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Backpackers: The next generation?
The luxury is time. So if you can have good, safe, clean, comfortable
accommodation at a reasonable price then that leaves money to travel
longer, or to buy tickets for the theatre or cruise or train or what have you
(Louise).
Price and affordability were also expressed as value by many of the participants
– that the backpackers offered a good value, or that added value of these
accommodations was beyond just price.
The hosts interviewed universally confirmed the reactions of the older
backpackers. They believe that older travellers are now travelling in greater
numbers and for longer periods of time.
They have money, but this way they can stretch it out longer. They can
get their ensuites, and private rooms and different nationalities and age
groups too. It makes them feel younger as well – they’re mixing with all
these people and they’re all on the same level (105b).
The data demonstrate that older travellers using this form of accommodation do,
indeed, fall within Pearce’s (1990) initial finding: that a distinct preference for
budget accommodation is the most clear definition of backpacker. It supports
research on New Zealand’s YHA guests that indicates that over half choose
backpackers’ accommodations / hostels because of price (NZTRI, 2005). More
importantly, this research supports Riley’s (1988) comment about budget
travellers, that that label does not imply people of limited socio-economic
backgrounds but rather people who chose to extend their holidays by living on a
budget. In addition, it offers confirmation for Peterson’s (2007) finding that
economic variables such as income and assets have a far greater impact on
vacation choices than does age.
Social interactions
The opportunity to connect with others was the other significant reason for
choosing backpackers’ accommodations, as cited by 69% of interviewees.
Comments emphasised the pleasures of interaction, including communicating
with others, sharing a glass of wine or a meal, and talking about journeys
through New Zealand and beyond.
70