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Backpackers: The next generation?
international parallels. Scotland, for instance, has a rapidly expanding private
and not for profit hostel system that offers similar facilities and services (Cave et
al., 2007; Robb, Frew, & Brennan, 2002; Thyne et al., 2004).
It is noted in the literature review that the term “backpackers” apparently arose
in Australia in the early 1980s, perhaps to counter the existent negative image of
state-controlled youth hostels in that country (McCulloch, 1992). The term
“backpackers’ accommodations” has, in turn, now potentially attained a
similarly negative, and limiting, connotation. This might affect different
potential user groups, both young backpackers, as discussed by Ateljevic and
Doorne (2000b) and, this research demonstrates, older travellers as well.
Why choose backpackers’ accommodation?
Given international impressions of backpackers’ accommodations, why would
any older travellers choose them? New Zealand has an excellent array of
inexpensive motels (ensuite, with simple kitchens) and B&Bs, as well as holiday
parks with small private cabins, and a growing campervan industry. What do
the small, private backpackers’ accommodations offer, and what are the primary
motivations to use them?
Available facilities
All but one of the eight accommodations reviewed for this thesis are lodgings of
fewer than 30 beds; all employ five or fewer people. The facilities of each are
quite similar (Table 4), but each is unique in its character and personality. Many
are old homes that have been converted, restored, or added onto. Only two are
purpose-built. These eight individuals interviewed are referred to as
“backpackers’ accommodation owners” or “hosts” in these findings, or by the
identification number assigned to each.
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