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Backpackers: The next generation?
6 Conclusion
Research findings
This thesis amplifies existing quantitative research on older backpackers,
specifically for those travelling within New Zealand, a well developed
backpackers’ destination. The findings extend knowledge about the older
backpackers’ needs, usage and preferences, and the concomitant industry
reaction to these travellers. Further, the findings qualitatively probe the less
tangible motivations and perceptions of these older travellers. The research also
offers preliminary insights into the perspectives of both backpackers and non-
backpackers within the baby boomer cohort about the word “backpacker” and
its related lexicon of terms.
Research questions were formulated through a comprehensive review of
literature from three fields of study: academic writings on backpackers, age-
related research, and studies of small and medium-sized enterprises. Several
subjects within the first two areas of literature overlap including: motivations to
travel, types of experiences sought, consumption patterns, and the impact of
economics in driving travel choice.
As with most qualitative research, care must be taken in extrapolating general
conclusions from small-scale, intimate conversations and observations.
However, the research does suggest areas of similarity and dissimilarity
between older backpackers and their younger peers. Demographically, the older
backpackers interviewed more closely resemble baby boomers in income and
education levels than they do younger travellers. Unsurprisingly, many are
more experienced travellers than reflected in Newlands’ (2004) study. This is
most probably a simple factor of age, though many interviewees had not started
travelling internationally until their own children had left home. Nevertheless,
71% had been to New Zealand before. Interestingly, older interviewees stayed in
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