Backpackers: The next generation? - Scholarly Commons Home

Backpackers: The next generation?
I remember I was travelling in Wanaka - a lovely backpackers with a
million dollar view out over the lake. Probably a better view than those
people paying big money in a hotel, and some guy was playing his guitar
– all these added bonuses you wouldn’t get in a bigger, more sterile
environment (Kim).
Preferred spaces for travellers included a small, removed areas for internet, a
quiet room for reading, and welcoming, comfortable sofas and chairs that
encourage socialising with other guests. As one woman said, “little pockets of
space, and outside areas for chats” (Kim).
Only one respondent said she likes occasionally to “blob out in front of the telly”
(Helen); everyone else emphatically stated that televisions either should not be
present at all or should be in a separate room from social areas to not interfere
with conversations. A typical comment was
I don’t have a TV at home; I don’t want one when I go away. If you want
to read a book, fine, or watch television, fine, but you also can chat to
people. That doesn’t happen in a hotel – if a woman of my age begins
chatting with someone in a bar, usually the police are called (laughter).
Having a TV in every room is not a good thing (Louise).
In the South Island you see backpackers with TVs in the (sleeping) rooms.
I was really surprised. It was a big change from 2000 to 2005, all these
private TVs. In North Island that’s not usual. I remember especially in
Dunedin a very nice backpackers (a former church). We had a TV in our
room so of course we were just staying in and watched. But I remember
that five years ago [prior], everyone met in the same hall talking and it
was more communication. It was one of the main reasons: more
communication. If you have a TV you stay in your room, more like a
motel. (Heinrich).
Cave et al.’s (2007) study indicates that respondents over 30 also ranked “no
noise” and “quiet / study room” attributes higher than did younger
respondents. NZTRI’s 2007 study indicates that “atmosphere”, “location”, and
“comfortable spaces to socialise” were “very important” or “essential” to 75% of
respondents.
Accommodation size
Only one older traveller interviewed had used YHAs in New Zealand, though
four subjects had YHA cards bought at a younger age.
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