Q&A: Why Backpacking Isn't Just For Hippies

They're a group of travelers often plagued by stereotypes. They're just too busy moving to stop and defend themselves.

Backpackers have plied their craft for decades in different incarnations, loosely defined by their slim budgets and light packing. But characterization pretty much stops there -- these aren't just collectives of 21-year-old rolling stones on the hippie trail who delight in not bathing. They're often quite the opposite -- grizzled business execs, adventurous mothers of four, even more adventurous grandmothers of twenty -- countless people of countless backgrounds all engrossed in and addicted by the freedom and thrill that comes with a simple approach and wide-eyed attitude to traveling. They're a community always looking to welcome new members and share their stories and advice. With that in mind, we've gathered some of the best and brightest in the game to share their invaluable experience and secrets to convert the unconverted -- that unexpected item that saves your trip, when it's okay to splurge, and why a trip to Southeast Asia is ideal for beginners.

Like our post last week on the wonders of Mexico, our expert roundtable again has a diverse group of experts with much wisdom to offer. Without further ado, our esteemed backpacking gurus:

Shawn Stafford is an experienced solo backpacker whose upcoming world excursion is being documented at his blog, Rerunaround. Follow him on Twitter @shawnosaurus.

Brian Peters is a respected and well-known travel blogger who keeps travelers informed about the least expensive ways to travel the world. He is the author of the upcoming e-book, No Debt World Travel: The Ultimate Guide to Traveling Around the World – Even in an Economic Downturn, which is not only a handbook for anyone who dreams of traveling around the world, but is also filled with inspirational stories and reflections from world travelers. The e-book also includes audio and video files available for instant download. Peters’ blog, No Debt World Travel, was recently recognized by BootsnAll Travel as one of the “Best Round-the-World Travel Blogs” for 2009.

Kate McCulley is currently anchored in Boston, but she lives to get away as often as she can. She recently spent time in Buenos Aires and dove into Mexico to take advantage of the prices due to swine flu. While her first love is backpacking through Europe, particularly Italy and France, her latest love is for fabulous Las Vegas. Check out her blog for advice, stories and run-ins with Ice-T, and find her on Twitter @adventurouskate.

Dawn Miller just got back from a business-oriented trip to San Diego, California and spend just $20/day on lodging. While her colleagues were spending $200/day on lodging, she was saving her money for a long, south Caribbean adventure next month, taking her to Barbados, St. Vincent and most of the beautiful Grenadine Islands and St. Lucia. And if there's money left -- Grenada! She's visiting her in-laws, several real estate projects as a Realtor and Certified International Real Estate Specialist, and just exploring many great islands! Follow her on Twitter @DawnMillerHomes and her site here.

1. Let's say I'm an amateur / first-time backpacker. What city or region, in your experience, would be most likely to transform me into a bleeding-heart backpacker for life, and why?

Southeast Asia is the best region for anyone to get started in. The weather is warm to tropical, the food and accommodations are cheap and the people are friendly. Places like Thailand and Cambodia can provide everything from big city attractions to lots of animals and outdoorsy things to do - all at affordable prices. Europe is a little too expensive for the first time backpacker and to me, a bit overexposed.

- Brian Peters

Maybe one of the classic locales like Thailand or Guatemala (pictured left) would be best. You don't want it to be too similar to your home. And you also don't want it to be too shockingly crazy either.

- Shawn Stafford

While most would associate "back-packing" to European countries or even Australia, I have an extreme addiction for the Caribbean. With a bit of planning, while having the ability to still remain flexible, one can truly "island-hop" on even the smallest budget. A trip to Santo Domingo for business I discovered a cargo ferry going to San Juan, Puerto Rico twice a week for as little as $90 roundtrip. Or the daily, affordable ferry leaving Trinidad going over to touristy sister island Tobago. Though the ferry only takes a 3-4 hours, is very reliable and leaves several times a day, most mainland Trinidians never visit. Or my next trip to St. Vincent and the Grenadines where I can visit many smaller islands for around $20-30 round trip. The smaller the island, the more helpful and accommodating the locals are, and the more opportunity you really have to be taken care of by them.

- Dawn Miller

2. There are some myths and stereotypes surrounding backpackers and the practice of backpacking. Which myth irks you the most and why?

Not all backpackers are 21 year old potheads. Surprise!

