Backpacking—An experience for those who love the outdoors
Searches on the internet for the meaning of backpacking yields results that offer the division of the term into travel and wilderness backpacking. However, the true essence of backpacking involves a mix of travel and wilderness.
The essence of backpacking involves low-cost travel with a backpack or luggage that is not heavy to carry. Besides that backpacking also involves staying in budget accommodation in a hostel, low-cost lodges, travel by public transport and camping in the wilderness.
Backpacking
is associated with young adults who have fewer responsibilities, more time on their hand and an eagerness to see the world. A trend that has grown in the 21st century, backpacking has grown due to favourable phenomena in the world with a rise of budget travel and lodging options. Many young people post 2001 have started picking up their bags and choosing to discover the world on a small budget.
Though it picked up again recently, the origin of backpacking goes as far back down as the pre-historic nomadic man who moved from place to place with a few of his belongings as he searched for fertile lands. In the 20th century, the Hippie trail in the 1960s and 70s when young people from Europe and North America were overwhelmed by the fast-paced industrial life at home, they chose to backpack.
Choosing to travel to the economically backward regions of Africa, Asia and South America, these youngsters discovered new cultures and ways of life in these places. As many countries in these continents had just gained independence they were cheap and interesting to these young people who were able to have a good time with many people like them from around the world.
The process of backpacking, today involves a lot of pre-planning as the destination needs to be studied well for culture, language, places to stay, eat, etc. A thorough plan helps the backpacker be better acquainted with the place he or she is visiting and also helps they avoid being cheated or taken for a ride by locals who seek to sometimes eke out money from visitors.
While travel backpacking involves staying in a particular place for a week and more, many people prefer to head out on the weekends for an overnight picnic of sorts and many city people indulge in wilderness backpacking. On the outskirts of a number of cities, there are getaway spots where people can camp in the wilderness and be one with nature at economical rates.
To many youngsters, this appeals more than an expensive visit to a hill station that involves a lot of money being spent on lodging and travel. Hiking, trekking and bonfires appeal to these young people and they enjoy the time away from work or college with a mix of leisure and adventure activities.
Backpacking offers a thrill and appeals to young people primarily. But it is a welcome option for a boy’s night out as men like activities related to sending time hiking and trekking. Women who have a thrill for adventure and like spending time hiking and trekking will also enjoy backpacking.
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