バックパッカーとは?旅行スタイルの特徴

What is a backpacker? Characteristics of travel style

"Backpackers" are people who travel around the world. They travel empty-handed with the intention of making long journeys. Therefore, they are always conscious of packing less and try to minimize what they carry. This time, I will explain the travel style of such “backpackers”.

What is a backpacker?

"Backpackers" are people who travel around the world. These people travel empty-handed with the intention of making long journeys. Therefore, they are always conscious of packing less and try to minimize what they carry.

For example, when looking for a place to live at a travel destination, rather than staying at a hotel or ryokan, you may ask the locals to stay overnight or sleep in the open. Also, because they travel for a long period of time, they may eat cheap meals or work at their destination to keep their living costs down.

Also, the term "backpackers" comes from the backpacks they carry with them when they travel. When traveling, it refers to people who travel with the minimum necessary items in such a small backpack.

Characteristics of backpacker travel style

“Characteristics of backpacker travel style” refers to the travel styles and characteristics of people who travel around the world.

Among them, one of the major characteristics is that they travel for a long period of time. Backpackers can travel for weeks, months and even years. Traveling over such a long period of time allows you to experience life in the destination and deepen your interaction with the local culture and people.

Backpackers also consider it important to keep their luggage to a minimum. Therefore, when they travel, they often carry only the bare essentials in a small backpack. Minimizing your luggage in this way allows you to travel light and flexible during your trip.

In addition, backpackers do not stay at hotels or inns, but rather ask locals to stay at their destinations, or even camp out. In this way, you can save money on living expenses while traveling. In addition, through such experiences, you can deepen your interaction with the local culture and people.

Other than that, it is possible to reduce the cost of living at the destination by looking for cheap meals and working at the destination, seeking to interact with the culture and people at the destination, and being free and having an identity. There are things like traveling and traveling with safety in mind.

Activities for backpackers

“Activities for backpackers” refer to activities that “backpackers”, people who travel around the world, can enjoy at their travel destinations.

For example, discovering tourist attractions and cultural places on your own and traveling on your own routes are also listed as "backpacker activities". Enjoying local cuisine and participating in local events and festivals are also listed as 'backpacker activities'.

Enjoying nature is also listed as a “backpacker activity”. For example, you can enjoy nature by hiking and camping. Swimming and kayaking in oceans, lakes, rivers, etc. are also listed as "activities for backpackers."

In addition, “backpacker activities” include volunteering at the destination and doing local work. In this way, “backpackers” who want to interact with cultures and people at their destination can enjoy various activities.

How to choose a destination for backpackers

"Backpackers" are people who travel around the world. They travel empty-handed with the intention of making long journeys. Therefore, they are always conscious of packing less and try to minimize what they carry. What such "backpackers" pay attention to when choosing a travel destination is called "how to choose a backpacker's travel destination".

As for "how to choose a backpacker's travel destination", it is important to first decide what kind of trip is desirable for you. For example, when people who want to interact with cultures and people choose a country or region they want to visit, they can enjoy sightseeing spots where they can learn about the culture and people of that country or region, and enjoy interacting with local residents. You can choose your location.

Also, when choosing a destination, it is important to consider budget and access to transportation. For example, people with limited budgets can choose cheaper countries and regions. It is also important to choose the place to live and the means of transportation that suit you when you travel.

In addition, when choosing a destination, it is necessary to consider who you are traveling with and when you are traveling. For example, if you are traveling with family or friends, you can choose places that they will enjoy.

Recommended items for backpackers

Recommended items for backpackers include:

  • Rucksack: The perfect backpack for travel. Choose one that is lightweight and can hold a lot of stuff.

  • Foldable Luggage: For backpackers, the less luggage, the smoother the trip. Therefore, it is convenient to have foldable luggage.

  • Portable chargers: If you use mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, you will need a charger. In other countries, plugs may be different, so it's a good idea to bring a portable charger with you.

  • Portable wireless chargers: Even more convenient than portable wireless chargers are portable wireless chargers. You can charge your smartphone, tablet, etc. wirelessly, so you don't have to carry a plug.

  • Microfiber towels: Microfiber towels are lightweight, highly absorbent, and great for travel. In addition, it dries quickly even after washing and does not shrink easily, so it can be used for a long time.

  • Portable toilets: Backpackers need portable toilets. It is convenient for outdoor use or when public toilets are dirty.

Tips for backpacking trips

Here are some things to keep in mind when traveling as a backpacker:

  • Decide your destination, route, and budget in advance: Backpacking trips are attractive because they give you the freedom to do whatever you want.

  • Safety considerations: Backpacking travel has the advantage of freedom, but safety must also be taken into consideration. For example, stay in a safe place at night and avoid being stolen or damaged.

  • Carry a mobile device: Mobile devices are useful for finding local transportation and accommodation information. Also, in the event of an emergency such as illness or accident, it is safe to have a mobile device available for contact.

  • Have medical insurance: International travel requires medical insurance. It is a must-have item because it can cover medical expenses in case of illness or accident.

  • Carry only what you need: Backpacking trips are easier when you pack less. So, try to carry only the bare essentials.

  • Be local and culturally sensitive: Backpacking travel is all about experiencing different cultures.

Pros and cons of backpacking travel

Benefits for backpackers

  1. By planning it yourself, you can enjoy your own original trip.

  2. Traveling as a backpacker gives you a deeper understanding of the region and culture of your destination.

  3. By traveling as a backpacker, you can develop yourself and grow by preparing yourself for the trip.

  4. Traveling as a backpacker can save you money at your destination. Because you can find cheaper ones by looking for accommodation and transportation on your own.

  5. Traveling as a backpacker can deepen your interactions with the people you meet along the way. By planning your own trip, you may be able to receive hospitality at your destination.

Disadvantages of backpacking

  1. Planning a trip on your own can lead to mistakes. When it comes to scheduling your transportation or booking your accommodation at your destination, a mistake can delay your entire trip.

  2. By traveling as a backpacker, you may not be able to deal with troubles or sudden changes at your travel destination. If you have a trip planned by a travel agency, you can receive support even if you have a problem, but backpackers do not have such support, so you have to solve it yourself.

  3. By traveling as a backpacker, you can keep costs down at your destination, but by planning your trip yourself, you may not be able to know the tourist spots and delicious restaurants at your destination. If it is a trip planned by a travel agency, such information will be provided, so you may be able to enjoy it.

  4. Traveling as a backpacker can be said to give you a high degree of freedom at your travel destination, but on the other hand, you have more freedom in your activities and schedules at your destination, so you may get sick during your trip or experience an unexpected situation. when it happens, you may not be able to deal with it.

  5. Backpacking can save you money at a destination, but it's also time consuming because you have to research everything yourself before you travel.

summary

Backpacking is a travel style that prepares for a trip by yourself. With this style, you can find accommodation and transportation and plan your trip by yourself. As a result, you can enjoy your own original trip and gain a deeper understanding of the region and culture of your travel destination. There is also the merit that you can plan your own self-development and self-growth by planning your own trip. On the other hand, backpacking also has the disadvantage of making mistakes in planning the trip yourself.

TAITO ITO

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