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Are you a Flashpacker?

3 July 2009

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Flashpacking is a backpacking trend based on former shoestring travelers’ ways. Born of those hostel-going backpackers that lived on nothing on their early journeys and have now become successful, the movement is a mix of technology and frugality.

The typical flashpacker is in their mid-to-late 20s or early 30s, and is a young professional worker. They often have a love for travel having been many places while younger, but now would like more creature comforts to go with their new found success.

To cater to this new travel niche, new hostels and services have sprung up which offer an experience more refined than a budget hostel but cheaper than chain hotels. Boutique hostels with themed rooms, local artwork, and amenities that include free wifi, private rooms, and private bathrooms. Pricing grades for flashpackers are usually above that of true budget hostels, but they want to spend their money on experiences rather than expensive hotel rooms that are only used for sleeping besides. This new breed of hostel focuses on elevating the accommodations beyond a bed and bed sheets, but retains the frugal ways that flashpackers crave.

Another very important aspect of flashpackers is that their are close to the best money can buy. Bootstrapping trips in the past has led to an appreciation for well-made clothes and equipment, and flashpackers are at a point in their lives where they can afford to splurge on the best choices in gear. Some of the gear that might show up in a flashpacker’s backpack

• The iPod Touch is an excellent .mp3 player as well as being a fully-functional PDA, and being able to surf the Internet from anywhere on Earth equipped with wifi is a coup for the flashpacker.

• A Macbook or netbook will always be within reach for a flashpacker. These computers are light and portable, and have the features every flashpacker needs.

• A Canon EOS 40D or similar Nikon model; SLR cameras that are too expensive for younger travelers to afford. Flashpackers will take the time needed and the money needed to take amazing pictures.

• An unlocked quad-band cell phone. These cell phones allow flashpackers to plug in a working SIM card almost anywhere in the world, guaranteeing phone service wherever they end up.

These savvy travelers are ready to grow exponentially in number, as people look for the best value in their travel dollar during the economic downturn. They are willing to spend money on their trips, but they use their research skills honed during previous trips before committing to anything. No one is quite sure where the term “flashpacker” came from, but literally it means to backpack with “flash,” or style. Flashpackers can also be used to describe those career folks that need a break and leave their work for a year or two. And while people cannot seem to agree on exactly what the term means or where exactly it came from, it is here to stay.

About the Author

Matthew Kepnes has been travel around the world for three years. He’s a committed flashpacker and loves his toys. For more information on flashpacking, check out his information about flashpacking and flashpacking gear

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