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Backpackers: The next generation?
Table 4: Backpackers’ accommodations: facilities on offer
BP ID
Dorms
Rooms
Kitchen
Common Room
Outside Areas
Quiet / Study
Internet
TV
bikes, kayaks, etc
available
sm lge priv ensuite
101 x x x x x x x x x x x
102 x x x x x x x
103 x x x x x x x x x x
104 x x x x x x
105 x x x x x x x x x
106 x x x x
x x x x x x
107 x x x x x x x x x x
108 x x x x x x x x x
The motivations cited for older travellers choosing backpackers’ lodgings fall
consistently within the two primary reasons originally offered by Pearce in 1990:
price and social interaction.
Price
The affordability of these budget accommodations was the main influence in
choice for 88% of the interviewees. It was especially important to those on longer
trips, those who earned less than $50,000 per year, all but one of the solo
travellers, and both of the New Zealanders interviewed.
We’re travelling on a pretty limited budget, we can’t afford big hotels or
resorts. We knew this was the only way we could travel for the lengths of
time we wanted to and still afford it. We had money, but it wasn’t
limitless (Catherine).
Conserving their travel funds by using backpackers’ accommodations allowed
the older travellers to meet other goals.
I’d rather spend money on environmentally friendly trips – the Franz
Josef Glacier climb, or a marine-related trip (Kim).
I can rent my flat in Edinborough and just stay [at backpackers]. The
paycheck is as good as in the bank. I’ll go back richer (James).
Travel info available
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