Backpacking: An economic solution to traveling

By Sarah Hanson

Cheap travel. New encounters. Challenge insecurities. For backpackers, these are a part of their
everyday adventure. Backpacking is a rising trend among travel-hungry individuals who are
looking to explore the world on an economically friendly budget.

Although humans have been traveling for thousands of years, it is only the past few hundred that
people have gone to explore leisurely instead of running away from life threatening situations
such as war or famine. It was not until the 17th century that traveling became a form of
excitement and education.

Backpacking is not meant for everyone. While some world travelers seek difficulties and thrive
on challenges on the road, others prefer the comfort of a cozy hotel rooms and the glitz and
glamour of big cities.

Ilse Pope, 42, has spent her whole life traveling around different parts of the world with nothing
but her backpack.

She traveled in Africa and saw parts of Africa that are desperately poor, where the little nine year
old brother is raising his three youngest siblings because mom and dad both passed away from
AIDs.

“When you see how other people live it makes you a lot more appreciative for what you have,
but it also changes you into a far more open-minded individual,” said Pope.

After her first trip, Pope could not stop. She said: “My largest tip to the younger generations who
wish to backpack is to research your destination. Have a plan for each hour of each day so you
are left with no down time. Also, stay in a hostel which will allow you to save as much money as
possible.”

Airbnb, founded in San Francisco, California, in 2008, is an online marketplace for people to list,
find, and rent vacation homes at a low-cost. This website is creating a new way of vacation
planning to cater to younger consumers.

Carly Bates, 20, went backpacking around India in January 2016, and used Airbnb to book
places to stay.

“Airbnb sets up a bridge between the customer and the seller,” said Bates.“It works as a
connecter to the host and customer, allowing them to communicate directly, which builds trust.”
With the assistance of Airbnb, the traveler will get the full experience of diving into the culture
of a country and shies away from having a touristic feel. For example, you could stay in a
treehouse in Costa Rica or a bungalow in Peru to immerse in local communities.

Anna Ziegler, 50, Swedesboro, N.J., backpacked around Vietnam two years ago. She said: “I try
to stay with the millennial generation as much as possible. Show them that just because I am
older does not mean I can not keep up with their latest trends.”

According to a survey by The World Youth Student and Educational (WYSE) Travel
Confederation, the millennial generation, defined as those between the ages 16-32, are more
interested in traveling abroad than their grandparents by a 23 percent-point average.

“This generation was one hit the hardest by recession,” said Ziegler. “There is little reason for
them to wait to travel for a future that is not guaranteed.”

The WYSE Travel Confederation survey results also indicate that young travelers are not as
interested in the “traditional sun, sea, and sand holidays” as previous generations were. They are
more interested in taking a backpacking trip to a remote location for an extended amount of time
with limited items.

“If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine,” said Pope. “It’s lethal.”

Source Contact Information

Ilse Pope (856) 522-3137

Carly Bates (856) 294 7503
Anna Ziegler (856) 723-5759