- Shawn Stafford

That backpacking is for the young only, or just out of school or that it is not for families. That the backpacker lifestyle is one of few baths and being hungry all the time because you're not eating. All wrong, all wrong! Of course the stereotypes play better in media since the bad stories attract more attention. But they are not true. I've met whole families, including husband, wife, infant, baby and grandmother in a hostel. Every demographic is represented backpacking. The vast majority of backpackers like showers and eating and do both while on the road.

- Brian Peters

The myth that "backpackers" are grimy, non-educated, near homeless nomads is just not the case! I would rather bunk with five complete strangers in a hostel as a single traveler on a budget than not to have visited the country or city at all. I would rather pack limited amount of clothing and wash them several times than to have paid hundreds of dollars in checked baggage! Whether its business or personal, I often find myself traveling alone. These are the most rewarding experience as I really have no other choice than to "fend for myself" and to talk to locals and understand more about the country, culture, food, city, and more.

- Dawn Miller

3. Packing lightly is surely a must. But what item, perhaps overlooked in the past, has surprised you in how much you've used it on backpacking trips? How come?

I've never touched a bandanna in my home life. When backpacking though one is surprisingly super-handy. A bandanna will save you from horrible sunburn, stop the bleeding, hold all the berries you pick, blindfold a hostage, keep the sweat out of your eyes, tie things to your pack, be an impromptu tablecloth, or even work as the worst blanket ever. Douglas Adams advises every galactic hitchhiker has a towel for many similar reasons. I never leave home without a towel either.

- Shawn Stafford

There are a few things that will always double in usage, as you need them. I always make sure I carry some rope to tie my bags together, which also doubles as a clothes line.

- Dawn Miller

I always thought traveling with my iPhone would be a bad idea, but it has been SO useful, even without any phone signal! I convert currency instantly, I use the translator, I read classics like Around the World in 80 Days for free, I Facebook chat with my friends at home when I'm in a cafe with Wi-Fi. It's really a miraculous travel tool.

- Kate McCulley

4. Careful budgeting is on the minds of many backpackers. Still, either before or during an expedition, what have you found yourself spending a little extra on to ensure a successful adventure? Why?

Never cut corners when buying shoes. Nothing will ruin your backpacking life faster than cheap shoes. Good shoes not only protect your feet and keep you mobile, but they also help your knees, back and state of mind. Underwear may be a close second.

- Shawn Stafford

Sometimes you just have to splurge to ensure that you have decent place to stay. If you haven't done your research beforehand and arrive in a new area blind, you don't want to stay in the first place you find if it is a dump. There are some real dives out there and you've got to bite the bullet to stay at the expensive place. Hopefully that expensive place is just another hostel for $10US more.

I did splurge on my birthday to get over to Macau and stay at the Venetian for a weekend. That bill for TWO nights could have easily paid for a room in SE Asia for a month but I don't regret it. It's my birthday!

- Brian Peters

As a single, female traveler, I always put safety in front of inexpensive. I have been fortunate to have friends living in the other countries I have traveled alone to, or have local contacts made through friends where I am visiting. Spend a few extra dollars and feel safe and maybe even have a few more amenities!

- Dawn Miller

5. In planning or researching a trip online, what have you found to be a valuable resource?

YouTube has a lot of great videos on what to see at a destination! That surprised me. It's a great way to get a sense of a destination before you arrive and find out about some places to see.

- Kate McCulley

Fill an RSS reader with all the blogs, sites, and tools that you can find on backpacking. They'll randomly cough up tidbits and advice that you need to see. You'll see articles and ideas that you never thought to Google on your own.

- Shawn Stafford

6. Dorm living, hostel-hopping and couchsurfing lends itself to meeting some otherworldly people. Who has been the most interesting / bizarre person you've bunked with and why?

Oh my God, I've met so many odd people in hostels and from couchsurfing. There was the time I woke up in London, the only girl, while nine guys slept in nothing but their underwear and money belts. There was the couchsurfer in Buenos Aires who greeted me by licking my face. But most memorably, there was the Italian man in Budapest who kept kissing my friend's hand, then proposed to her, then introduced her to his whole extended family, including his wife, who laughed and was clearly used to his antics.

- Kate McCulley

I have been fortunate enough not to have an extremely bizarre person that I had to room. To be honest, I had to think about this question. Maybe I am that bizarre person, or hopeful I am just a tolerant person. However, the answer is: an American! She did not want anyone in our room, didn't want to talk to anyone, didn't want to share anything, not even a stick of gum. We were stuck with her for three months!

- Dawn Miller


(Many thanks to our contributors!)
(image credits: Chantal Foster, GoGap, Brian Dreilinger, feserc)