Reasons why Indians do not backpack

Even though our country is considered as the epic centre for Backpackers from all over the world. Still Backpacking as a way of travel is more Western than Indian. Here are some reasons why many Indians do not prefer backpacking.

1. Trust issues

-On a daily basis, we get to hear about the crimes going on in and around our cities. Crimes like pickpocketing, getting mugged or maybe sometimes major crimes like murder or rape. The news itself manages to build up to scares about some of the other destinations leading to trust issues. With these scares who would like to leave their homes where they feel most safe?

2. Comfort over adventure

-“Obviously bro I love travelling and exploring new places, but comfort and safety is first”
In India’s running economy people slog throughout the day and they need a ‘hasslefree’ getaway serving them all types of comfortable services. Going raw is too much of a hustle and gives them discomfort on their #TravelDiaries

From city Uber rides to the village homestay gypsy rides everything needs to be aligned and pre-arranged making the journey very dependent. For youth, the need for daily Instagram posts from the car with songs like “I only love my bed and my mama I am sor…TED” give them a unique identity while living among thousands who are doing the same.
For the working class, they just want to relax if they are taking time off, and they may be willing to pay a good amount for it too.

3. I am not shady

-“I have a respected family and a well-reputed job why do I travel like these dirty hippies as if I have lost everything” this is what people think backpacking is, packing your bags and wandering about when you have nothing to look forward to.

4. Small chills and big bills

-“Why do we spend so much money and get tired at the same time.”
Nutella Pancakes-250rs, Tea-40 rs, coffee- 45rs, hot pakoras-120rs and a tent or homestay for 1500? Travel costs etc.
While the food may be costly as it is difficult to get the supplies, the rest you enjoy with a free mountain view. What more screams a perfect vacation?

5. Door to bore service is what Indians prefer

-Travel agencies offer packages where you just need to make a call from the privacy of your home perhaps, select your package, pay for it and ‘Abra ka dabra’ woosh! you are now at a beach shack chilling with your beer. Isn’t it door to door service? Well, it is what most people prefer.
It is, of course, mainstream and boring because it is you who are exported from one place to the another in the container you have booked i.e luxury transport services. There is no thrill and satisfaction of doing things yourself.

6. The need for daily cuisine to be on repeat!

-A lot of the travel companies take their chefs on their travels to enjoy the same traditional food from their hometown to different places around the globe. People end up ordering Manchow soup in Kerala and Idli Wada in Himachal!
What a good reason not to backpack, right? *facepalm*

7. Love for destination and not the journey

-India is still developing when it comes to transport. People dislike the journey because it is too hectic and tiring. For a lot of reason, people seem to think Indian Railways food is not hygienic and tasty. (It may be true in some cases) which results in people not wanting to travel, they may show immense appreciation for the destination but the same goes for the travelling, planning, arranging, etc.

8. Local language and transport barriers

– People are scared they will not be able to talk to the locals properly and get themselves in trouble by behaving a certain way when in current times most interaction happens on social media, people are scared they won’t put up their best front in person wherever they go.

9. Flights rates are too hyped up and road transport is dicey

– When they think of air travel, they suddenly find themselves worrying about the tons of money they will be spending.

-Road transport is always dicey either because of corrupt politicians or weather conditions.
Instead of thinking about enjoying the journey and the adventure, they keep thinking about the above-said problems.

10. Jeans in my genes

” What looks cool nature or my outfit?”
On their sorted prearranged trips they like to look like actors and actresses in Hollywood and Bollywood songs. With ripped jeans, bomber jackets, glares and tons of deodorant on a hike!

11. I love my trolley bag

It’s okay you are a tourist but you look like you are in the search of an airport 24/7. People like carrying their trolley bags making that annoying sound of stones put in a mixture grinder. Carrying a rucksack is way too comfortable and spacious but no one likes to be judged that they look like Sadhu Babas or hippies.