I thought I had been, twice - the last being my 3-weeks road trip from the top to the bottom of New Zealand. But I was wrong. Even though we had one middle-size backpack each, slept in hostels, sharing room with 6 and bathroom with another 20 people, and fought for our 15 minutes of internet every once in a while, this does not automatically turn you into a backpacker.
My blackberry is my best friend (we even go together to the toilet). I wouldn’t survive without a hair dryer and never leave a my room/tent/dorm/car without covering the rings under my eyes. In my backpack, I always find some space for my favorite jeans and, at least, one pair of shoes that would style-up any outfit. Anywhere I go, I want to taste the local cuisine or, at least, have a balanced menu that does not only consist of burgers and sandwiches. My digital camera has its own corner in my handbag, and so does the extra battery and an extra memory.
This doesn’t really fit to what we had always defined as a backpacker, right? But then, I came across an interesting post from Nomadic Matt, who introduced me to the term Flashpacker.
What the heck is a Flashpacker?
Some people define the Flashpackers as backpackers by heart, but on a higher budget, and usually between their mid-twenties and early-thirties, that is, people with an income and no big attachments – meaning, kids. But defining this term by simply using the who and the when is not really appropriate. The concept is a choice of travel (such as backpacking or couchsurfing), that might (only might!) be chosen by travelers with these characteristics.
10 signs you might be a Flashpacker, too
10 signs you might be a Flashpacker, too
- You usually choose the quicker travel option rather than the cheaper one – Who wants a 12 hours bus ride if you can jump in a plane and arrive in less than 2 hours?
- Although you fancy the hostel atmosphere, you seriously value (unnecessary) extras such as stable beds, an en suite bathroom, a balcony and/or a nice view, great location… and don’t mind paying a bit more for that.
- You would have a heart attack if the hostel’s wifi wasn’t working (or if you realized the hostel actually hasn’t got any wifi at all!) – how are you supposed to upload the 300 pictures? how are you supposed to post about the helicopter ride? and how are you supposed to find your next activity?
- Your backpack is full of electronic devices – your SLR camera, iPad / Laptop, iPod, Blackberry / iPhone and corresponding cables and chargers.
- Oh, and, not to forget about the hair dryer and or straightener. Guys: the electric shaver counts for this!
- The first thing you think about when you leave your stuff in the room is “so, where shall we have a nice breakfast / lunch / dinner?” – You want to check out the local cuisine!
- For those days you cook in the hostel, you won’t heat up a frozen pizza – you’ll buy fresh vegetables, meat and prepare burritos!
- You choose not to get wasted every night cause a) your hangovers are getting worse with time and b) you don’t want to miss the local farmers market
- Sure, you know you’re “backpacking”, but who said that you wouldn’t need a fancy dress and cute sandals at some point of your journey?
- There’s always enough space for some shopping – you brought an additional foldable bag with you so that, in your way back you can carry the double.
It took me some time to accept it, but… I’m a Flashpacker.
What about you?
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Im still a backpacker … looking forward to life as a flashpacker!
flashpacker….not yet. still the dirt-poor backpacking couch surfer.
i am so excited to find a real traveler's blog! it's been a while since i've stumbled upon one. looking forward to more fascinating postsā„
http://musingsofahippie.blogspot.com
I'm definitely one! Been saying that for the last year or so. :)
Haha… I am definitely a flashpacker!
I think I'd be a flash packer, if i could afford it!!!
Loving this blog!
Check mine out: travellifeaway.blogspot.com
hahaha. yes well, is there a level up from the Flash packer? …oh wait, there is: The tourist. Which is what I am. I don't think I could stay in a hostel. Sleeping in the same room with strangers? Oh no. 15mins of internet? Oh Gosh!! And speaking of travel, i'd rather take the longer (cheaper) more scenic route where I can see more of what the country has to offer. Isn't getting there half the fun?
Lastly, I never travel without at least 3 pair of changing shoes: dress up, causal, clubbing. And my hair needs special attention (unless it's braided) which could take up to 40mins a day! I always wanted to go camping and backpack across…somewhere… but to be honest, I'm just to high maintenance. So, be proud of your flash packer status. Packing takes me 3 days!
It's say you're totally a flashpacker. The big thing is being willing to splurge a bit on the experiences that make your trip a step above – be it food, a hot air balloon ride over africa or a liveaboard scuba trip somewhere.
Welcome to the flashpacker community! :)
You can check out what I think of flashpackers here:
http://flashpackerhq.com/flashpacker-defined/
-Travis
Serial flashpacker here, for the most part :)