Backpackers: The next generation? - Scholarly Commons Home

Backpackers: The next generation?
wandering? When are they exploring? The word "backpacker" is a good example
of the limitations of a term. Created by the tourism industry and legitimised by
academics, "backpacker" and its derivations – “backpacker," "backpacking," and
"backpackers” – can be nouns, verbs, or adjectives. One can be a backpacker, can
backpack, can choose backpacking as a form of travel, can stay at a backpackers
or stay at a backpackers' accommodation. One never need own a backpack to
backpack.
The nomenclature is repetitive and dull, precise in an all too limiting way.
“Backpacker” was created originally as “a description less derogatory than
‘drifter’ and more succinct than ‘budget traveller’” (Ateljevic & Doorne, 2000b,
p. 131). However, O’Reilly (2006) asserts that the word “backpacker” succeeds
only when it is accepted as a form of self-definition. But what if those choosing
this form of travel do not accept it?
In addition to the focused research questions this thesis seeks to address,
theoretical topics arise. From an academic point of view,
• By identifying certain people or accommodations as "backpackers”, is it
restricting rather than enhancing the dialogue about this form of travel
and those who choose to engage with it?
• Have the complexities of these travellers’ motivations and travel styles –
complexities expressed, at times, within the same holiday – moved the
debate about backpackers and backpacking beyond simple theoretical
constructs?
From the industry’s point of view,
• Is industry excluding those who would choose this travel style but who
reject the perceived identity that is connected with backpacking?
• Are backpackers’ accommodations unnecessarily maligning themselves to
potential clients who are not currently on the backpackers’ circuit?
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