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Backpackers: The next generation?
conclusion that older backpackers have travelled more than most of their
younger counterparts. This is perhaps a simple factor of time – the older
backpackers have had more years available to them to accrue travel experiences.
However, it is important to note that more than half the subjects began travelling
only in later life, once their own children had left home.
Four individuals were experiencing New Zealand for the first time. The balance
were here for either their second or third holiday. Eight subjects were here, in
part, to visit friends or family as well as to travel on their own, but they intended
to spend less than half their time with those they knew in-country. New
Zealand’s “nature” and “natural beauty” were the prime attractions that
motivated these travellers to choose this country.
None of the interviewees indicated that this holiday served as a major life
transition for them, or that a significant life event had occurred that prompted
their travels, unlike the middle-aged Israeli women Maoz (2007) studied in
India. None of the older backpackers visiting primarily New Zealand spoke of
this as a particularly challenging or spiritually fulfilling trip, though two
individuals on longer journeys (India and Latin America in addition to
Australasia) did speak of challenges at other destinations. New Zealand is
considered an easy, safe, beautiful country to visit for a relatively simple and
affordable holiday. As one commented, “It’s a way to get out of ugly northern
winters, meet new people and see new sights” (James).
These findings counter much of the current backpacking literature, possibly
reflecting a significant difference between younger and older travellers. The
older backpackers do not perceive of their voyages as rites of passage (Turner,
1973). Most are well travelled enough to not be significantly challenged by New
Zealand, as indicated by the percentage that did little pre-arrival research (see
5.2.1). Unlike Elrud’s (2001) subjects, they do not construct narratives of risk or
adventure to justify their travels. Instead, as Scheyvens (2006) found, they are
travellers intent on having an interesting, affordable holiday. They combine
inexpensive accommodations with occasional expensive tours or experiences
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