Mediterranean Sea, a territory that extends from the eastern Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf. ... Map of Central Asia showing three sets of possible boundaries for the region Central Asia located as a region of the world Central Asia is a vast landlocked region of Asia. ... Latin America consists of the countries of South America and some of North America (including Central America and some the islands of the Caribbean) whose inhabitants mostly speak Romance languages, although Native American languages are also spoken. ...

Crime, security and dangers

French backpackers pose for a group photo in the island of Amorgos.

Some countries are largely avoided by backpackers due to a substantially increased risk of being kidnapped or mugged of their possessions, to the point where the benefits of travel may not compensate for their dangers. Colombia in South America is a notable example, which has the unfortunate reputation of having one of the highest number of kidnappings per capita in the world.^{[citation needed]} Many other South American cities, such as Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Lima, also have high crime rates. Moreover, African cities such as Johannesburg or Nairobi are also discouraged on the backpacker circuit due to their high crime rates and perceived danger of visiting. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2560x1920, 2621 KB)French backpackers pose for a group photo in the island of Amorgos. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2560x1920, 2621 KB)French backpackers pose for a group photo in the island of Amorgos. ... Amorgos (Greek: Αμοργος) is the easternmost island of the Greek Cyclades island group. ... Location of Rio de Janeiro Coordinates: Country Brazil Region Southeast State Rio de Janeiro Government  - Mayor Cesar Maia (PFL) Area  - City 1,260 km²  (486. ... Nickname: Motto: Non ducor, duco(Latin) I am not led, I lead Location in the São Paulo state. ... Nickname: Location within Lima Region Coordinates: Country Peru Region Lima Region Province Lima Province Settled 1535 Government  - Mayor Luis Castañeda Lossio Area  - City 804. ... City motto: Unity in Development Province Gauteng Mayor Amos Masondo Area  - % water 1,644 km² 0. ... Nairobi (pronounced ) is the capital and largest city of Kenya. ...

Health

Health is another issue of concern for backpackers with sometimes poor health facilities away from urban hubs and prevalence of diseases such as in some regions, malaria and yellow fever. This is particular the case in developing South East Asia and most of Africa. More common, however are minor ailments like sunburn, diarrhoea or food poisoning, which seems to be an unfortunate caveat of third world travel. This includes women's health issues such as the availability of tampons or prescription medications like the birth control pill Malaria is a vector-borne infectious disease that is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of the Americas, Asia, and Africa. ... Location of Southeast Asia Southeast Asia is a subregion of Asia. ... A world map showing the continent of Africa Africa is the worlds second-largest and second most-populous continent, after Asia. ... Womens health generally refers to health issues and matters specific to human female anatomy. ... A tampon with an applicator. ... Oral contraceptives are contraceptives which are taken orally and inhibit the bodys fertility by chemical means. ...

Crowds

Many backpackers try to avoid crowds of other (ordinary) tourists. Such places may also be undesirable because of high costs, inauthentic culture, limited sightseeing options and exclusively prebooked accommodation. This may include exclusive resort islands such as those in the Carribean. The Caribbean or the West Indies is a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea. ...

Language Barriers

While a matter of personal taste, willingness to learn foreign languages, and other stipulations, countries where the English language is not widely understood or holds little sway in everyday life can be seen as a hindrance for independent travel for those who do not speak the local language. This tends to include destinations in the developing world where English is not commonly spoken such as Latin America, many parts of Africa, Central Asia, and more rural areas of East Asia, the Middle East, Russia and other parts of the former Soviet Union. However, this can also be seen as challenging, so it can just as well draw many backpackers to these regions as "off the beaten track" locations. For the Jamaican reggae band, see Third World (band). ... Latin America consists of the countries of South America and some of North America (including Central America and some the islands of the Caribbean) whose inhabitants mostly speak Romance languages, although Native American languages are also spoken. ... A world map showing the continent of Africa Africa is the worlds second-largest and second most-populous continent, after Asia. ... Map of Central Asia showing three sets of possible boundaries for the region Central Asia located as a region of the world Central Asia is a vast landlocked region of Asia. ... Geographic East Asia. ... A map showing countries commonly considered to be part of the Middle East The Middle East is a region comprising the lands around the southern and eastern parts of the Mediterranean Sea, a territory that extends from the eastern Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf. ...

Backpacking in fiction

This section may stray from the topic of the article. Please help improve this section or discuss this issue on the talk page. (help)

Novels about backpackers include James Michener's The Drifters, William Sutcliffe´s Are You Experienced? (India), Alex Garland's The Beach (Thailand), Emily Barr's Backpack (India, Vietnam, China), John Harris's The Backpacker (India, Thailand, and Australia) and Ingrid Marson's The Rules of Backpacking (Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, South Africa). Eli Roth's movie Hostel (2006) and Australia's Wolf Creek (2005) could also be mentioned for delving into the darker realms of independent travel, and backpacking is a key plot point in An American Werewolf in London. Image File history File links Information. ... James Albert Michener (February 3, 1907? - October 16, 1997) was the American author of such books as Tales of the South Pacific (for which he won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1948), Hawaii, The Drifters, Centennial, The Source, The Fires of Spring, Chesapeake, Caribbean, Caravans, Alaska, Texas and Poland. ... The Drifters is the name of a novel by author James A. Michener. ... William Sutcliffe (born 1971) is a British novelist. ... Image:Alex Garland and Danny Boyle. ... The Beach (1996) is a novel by Alex Garland about backpackers in Thailand. ... John Harris may refer to: // John Harris (New York) (1760–1824), United States Congressman from New York John S. Harris (1825–1906), United States Senator from Louisiana John T. Harris (1823–1899), United States Representative and lawyer from Virginia John Harris (politician), member of the Alaska House of Representatives. ... Eli Raphael Roth (born April 18, 1972) is an American film director, producer and writer. ... This article or section contains a plot summary that is overly long. ... // Please note that following the tradition of the English language film industry, these are the top grossing films that were first released in the United States and Canada in 2006; because they may have made most of their income in a later year, they may not be the top-grossing... Wolf Creek is a 2005 Australian horror film, written, produced and directed by Greg McLean and starring Cassandra Magrath, Kestie Morassi, John Jarratt and Nathan Phillips. ... This is a list of film-related events in 2005. ... An American Werewolf in London is a comedy/horror film released in 1981, written and directed by John Landis. ...

Although not exactly about backpackers, Jack Kerouac's 1957 novel On the Road can be seen as very influential in the formation of youthful travelling subcultures. Jack Kerouac (pronounced ) (March 12, 1922 – October 21, 1969) was an American novelist, writer, poet, and artist. ... :This article is about the novel On the Road. ...

See also

• YHA (Youth Hostels Association)
• Inter Rail
• Rideshare
• Hitchhiking
• Round the world ticket
• Bohemianism

References

1. ^ Backpacker Culture: Meaning and Identity Making Processes in the Backpacker Culture among Backpackers in Central America, Christina Anderskov, Department of Ethnography and Social Anthropology, University of Aarhus, Summer 2002

External links

• Travel Independent Info - Beginner backpacking advice and motivation.
• Backpacking Budget Calculator - Calculate the approximate cost of a backpacking trip with this handy calculator.
• Couchsurfing - CouchSurfing seeks to internationally network people and places, create educational exchanges, raise collective consciousness, spread tolerance and facilitate cultural understanding.
• Footstops.com Non-profit community for travel journals, maps, photos, and information. .