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Backpackers: The next generation?
months in advance in high season” (101). One owner made an intriguing
observation:
I suppose I lose business without them, but ensuites cost so much more
money, not just in the building of them, but in their maintenance. I mean,
shared bathrooms have to be generally tidy and clean, but a private toilet
has to be kept absolutely spotless (102).
Hecht and Martin (2006) also found that many older (“contemporary”)
backpackers wanted additional room choices, notably private rooms, and were
willing and able to pay for them. They comment, “as the age of the respondent
increased so did their budgets for accommodation” (2006, p. 74).
Solo travellers used backpackers’ accommodation as the most affordable lodging
alternative. Several pointed out how expensive a motel or B&B is for single
travellers, and how few offer single rates. Three solo travellers used only private
rooms. Five solo interviewees used dorms, and particularly appreciated smaller
dorm rooms. Dorms, in the past, often had 12 or more (bunk) beds in a single
room, with little remaining personal space to organise, dry towels, and store
belongings. Most properties affiliated with BBH offer both “share” (up to four
people) and dorm rooms.
I don’t mind at all sharing kitchen and bathrooms, but I don’t want to be
in a mixed dorm with 25 other people coming and going at all hours of the
day and night (Helen).
Here [at this accommodation], it’s only four people, and you have your
own shower and toilet for the room. It’s really nice (Birgitta).
NZTRI (2007) indicates similar responses, finding that “four share rooms” were
requested by 29% of YHA respondents, double rooms requested by 16%, and
“six share rooms” requested by 11%. Only 2% chose the larger twelve share
dorms. Mohsin and Ryan (2003) concur, encouraging accommodation providers
to replace communal dorms with smaller, ensuite rooms. However, Cave et al.
(2007) also find that larger communal rooms are still sought by the under 30s
and by backpackers in Scotland. They postulate that the desire and need for
cheaper accommodations outweighs the need for privacy for these market
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